Rock the Vote

My Fellow Americans (and all of you wonderful international readers!) - if you haven't noticed: TODAY IS ELECTION DAY! 

{Pins and Needles Blazer, Akira Dress, Topshop Sunglasses, Knit Tights, Steve Madden pumps}

For this momentous occasion, I've transformed my favorite date night dress into the ultimate election day duds with a smart blazer, thick black tights and red and blue accessories to bring it all together. 

Rather than trying to push my political opinions in these last few voting hours, I am simply here to state that I hope each and every one of you exercised your right to vote for what you believe in today. 

Voting absentee from Illinois for my home-state of Minnesota, it was extremely important for me to VOTE NO to both the Marriage Amendment and Voter Restriction Amendment on this year's ballot. 

I am also incredibly proud to say that just as I was in 2008, I am in full support of President Barack Obama in the 2012 election. I hope Chicago will be celebrating tonight just the way we did all over the streets of downtown four years ago.

Note: In stating my political opinions, I am in no way saying that they should be yours or that they are right. They are simply what I believe in and I am not here to start any sort of argument!

Halloween 2012 Costume Inspiration

In true Amanda Boleman fashion, I have saved figuring out my Halloween costume for the last minute. Of course I've been thinking about it--Halloween is one of my top 2 favorite holidays after all (close tie with Christmas!)--but I've just been so overwhelmed with other things to really hash out a good costume.

Luckily, my roommate is also a huge Halloween advocate and doesn't have homework or midterm papers stunting her costume creativity. After a bit of scrounging around in her closet, Candice pulled out both a fur and feather vest and the juices starting flowing. With her costume ideas set, she helped me come up with two looks to get in the spirit all weekend long. Who wouldn't want to emulate one of these lovely ladies?

 The first thing that came to mind when I saw Candice's high-collared black feather vest was cruel Queen Ravenna from Snow White and the Huntsman. What better way to release my darkness within than on All Hallows' Eve, channeling an evil queen who sucks the beauty and youth from those around her?


get the look: patrizia pepe long evening dress / dolce & gabbana cape / topshop feather jacket / jeffrey campbell black booties / metal dagger / river island tassel earrings / mi lajki claw ring / laveder faye black feather shawl / lostapostle bronze raven pendant // 

Despite being a slutty hippie for several Halloweens, I figured the Penny Lane look would be enough to switch it up and take me out of my slag slump. After recently seeing Almost Famous for the first time in a while, I can see why people tell me I remind them of the care-free, groupie lovechild.

get the look: h&m fur vest / house of fraser bustier top / alloy crochet top / ray ban metal sunglasses / jeffrey campbell wedge shoes / republic peace sign earrings / monkee genes slim fit jeans // 

Flashing me a long black wig, deep red nails and a hey-you-can-actually-still-wear-this-after-Halloween black leotard and chiffon skirt from American Apparel, Candice announced she was going to be Morticia from the Addams Family. All she needs is some spooky silver and black eyeshadow and cross jewelry to make the look complete.

get the look: bliss lau leather bracelet / torrid gemstone ring / illamasqua lip makeup / nars cosmetics silver eyeshadow / nars cosmetics black eyeshadow / nars cosmetics nail polish / john lewis paper roses / vampire girl long black wig //

Color Me... Navy

Color Me... Navy by amanda-boleman

Because sometimes you're stuck singing the blues...

shop: anthony vaccarello zipper dress / motel printed crop top / navy wool coat / otte high low skirt / ash tall suede boots / oliver bonas navy satchel / oliver bonas bow bracelet //

Color Me... Emerald

Color Me... Emerald by amanda-boleman

As we get deeper into Autumn, it's time to bring out the deep jewel tones--especially in a  rich green that we'll miss when the barren winter covers it in a blanket of snow. 

shop: mary katrantzou cocktail dress / burberry lace coat / mink pink sequin mini skirt / h&m knee length skirt / bakers platform wedge heels / modcloth shoulder bag / elvira sazesh emerald green jewelry /  american apparel sunglasses //

Date Night in Stripes

{Akira Leather Jacket, Akira Dress, Alex and Ani bracelet, Stella McCartney for Adidas purse, Steve Madden combat boots}

Living in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area has not only opened up countless possibilities for exploring, but it has also pushed me to try out different styles with no reservations.

Hence mixing and matching a club-worthy backless dress with tough leather elements and throwing in a sporty Stella McCartney for Adidas bag to infuse a bit of the athletic-inspired trend. 

On a particularly warm September night, this look made me feel sexy, scrappy and sporty all at once while taking in a tantalizing Thai dinner at Silom 12.

Or maybe I was just feeling hot from the red pepper curry? 

Travel Top 5: New York Fashion

For my Travel Top 5 on New York, I am doing something a little different. Rather than narrowing it down to my top 5 picks on the endless list of things the Big Apple has to offer, I am going to showcase the captivating city in a series of 5 posts--one for each day of this week!

