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 //

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...Oxblood

Color Me...Oxblood by amanda-boleman

With a name like oxblood, I was naturally inspired to find dark, edgy pieces like McQueen's skull rings and Campbell's boots that threaten to stomp anything that gets in their way. 

And while red isn't usually my vino of choice, I have a feeling this wine-like hue will be a staple for me this fall. 

shop: jeane blush long sleeve shirt / nobody denim skinny jeans / topshop skirt / jeffrey campbell lace-up boots / alexander mcqueen jewelry / river island messenger bag

For the love of black leather...

For the love of black leather... by amanda-boleman

I had never really noticed my love for leather before last weekend when Kelly and I were out shopping around for some new duds for my trip to the East coast; I can't wait to leave tomorrow! 

Everything I wanted had leather, spikes or studs (which I've already expressed my obsession with) incorporated in some way and I had to refrain myself from buying all black everything.

I happened to sneak away with a steal of a leather jacket from Akira that has a hidden hood for the brisk, Autumn days to come. It's not my dream leather jacket (still saving my pennies for that Burberry Prorsum jacket that Britney had me drooling over in her Till the World Ends video!), but I'm still looking forward to hitting the New York streets as a bonafide badass in all my leather-loving glory.

shop: topshop studded leather vest / helmut lang leather pants / dr. martens black boots / burberry prorsum studded leather biker jacket / valentino handbag / chloe biker jewelry / new look leather skirt / leather jewelry / givenchy lamb leather manches top //

Topshop & Chicago Social Magazine Spring Style Party

In celebration of warmer weather (finally got to ditch my faux-fur coat yesterday when the sun decided to peek out and warm things up a bit!), Topshop and CS Magazine teamed up for a Spring Style Party complete with cocktails, cupcakes and Chicago’s best dressed.

              
Local Chicago bloggers Emma Arnolds (Tres Awesome) and Amy Creyer (Chicago Street Style) were the evening’s fashionable hosts and the electronic sounds of DJ Dani Deahl had me dancing all over the store.


I loved to see the April issue of CS lining the shelves! It looked so gorgeous and glossy next to the pretty pastels and shiny sequins seen all over  Topshop’s Spring line.

 

 {Neon-splattered shoe showcase}

 <-- Showing off my story on Chicago Fire Goalie Sean                     Johnson on the back page of CS!


Bianca and I got our hair all did up at the Beauty Bar where Teddie Kossof Salon Spa was beautifying guests with complimentary makeovers, hair styling and manicures.

{My hair transformation}

Who says the second city has no style...?