Fashion

My Favorite Summer Adventure

Published on August 22, 2018August 22, 2018 by Madison MaeLeave a comment

It’s been a hot summer, there’s no denying that. However, it is never too hot for me to get outside and explore the outdoors. Yes, Central Park is considered the “outdoors” of New York City. One of my favorite things to do is bike around the city, stopping for food and sights along the way. First stop? Brunch of course.

It’s only natural to start off any adventure with a delicious brunch. New Yorkers just love their brunches and the restaurants here never disappoint with the endless benedicts, avocado toast, and pancakes. My friend and I started by renting Citi bikes and biking along the Hudson River, up the Upper West Side. Today we headed to Good Enough to Eat for the perfect southern-inspired brunch. Each dish comes with homemade biscuits and strawberry butter. This alone is worth the trip!

After brunch we walked to Central Park and picked right back up on our Citi bike adventure. Biking through the park makes for some beautiful scenery and some great people watching. The best part about summer is seeing all of the people emerge from their cozy apartments into the bright sunshine to enjoy themselves and just relax in the park.

I must say, it is pretty difficult to dress for the heat and lots of physical activity while still trying to look stylish. I opted for my most easy, comfy romper from Target (check out “Is Socioeconomic Status Still Limiting Style?” for a discussion on their clothing). Accessories are truly key with simple looks like this!

I added my favorite new straw bag from Forever 21 to lighten up the black romper and make the look more weather-appropriate. I matched the bag with my comfy nude loafers, although they are definitely not the best for biking. Go for sneakers instead! My Raybans were a must because of the sun shining in my eyes. Not only do they make the look but they protect my eyes. And, lastly, I accessorized with a simple silk scarf from Zara. This is my first time ever wearing a scarf as a headband and I really loved it. The look reminds me of women in the 1960s sporting retro swimsuits and vintage scarfs wrapped around their heads.

If the heat is discouraging you from living your best life, going on adventures and enjoying nature (or the city skyline in my case), just remember fall is right around the corner! Enjoy the bright sunshine while you can.

Straw Bag Silk Scarf Headband Black Romper Ray-Bans Loafers

Sewn by Me: I AM GIA-Inspired Overalls

Published on July 15, 2018October 20, 2018 by Madison Mae1 Comment

Is there anything easier to throw on in the summer heat than a romper? Rompers are my go-to for a cool, cute look that I don’t have to put much thought into. They are also a super easy thing for me to sew. You have probably seen my past sewing posts and know my obsession with jumpsuits for the winter and spring (Sewn by Me: Cutout Jumpsuit and Not Your Average Housewife). Well, rompers have replaced that obsession; I’m already sewing my third one of the season!

As soon as I saw Romee Strijd post an Instagram picture in her I AM GIA jumper, I knew I had to make something similar for summertime. The I AM GIA one is black and gray plaid and features a zipper on the top half of the overalls. I wanted to make mine into a romper and change it to be more summertime-appropriate. This is what I came up with.

I began by using McCall’s M7547 for the base of the romper. I didn’t change much of the pattern since the silhouette almost matches the I AM GIA one perfectly. The only difference seems to be in the waistband. Hers looks as if it is elastic and this pattern’s is just fabric with an added zipper on the side seam.

I chose a light pink, white, and mint plaid from JoAnn Fabrics (similar: baby pink and blue checked fabric) to use for this romper. I thought this girly, babyish print would offset the tough hardware used in the straps.

As you can see, the biggest inspiration from the I AM GIA romper came from the grommet and swivel hook detailing on the straps. Instead of simply sewing them on, I added this edgy touch. I was able to find matte white grommets which matched the fabric perfectly. I hammered those onto the bib of the overalls and then sewed a loop around each of the swivel hooks. It was super easy!

You could even play around with this technique and find different kinds of hooks on marketplaces like Etsy to change up the look.

For this romper in particular I added a white invisible zipper because I felt it matched best with the overall look of the piece. However, I have made it with an exposed zipper as well.

I opted for pockets on the butt rather than front pockets. I thought the geometric lines in the plaid fabric complemented the square pockets very well.

This make of mine shows that you can take any simple pattern and make it your own by changing small details. Add some hardware, change up the pockets, or use a different kind of zipper. It is easy to make each piece using the same pattern its own!

Also, shout out to Doo Wop Wildwood for making the perfect backdrop for these pictures! I don’t think I could’ve found a place that would complement this romper better. What do you want to sew me sew next? Leave me a comment below!

Is Socioeconomic Status Still Limiting Style?