{Fashion Night Out - The Shops at Target}

To start, I am focusing on FASHION. It just so happened that I was in New York for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and the festivities were unlike anything I've ever seen in Chicago. 

You know, like randomly having Anna Wintour walk into the boutique you're in.

Or getting photos and autographs from hot celebs. Jessica Chastain was so sweet and stunning in her blue leather minidress and Dan Stevens of Downton Abbey was the epitome of an English gentleman.

Naturally, even the street style transcends that of other cities, making the concrete jungle into the ultimate catwalk for fashionistas from across the globe.

{Feeling so New York-chic in my oversized hat and Topshop maxi}

Apparently, I spent a lot of time looking down. But with fancy feet like these, how could I not?! 

Stay tuned all week for more New York posts!

Color Me... Copper

Color Me... Copper by amanda-boleman

A lot of my Color Me... posts have been based off of Essie nail polish colors--this one being no different. I still have leftover Penny Talk on my nails from New York and I love how the metallic shade goes with just about everything. Mixing metals is one of my favorite things to do (explains why I love my Urban Outfitters cuff so much!) and the rose gold tint of copper offers a fresh take on the standard bronze, silver and gold metals. 

shop: joe's jeans waxed copper jeans / lola cruz sandals / maison martin margiela copper ring / essie penny talk nail polish / planet copper taffeta bolero / motel bernice sequin bralette / celestial starry boho night sky print / mirror sisters copper cuff

Awakening

Lightening Wrap 

Awakening | Change | Fate

"A symbol of power and sudden breakthrough, lightening represents a swift awakening. Adorn yourself with the Lightening Wrap to initiate change, mark destiny, and address chance happenings." 

IFBCON 2012: Day Two

{Quiksilver Riding Shorts, Forever 21 Sheer Button-Up, Urban Outfitters Cuff, Alex and Ani Lightening Wrap, Mossimo Suede Black Pumps}

Despite being a bit tired out from the first day and the fabulous after-party at 60 Thompson in Soho, the second day of IFBCON was another day filled with learning about the blogosphere and all of the business behind it.

I felt a bit more ME in high-waisted riding shorts and my signature Urban Outfitters cuff -- definitely more true to my day-to-day grungy style than my feminine, conference-y (yeah, I just made up a word) look from Day One! And how perfect is Kat Von D's Homegirl lipstick? I had to get my hands on it after featuring it in my "A Gloss of Goth" post. 

The highlight of the day was hearing our keynote speaker Iman (who knew she was married to David Bowie?!) tell all about her impressive career as a model, actress, savvy entrepreneur and now, blogger! Her blog Destination Iman recently launched and features everything from home decor to travel and gives an inside look to Iman Cosmetics.

Not only was she insanely stylish and put together, but she was also HILARIOUS, making jokes about how Twitter is too hard for an "old bitch" like her. Her presence was an inspiration and I'm ready to live by her words: "Make yourself irreplaceable and indispensable."

And of course, there was no shortage of  fabulous fashion on Day Two...

{khatalogue in her fabulous DIY aqua, studded denim}

From left to right: khatalogue // Jenny of jenny in jaquard // Amanda of fashionablee me

IFBCON 2012: Day One

From the moment my nude, round-toed pumps stepped out of the taxi and carefully made their way down the cobblestoned street of 82 Mercer, I could tell I was in for 2 jam-packed days of high-fashion and fierceness for the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference in New York City.  

Beautiful bloggers in all shapes, sizes, colors and crazy patterns came together to learn from industry leaders, experienced bloggers and one another in what was the best experience I've had in my blogging career thus far.

While build a balance doesn't solely focus on fashion, I've always loved clothes and scouring through fashion magazines and blogs so I decided to take the plunge and sign up!

Sponsors like Julep and bareMinerals made the day extra fun with stations for getting our nails done, touching up our makeup and creating DIY projects.

We also listened to panels on various blogging and fashion topics including, "The Future of Digital Fashion," and "The Business of Blogging," with some of the industries' key players.

We even got to listen on as Coco Rocha interviewed the fabulous Derek Blasberg.

But I think my favorite part of the whole event was seeing all of the outrageously wonderful fashion!

My IFBCON Look: 

  

             {Akira Dress; Aldo Pumps & Purse}                                                                         {Twinsies reppin' Twin Cities}

After discovering Essie's Penny Talk while visiting Jacqueline in Boston, I was so excited to see how well it looked with the copper of my collar and made sure to swipe a bit of copper shadow across my lids to bring the look together. 

While she was speaking on the "How to Make Friends and Win Readers" panel, I noticed that Kate Arends of Wit + Delight also had the same fabulous fashion choice as me and rather than getting upset, I had to embrace my twin who just so happens to blog in a wonderful city near and dear to my heart -- MPLS represent! 

You should also take a look at these fresh fashionistas (and new friends!)...

  

From left to right: Niani of the fierce fantasy  // Aminta of clothes & fashion // Tracy of the right shoes