Get the Look: Janelle Monae

by: Heather

We've already professed our love of menswear inspired fashion, so it should come as no surprise that Janelle Monae caught our eye when looking at old shots from the 2012 MTV Movie Awards. Ms. Monae just inked a deal to become a new spokesperson for CoverGirl cosmetics and we got a little nostalgic. While looking through some of her great red carpet looks, this one stuck out because of the simplicity and elegance in the details. She brings out the best from her basic black and white ensemble by adding great nails, a fresh face with a pop of pink lips and that hat! No lie, the hat is where we fell in love especially since it reminds us of this one we have for sale right now! So we put together our Look for Less version of this outfit on our polyvore page if you want to channel your inner Monae for a fraction of the price.

Janelle Monae: Get the Look by acrewd featuring straight leg pants

Spice up your life!

by: Heather

I've been dying to watch this performance ever since the gossip blogs started buzzing with the news that the Spice Girls would be reuniting for the Olympic Closing Ceremonies. It finally happened and they did not disappoint. And their outfits were completely on point.

UPDATE: Since NBC doesn't like to share, you can watch the whole performance here at Gawker.

This whole ceremony is made from the stuff of epic-ness but this was my highlight. Just for good measure, I'll throw in an oldie but a goodie from some of my favorite Girls: 

And with that, we bid farewell to the 2012 Olympics. Goodbye, London, see you in Rio!

Who was your favorite performer of the night?

Acrewd at Free Fab'rik

by: Heather

 

Today, I was given the opportunity to volunteer as a Personal Stylist for a free Fab'rik event for Fab'rik Boutique's charity. The boutique gathered donations of gently used clothing donated at their several locations and transformed their Atlantic Station storefront into a free shopping spree event for young women in need. Each participant was paired with a volunteer stylist and I got to spend a day doing what I love. I was able to meet many extraordinary young women from such organizations as Wellspring Living and talk to them about clothing, their personal style, and to help them pick out items for the coming school year. This was such an uplifting experience to meet the young ladies, the volunteers and to spend time at a boutique with a sense of community and giving back to the city I love, Atlanta. If that wasn't enough, I was also able to spend the morning/afternoon with a near and dear friend, Panee!


We often talk on our blog about how clothing and style allow you to express yourself - a phrase that's frequently tossed around lightly. I read on Amy Creyer's Chicago Street Style, "Fashion allows us to completely reinvent ourselves every morning." --and I couldn't agree more. Having a choice in fashion is empowering because you get to select how your outward appearance will reflect your inner self (what you're thinking, how you feel, what's important to you) every single day. One young lady I helped style mused that she often changed her outfits a few times a day, and I applauded her because sometimes we don't feel the same all day long, do we? Bottom line, I think it's great that there are organizations out there like free Fab'rik ensuring that young women are provided the tools to express themselves on this very basic level.

Style evolution: Nicole Richie

by: Heather

If anyone has gone through the fashion ringer full cycle, it is Nicole Richie. Her wild child days of baring her tatas on the runway and filming her way across the US with Paris Hilton are far behind her and if you look at her now, she barely resembles that girl. With her dapper take on the modern bohemian style, she carries herself with a more mature air while maintaining that edginess that first drew us to her. From multicolored dreads to headbands and huge sunglasses she never asked the public to forget about her past, she just asked us to allow her to grow into something else. Here's a look at her over the years:

 

Sources (Left to right on each row): one two three four five six


Maybe that's looking too much into it though. Maybe she's just a woman with a fabulous eye for fashion and accessories -- and that ain't bad. So I'm selecting some of my favorite looks on Nicole and combining them with some items from her own lines, House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate. Some of our favorite Richie inspired items are included, make sure to check them out in our store!

Do you love her or hate her? Tell us in the comment and why!

Nicole Richie style inspire by acrewd featuring red bangles

Street Style Saturday: Emily & Krista Edition

by: Heather

This week at the Lohomatic photography event, I ran into a perfectly styled couple Emily and Krista. We were first drawn to these two because of how well coordinated they were without entering into the creepy "matchy matchy" territory:

 

They looked fashionable and styled. By damn, they looked good! And of all the times to be without my camera (why oh why would I ever leave home without it??) we had to make due with an iPhone shot. Alas, the phone failed me and I was unfortunately left without a shot that properly portrayed just how effortlessly chic these two looked. Our meeting left me inspired though, especially by Emily's awesome mint loafers that I could not stop staring at. So I am including a (poorly lit) shot of the two and a look inspired by the outfit and shoes. Shout out to Emily and Krista for letting an odd ball like myself take your picture :)

Street style Saturday by acrewd featuring oxford shoes

Lollapalooza for Lollapa-losers

by: Heather

Alright so maybe losers is a little harsh, but it's tough to know that the amazing Lollapalooza is going down and I moved away from the lovely city of Chicago just a short 3 months ago. I only graced this amazing music festival one time (shout out to Aimee, my birthday buddy who joined me! and also to my wonderful husband Patrick who gifted us the tickets!) but it was a memorable time. And it stings to know that even if I didn't buy tickets, if I still lived there I would probably be benefiting from the open air jams by chilling with some friends close enough to hear the music for free.
So if you want to virtually live the experience, here's my Five step guide to Lollapa-loser:

1. Experience the live streaming jams from the comfort of your computer. Or check out the schedule and follow along with your own library.

2. Check out the eclectic street style of concert-goers from around the world fresh from the lenses by following @tresawesome on twitter. And past ones here and here and here. Bonus point for channeling your inner festival fashionista and putting together your best Lolla worthy outfit and posting to our Facebook page.
3. Ride your nearest public transit train with extreme excited-ness and high five as many people as possible while shouting "Lollpalooooooooza!". **Subject to safety of your particular area of residence-this is your judgement call

4. Grab an authentic Chicago hot dog. Chow down, pretend concert-going really works up an appetite. Wash it all down with an Old Style.

5. This one is optional, but certainly the most memorable. Grab some paint and splatter yourself and your friends like an old school Spin Art game. Then lay out in a hammock and enjoy. **This one is not totally necessary but it was definitely the part I remember most!
 Ok guys, have fun and be safe out there!

Urban Landscapes

by: Heather

There are so many things to love about Atlanta. It's a city that marches to it's own beat, being a metropolitan beacon of the Southeast yet refusing to give up it's southern charm and tendencies. Like many cities, Atlanta is scribbled upon with brightly colored graffiti work that transcends vandalism and stands out as its own form of art. Case in point would be the infamous Krog Street Tunnel. Always a source of inspiration, check out our colorful pictures and outfits inspired by this unofficial art gallery.

 

If you love the dresses in this post, you can find them in our store!