Published on April 10, 2018 by Madison MaeLeave a comment

Just a few days ago my Fashion Club at school held a “Diversity in Fashion” discussion with people from different cultural organizations on campus. We focused on a few questions that were important to this group of people; one of them being “does your socioeconomic status affect the way you dress?”.

It was unanimously agreed upon within the group that the answer was an absolute yes. However, while this was especially the case 10 or 20 years ago, is the answer to this question beginning to change?

Ever since I was young my mom would give me a budget of a few hundred dollars each school year to spend on my seasonal wardrobe. I had to choose carefully which pieces I spent my money on. Did I want to splurge on a pair of jeans I would wear over and over again? Or did I want to head to the fast fashion stores for a few trendy items?

It really was a fun little game to me. Fun until I had spent my entire budget and later found a pair of shoes I loved but were no longer in the budget, that is. It is definitely hard to create a diverse wardrobe with endless outfit opportunities when you can’t afford to shell out the money for every item you love. However, new fashion trends and brands are making this easier and easier.

Macklemore made thrift shopping cool in 2012 and it has been a trendy thing to do ever since. I guess this is one positive thing we can thank modern-day rappers for. Thrift shopping gives us all an opportunity to find trendy, vintage pieces at an affordable price point. It even gives us a chance to find brands we wouldn’t otherwise be able to buy. Before 2012, thrift shopping was viewed as an activity for those who couldn’t afford new clothing. However, current trends in the industry have shaped it into an acceptable and fun way to shop.

Fast fashion stores are also trendier than ever. Stores have completely re-branded themselves to fit the latest styles showcased on the runways and by celebrities. Target is the perfect example of this. It is a store available to everyone all over the country, whether you are in the city or suburbs. Target has recently launched new brands that focus on trends prominent in the industry today. They have even launched a plus size fashion line with these same fashion-forward pieces.

I was able to find this jumpsuit for $18 on the sale rack at Target. Not only are the prices at these stores more affordable, but they also offer a vast selection of stylish pieces in the sale section. If you are smart about the way you shop, it is absolutely possible to be fashion-forward on a budget. Not to mention my shoes are also from Target! I have been on the hunt for a pair of white mules for awhile now and was able to find the perfect pair for less than $50.

However, anything becoming more affordable always come at some sort of price. In the case of fashion, that cost is ethics. As clothing becomes cheaper, unethical practices in the fashion industry become more prominent. Big corporations are stealing smaller artists’ designs, toxins are being released into the environment, and children are working long hours in factories in Third World countries. The issues are endless. Our struggles in America are causing greater struggles in countries halfway around the world.

So while we may be happier here that we can finally afford to be fashionable, others around the world are suffering because of it. There really is no way to win unless we can find a way to make fashion affordable and ethical.

Do you agree that it is becoming easier to be stylish on a budget? How do you feel about the hidden costs behind this? I would love to hear your thoughts below!

Opposites Attract

Published on January 31, 2018April 5, 2018 by Madison MaeLeave a comment

We’ve all heard the phrase “opposites attract”. Most likely you’ve heard it while discussing relationships with friends, and you’ve probably even used it to justify dating the boy that you know is no good for you. While I am not a firm believer in this saying, I am also not totally opposed to it. I am constantly attracted to quite the opposite of me… grungy street art. From graffiti to broken windows to torn down posters, I love it all.

I can’t explain just why I am attracted to these kinds of scenes, but I am. Maybe it’s the bright colors and outrageousness of it all? Or maybe I like how it defines a city in its own unique way? Grungy street art is so different from my own personal style which is sophisticated and put-together. I typically go for clean lines and silhouettes when dressing myself but thrive on the disorder of graffiti.

When dealing with a creative viewpoint it is safe to say that opposites absolutely do attract. As someone who appreciates art and self-expression, I can say that I enjoy art that is the opposite of me because it pushes me to think of wild ideas that I never would have thought by looking at art that feels familiar. It lets me escape myself for a bit and takes me somewhere new.

I can’t help but wonder the story behind graffiti and other forms of street art. What kinds of people are the ones spraying this graffiti? Or hanging up these posters? Are they doing it in the middle of the night to avoid getting caught? Or in the busy daylight so people can appreciate all of the work that goes into it? Did the artists think long and hard about the mark they are making on the city? Or maybe they decided to be impulsive and take a creative risk?

We are all attracted to the mysteries behind the person with the opposite personality from ours, or the creative expression that is the opposite of our own. Who doesn’t love solving a good mystery? It allows you to think outside the box and expand the comfort zone of your own mind. You think in ways you’ve never thought before, just trying to understand that person or work of art.

