She’s the girl with killer style, very tomboy and rocker-chic Barbie on a super minimalist kick. She’s Blair Badge—the fashion and beauty maven at the blog Love, Blair. Here, you’ll find a palette of black, white and gray ensembles that have an air of high-fashion couture meets moody sophistication with a touch of Goth for the hell of it. About a year and a half ago, Badge chose to start streamlining her wardrobe into more black, white and gray because “it was a struggle in the morning with explosions of color. It was to help make things more efficient and have an easier time mixing and matching basic pieces to pair together.” The result is like looking at a black-and-white television with a very modern girl thrown on the screen. Hit up the blog for her currently obsessed section where she pushes noteworthy style items that will make you look like you live in a fashion magazine. And while the communication and creative consultant, style blogger, model and undercover nerd didn’t intend for such a wide audience, she wants to offer followers a foot into her creative sandbox of style, photography and design. She’s into Scandinavian and European styles, digs Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for their “laid-back cool and oversized chic that they make look so effortless,” and wears her eclectic pieces “more for me than anybody else.” Her platform is less about the latest trends and more about “expressing myself without having to talk about it.” She’s collaborated locally with Pixel & Hank, Lee & Birch, Cheeky Strut and Blacklamb, but also on an international scale for H&M, Topshop and Minnetonka Moccasins. All the looks and lifestyle can be found on Instagram too at blairbadge. Gawk at the girl who can make an overall dress and bibs sexy again.
Gina’s Boutique wants to help you master the cozy-chic look with a Sept. 11 Let’s Get Comfy-themed trunk show. The event features two favorite lifestyle brands—Z Supply (comfy basics) and LVR organic yoga apparel. “Activewear and comfy clothing are a huge trend right now,” said Owner Gina VanGessel. “It’s time to get cozy and comfortable for fall and to highlight some of my favorite lines. The Z Supply sweatshirts and T-shirts and pants are cute and more girly.” Another reason to pop in is the local shirts from The Mitten State that are a perfect tie-in to the casual-yet-cute theme. The event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m.
It’s a new location and name change for Hot Mama in Gaslight Village. The business is moving into Breton Village Shopping Center under the new moniker, Evereve. “We wanted to create a name that’s more encompassing. Evereve means life. Our mission is to empower moms to be fully alive,” said Owner and Investor Lisa Jabara. This move forward is to reach more women and moms with a brand that embraces each individual woman’s story. The new location is an outbuilding that also welcomes Lululemon (offering yoga clothes and running gear), other future retailers and is more centrally located, easy to get to and allows customers other fun options to shop. The store is increasing in size 40 percent, so with more space, expect more fabulous fashions. Look for a grand reopening the middle of September.
I’m giving you a reason to dress up—a reason to find a cocktail dress and selfie the night away among the fashionable and philanthropic crowd. Up on the Roof is Sept. 11 from 7 to 11:30 p.m. on the Rooftop Garden of Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center. It’s a lively event filled with gourmet food, a hosted bar, silent auction and live music. On the agenda: socializing in trés chic attire, bidding on coveted items, eating, gabbing, drinking, dancing, networking and partying to support a good cause. Proceeds benefit art therapy for patients and families at the Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center. Guests are to dress hip and chic with interpretations ranging from jeans and fun heels to cocktail dresses and stylish button shirts and jeans for guys. Get in on a rooftop party that’s full of fashion. Ticket prices are $75 per person. Find out more at the website, doranfoundation.org/eventRoof2014.