Similarly to dating the bad boy, you experience a thrill that you’ve never experienced before; just because it feels so new and different! You may not keep him around for awhile or bring him back home to mom and dad, just like you aren’t hunting down a local graffiti artist to spray paint your apartment with bright colors, but you are experiencing life through a different lens.

This blouse is my “George Washington” blouse, as my cousin likes to call it. It is sheer and airy, making it quite the romantic top, opposite from the grungy backdrop. Adding a leather belt and structured bag polishes off the sophisticated-casual look. To add some color I matched my lipstick with my burgundy shoes. As much as I love to wear neutrals, I clearly can’t stray away from color completely.

So, after all, I guess I actually am a believer that “opposites attract”. However, they attract in ways that depend on the timing and setting. Opposites don’t always stick in our most comfortable environments or long-term life plans, but they are there for us to appreciate and enjoy for a brief time.

Bag: Mango (similar) Shoes: Splendid Blouse: Nasty Gal Jeans: Topshop

Lipstick: Nars Earrings: Forever21 (similar) Belt: Calvin Klein (similar)

What opposite are you attracted to? Leave me a comment down below! If you enjoyed this post be sure to check out The Rise of Jersey City Street Art, Independence//Dependence, and Shoreditch Street Style.

Photography by Christopher Chase

Not Your Average Housewife

Published on January 9, 2018April 5, 2018 by Madison Mae4 Comments

While I am definitely not a housewife (or anywhere close), I couldn’t help but feel like I was playing the role of a fabulously-dressed, nontraditional housewife as I pushed my grocery cart through aisles filled with potato chips and tomato sauce.

This idea that women are the ones who do the grocery shopping for the family is still pretty prominent, but us millennial women are reshaping this role every day. We are quickly moving from the ones who bring home the groceries to the ones who bring home the dough. Thank god I’m not bringing groceries home anytime soon or my imaginary children would be eating a diet of purely potato chips.

It ended up being quite ironic that I chose to wear this home-sewn jumpsuit for this photo shoot. Sewing used to be just another chore listed on the “to-do” list of a stereotypical housewife. However, it has now shaped itself into a hobby rather than a chore; a hobby many women unfortunately do not have the skill or desire necessary to learn.

I have been sewing since I was 8 years old. The moment I picked up a sewing needle I knew it was something I would be hooked on for life. There is something so magical about being able to construct your own clothing and see your own designs come to life. In our modern age, those who know how to sew (like me) are those who are extremely passionate about art and design. It is something that is no longer viewed as a common skill but rather as a talent and an art. Just look at our society’s fascination with the television show “Project Runway”!

This jumpsuit has quickly become one of my favorite things I have sewn because of its vintage vibes and perfectly tailored fit. I was able to find this ’70s-inspired plaid fabric at my local Jo-Ann Fabric store and the hardware at M&J Trimming in New York City. I modified McCall’s Pattern #7626 to include the buckle and grommet detailing.

Don’t let gender stereotypes keep you from pursuing a hobby that you love. This is the age of change and breaking out of the gender roles that society assigned to us centuries ago. If you want to grocery shop in the most fabulous jumpsuit you own, who’s stopping you? If you are a man and want to learn to make your own suit jackets, who’s stopping you?

The only answer to those questions is yourself. We are the only ones that limit ourselves to the roles society wants us to mold into. We are society and we determine the shape of these gender molds. Reshape your own mold. Get out there and break those gender roles.

Lipstick: Nars Pure Matte Earrings (similar): Forever 21

Jumpsuit: Madison Mae Designs

Similar Jumpsuits: Forever 21, Honey Punch, Banana Republic

When was the last time you felt thankful?

Published on December 30, 2017October 20, 2018 by Madison MaeLeave a comment

When was the last time you felt thankful? Really think about this. Think about the last time you thanked God for all that is in front of you. Think about the last time you felt thankful for someone in your life. Think about the last time you felt thankful to be alive.

Now, was your answer to this question “Thanksgiving Day”, or maybe “Christmas”? I hope not.

It is hard to be mindful of our surroundings when we are constantly connected to our phones, laptops, and various media sources. We rarely take the time to sit back and really think about what matters in life and to just be present in the moment.

Being present really is the key to being thankful. When you are present you see the things and people in front of you for what they are. You have a clear mind to reflect on how much you appreciate them and how they contribute to your happiness and overall well-being.

It is easy to get caught up in the go go go, trust me, I am very guilty of this. I often have a hard time stepping back and thinking about how thankful I am until something unfortunate happens. Obviously, this is not the way it should be. If we learn to be thankful for things as they come, rather than as they go, we would be much happier human beings.

I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for my good health and beating heart. I am thankful for my education and the opportunities given to me. I am thankful for all of the beautiful places I have seen. But, I am also thankful for things like a well-fitting jumpsuit (thanks Zara!) and a beautiful fall landscape reflected in the lake. When we learn to appreciate little things like these, we learn to appreciate every moment of life and its greater picture.

So the next time you see a friend or are celebrating with family, be present. Appreciate the fact that they are right in front of you. Enjoy them. Cherish them. And, most importantly, be thankful for them.

Jumpsuit (similar): Revolve Bracelet: Comfort Station

Boots (similar): Bloomingdale’s

The Rise of Jersey City Street Art

Published on November 12, 2017January 7, 2018 by Madison Mae3 Comments

Art. It is all around us but not everyone chooses to see it. Street art was once viewed as a crime thought to be ruining the beauty of a simple neighborhood. However, a lot has changed in the last few years and the whole concept of street art has turned from a negative to a positive.

Art murals like the ones in this post are now viewed as a way to draw interest to an otherwise ugly space, such as a parking lot. Different colors, patterns, and images are being painted in areas with the purpose of changing the perception of neighborhood elements that have otherwise been thought of as unpleasant to the eye.

From parking lots to the back entrances of restaurants, murals have turned these places into popular picture spots. Walking around this area of Jersey City I saw multiple photoshoots occurring; not just fashion bloggers like myself, but engagement and couple shoots. Ten years ago these murals would have been viewed as vandalism rather than a place where couples want to share some of the most important pictures of their lives.

Once the exact opposite, street art can now be viewed as a way to gentrify a neighborhood and attract a new crowd of people. Neighborhoods like Jersey City, Shoreditch, Chelsea, and even my hometown, are embracing this new approach to enliven a neighborhood. So what exactly changed to all of a sudden make street art “cool”?

Is it the rise of millennials and our culture that are making this a new trend? Maybe. Or maybe it was society’s increasing interest with Banksy, the anonymous British artist known for making political statements with murals popping up on city walls overnight.

We may never really know how society began to accept this form of art that it was so strongly against in the past. However, it is important to consider its importance and how it has changed society for the better. It has given artists a platform where their art is guaranteed to be seen and recognized. It has also introduced the concept of art to many people and has shown them just how powerful it can be.

Similar to street art, I aim to express myself through what I choose to put on my body each day. The way we dress and what we wear paints a picture of who we are in other’s minds. As cliché as it is, we all judge a book by its cover. It is important to express who you are and what you believe in through what you wear, just like street artists express their views on society through their murals.

Whether you are a fan of street art or not, the next time you see a mural, stop and try to interpret what the artist was thinking at the time he or she painted it. Art has the power to express meaningful messages if we allow it to. Also consider what message you are projecting to the world when you get dressed tomorrow morning. Clothes, colors, and patterns have the ability to say so much without having to actually say it.

Bag (similar): Bloomingdale’s Boots (similar): Off 5th

One Shoulder Sweater: ASOS (ON SALE!)

Check out Parisian Street Art (the 10th arrondissement) and Amsterdam’s Art Scene to see some of my favorite street art in Europe.

Every Beauty Has a History

Published on September 26, 2017January 7, 2018 by Madison MaeLeave a comment

If you have ever been to Cape May then you know just how unique the architecture of the buildings in the area is. Each home has its own personality, painting a different story for every person that walks by it. There are old churches, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and boutiques- each with no less character than the last.

The colorful homes and intricate gardens of Cape May are just two of the many reasons why it is one of my favorite places. I could wonder the streets for hours and be perfectly content with life. My family knows this for sure; they are often the ones that I am dragging around with me on long walks.

Cape May’s architecture is clearly Victorian. However, it was not always like this. In 1878 a massive fire broke out on the little beach island, destroying 30 blocks of buildings and hotels. The rebuilding of this area surrounding Washington Street was considered the modern style of the day. Now, the style is an old charm like no other, giving everyone that visits it a glimpse into the Victorian era.

Defining features of Victorian architecture include stained glass windows, gingerbread trim, and detailed fencing. Ironic that this little Victorian home is called the Gingerbread House? I think not. The entrance is decorated with this beautiful, twirly white trim that I just can’t get enough of.

Cape May is actually a National Historic Landmark, which makes sense when you think about all of its rich history. The town was known as the “President’s Playground” because of it being a popular vacation destination for presidents like Abraham Lincoln and James Buchanan.

However, Cape May was not always a National Historic Landmark. The Victorian buildings were actually threatened in the mid-1900s when many argued that they should be demolished to make room for more modern architecture. Luckily, many more people appreciated these one-of-a-kind buildings and argued for them not to be torn down. Once the town was given its historical title in 1976 the buildings were forever safe from harm.

Just like timeless architecture, I believe fashion is something that should be preserved for centuries to come. It represents a moment in time that is to be forever cherished. Clothing tells a story just like buildings do. While my style is simple and classic, it shows my youth and drive as a young woman in the business world.

As a modern woman walking the streets of Cape May that the great American Presidents once walked, I aim to leave a lasting artistic impression on the world for decades to come. If these buildings can inspire me as much as they do, why can’t I inspire others with my fashion choices?

(Sources: Cape May Times and Cape May Ocean Club Hotel)

Earrings (similar): Forever 21 Cardigan: Urban Outfitters

Dress: Aritzia

Summer Bummer

Published on September 4, 2017September 6, 2017 by Madison MaeLeave a comment

Now that Labor Day has rolled around, it is officially the end of the summer. No more beach days, daily ice cream cones, runs along the ocean, or endless lobster rolls. It is time that reality rolls back into our lives.

While I have spent my summer interning 5 days a week as well as working most nights, summer still felt like a time of relaxation and winding down. Responsibilities seem a little less apparent when the sun is shining bright and the salty breeze is blowing through your hair.

Being a Gemini, with two very different personalities, my simple side tends to come out in the summer while my hustling city slicker personality tends to shy away for the time being. That being said, my summer involved lots of yoga, reading, and enjoying the beauties that nature had to offer me.

I am a firm believer that we all need to take some time to step back and re-evaluate our goals and what we are working towards. Summer is the perfect time to do this. It allows you to clear your head of the stress and worries and to focus on what really matters. Clearing your mind allows you to step into the back-to-school season with crystal clear intentions of what you really wish to accomplish in the next year.

Working this summer taught me exactly what I need out of my future career once I graduate college in the spring. It taught me the type of people, environment, and work itself that I value in a career. However, more importantly, spending the summer with my family by the beach taught me an even more important lesson; life is short.

Life is very short. Whatever your biggest worry is today, there are much more meaningful things to worry about. Your little worries mean absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things. If you want to go out with your friends one night when you have work early in the morning, go out. If you want to wear your favorite kimono that is way too dressy for the beach, wear it. If you have to drive 4 hours in one day just to say hi to your grandparents, do it.

Do what you will end up remembering years from now. The lasting memories that certain choices shape for you are worth the sacrifice. So stop stressing the littlest of worries and easiest of decisions and live your life to its fullest capacity.

After all, life is short, and so is summer.

What important lesson did you learn this summer? Leave me a comment below! If you enjoyed this post be sure to read my reflection of last summer, And the Summertime Sadness Sets In…. For similar pictures and posts follow me on here, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Power of a Place

Published on August 4, 2017 by Madison MaeLeave a comment

We all know the feeling. The feeling of nostalgia. The feeling of all of your memories flooding back. The feeling as if you never even left. All of these feelings are part of visiting a place that holds such an important place in your memory.

There are many places that remind me of memories from my childhood. My beach house. The bedroom from my teenage years. My grandparent’s house. All of these places instantly bring me back to when I was 12 years old and running around outside, barefoot, my biggest concern being what flavor of ice cream I would consume that night. Whenever I visit here I quickly forget the responsibilities of adulthood and feel as if I have no worries in the world.

Why do places have this effect on the human brain? According to Nautilus (my new favorite publication, might I add), we actually seem to replace all of our childhood memories in order to make room for new ones that form during adulthood. However, these scrambled memories are brought into consciousness when stimulated with certain scents, words, or places. So, as it turns out, our favorite places act as a source of stimulation to recover our repressed memories that we may not think about on a daily basis.

This beautiful lake is where many of my fondest childhood memories were made. Ones that I hope to always cherish and never forget. Being by the lake makes me feel as if just yesterday I was canoeing and catching fish off of the dock with my pop-pop.

While much has changed since then, including my sense of style, I will always feel like a young, happy preteen by that lake. I am also happy to say that my style has upgraded from those days. My daily uniform back then may or may not have included an old basketball camp t-shirt and colorful, mesh shorts from Limited Too.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve visited a place that reminds you of all the amazing memories that molded you into the individual you are today, then what are you waiting for? Go out there and relive the happiness a younger you once experienced. Trust me, it will refresh your outlook on how you are living as an adult.

So tell me, what is your favorite place that brings all of your most cherished memories flooding back? What place is the most powerful to you?

For similar pictures and posts follow me on here, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. If you enjoyed this post in particular, check out The Sunshine Effect.