Grunge Girl

Lately the blog has been on hiatus because I was looking for a new photographer for the semester, so welcome Shahnee to my team!

Happy Valentines Day readers! While my outfit has nothing to do with the holiday, because who am I kidding, I don't own red or pink, it's still cute and totally me. I've been finding lots of outfit inspiration on instagram lately and one that I found inspired this simple look. Leggings, an H&M baseball tee and a Hollister fuzzy cardigan. "Grunge Girl" is the perfect description of my style and my personality. My dark style against my bubbly and outgoing personality! I'm not much of a girly girl, but that doesn't mean I can't love fashion and be a happy person! While the look is mostly black the fuzzy sweater gives it a warm, girly addition. I also wore these H&M boots for the first time, which fit really well and are an easy match for any look.

Enjoy your Valentines Day and love yourself!

- Mik
Photos by Shahnee Naftali

Reasoning Behind the Cut

Has many of you have noticed, I cut a lot of my hair off. And I'm not going to take this post to write about my decision for the change, but to hopefully use it in a broader way. My readers don't care about what I did to my hair, I'm not famous. I do want to share the grand spectrum of what this decision did for me and hope to inspire my audience. Onto the story!

I could give you the "I hated my hair," "new year, new me" excuses, but I think I'll take a cheesier approach by saying I wanted to be myself. Since leaving Syracuse and moving New York, even since I started this new major 15 weeks ago, I've changed. It's extremely obvious. It's my environment, my new friends, old friends and family that choose to accept this about me that allow me to feel comfortable with these changes. My wardrobe to my personality to my career choices have done complete 360's and to be honest I couldn't be happier with who I have become.

Now for the semester. I switched to the communication design one year program here at FIT to start anew. I've been challenged in mediums, projects and choices that I wasn't before. And I can say I made the right decision. I've met amazing and talented people that I will always be close with that have inspired me in unimaginable ways. I thank them for all they have done for me and continue to do. I got a new job as well at H&M. Not that it's a huge change, but it allows me more in house opportunities and freedom I wasn't given before. It's a place with nice people that accept my red hair and my style. They embrace the individual and their skills. I've had internship interviews and met amazing people this semester also. Lastly I now have my first apartment and permanent New York City address. I've made that move that will help me improve my art, my career and my life style. I found myself very stressed out over the pasted few months, but it was worth it.

The haircut was my version of a "finishing touch." Kind of a reward to myself for all I have accomplished in the big city. It's me embracing the person I have become and seeing who sticks by me and supports me through the challenges. I'm an artist, a nerd, a dork, a fashionista, a designer, the list goes on, but each characteristic is important to me. Overall I love it, I feel myself and it solved my top knot addiction.

Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing some of my work from the semester, new projects and of course more fashion. I hope you all enjoy it and continue to follow me in my adventures. I blog to record my journey and practice my craft. Enjoy the new stuff coming!

Photography: Megan Madden

- Mik

Fall Essentials For All Styles

Fall is the beginning of cozy sweaters, boots and those favorite jeans. There's a lot trending this fall: ponchos, wide legged trousers and big coats are just a few. But are they essentials for the season or just a trend? Not everyone can keep up with the latest fashions or even afford it. So I have compiled into one outfits the three things I think everyone, no matter the fashion interest, should have for this fall. Of course I wore it my own bold, edgy and confident way, but these pieces are so basic and versatile that they can accommodate any personal style.
The essentials for this fall are: big flannels, boyfriend jeans, combat boots and a dark lipstick. Two being classic items and one being the staple of the season.
Big flannels are an essential because they are cozy, colorful and easy to style. They can be worn unbuttoned, buttoned, tied around the waist or any creative way you can come up with. Any pattern of plaid is easy to style. Find one that fits your color palette and usual style.
Boyfriend jeans made their way into stores this past spring and faded into the summer. With a surprise come back these baggy, denim pants are everywhere. They are comfortable, loose and stylish in so many ways. You can style boyfriend jeans in literally ANY way. I do suggest being careful when purchasing a pair. Try them on! They are a completely different fit, your normal jean size might not the same in a looser fit. Also if your aren't overly adventurous with your style go for a regular pair as opposed to destroyed ones. Or if you want want options you can purchase both styles. Boyfriend jeans are definitely the hot item for this season.
Combat boots have been on trend for about fives years now, changes and molded into different kinds. They are a shoes we wear constantly and probably have in a few different neutral colors. We go through pairs until they are destroyed and get the next pair to continue the cycle. Combat boots go with anything as well. Jeans, legging, even sweatpants can go with them. The neutral colors allow them to be worn with a variety of colors, patterns and textures. If you don't have combat boots, consider investing in a good pair because they will become a favorite.
A dark lipstick really adds some contrast to your look. It's sultry, a little sexy and bold. A popular one is Train Bleu by Nars. I'm wearing Homegirl by Kat Von D, which is a similar color to Nars, but a couple dollars cheaper. This deep red, maroon color goes with a fall color palette and heads right into winter.
These are my fall 2014 essentials! Try them out and you can share them with me. Here's my look with all the basics.

- Mik
Photography: Megan Madden

Girl Power!

On Tuesday October 7th I went to see the girl behind the oh so popular chorus to Iggy Azalea's "Fancy," Charli XCX. Her tickets were $30 and I wasn't about to pass that up, even though I went alone. The whole had this vibe on Girl Power ( Charli said it much more obscenely, but this blog if definitely PG13). I left the venue with this awesome feeling of empowerment, confidence and " heck yea!" attitude. Let me explain:

First up was Femme, I wasn't too into music so let's skip her. Next was Elphnt, this mysterious, Swedish solo artist that literally kicked butt. Singled handedly she got a crowd of people who have never heard her pumped up. She even walked on stage with a beer in her hand. Elphnt had this rapping, deep and kind of Jamacian voice that was really cool. Definitely check her out!
Charli then came out. Her theme was prom, so the room was filled with banners and balloons. This is where it get really girl power oriented. Her all girl band, Charli included, came out in black cheerleading uniforms with the title of her new album, "Sucker" across the front. The whole thing was very "Clueless" and 90's. Big barrettes, Baby Spice buns and thin braids set in your face. Along with some platforms and tennis shoes. As Charli performed she went nuts, I'm talking Miley Cyrus without all the props. She flashed the crowd, I saw her butt more then I needed to and she danced so hard, yet her tiara never moved an inch. I was at a 1990's prom with so crazy people!

Leaving the concert I had this scary amount of confidence, like I could be dangerous and awesome. Long story short here's my outfit featuring my Charli XCX "Sucker" concert tee, H&M joggers and Urban Outfitter's army jacket. I felt I could dress however, be bold and be confident. Charli's music isn't everyone, but I think her open and shear confidence is something everyone can take from her. It's okay to crazy, fun and bold. Everyone deserves to be a little bit of a bad ass.

If you're looking for a tune to go all 90's dance party to, try Chari XCX's new single London Queen!

- Mik
Photos by Megan Madden

Time for Sweaters, Still Time for Shorts

The weather is getting to that point where in the sun it's still hot! But in the shade it's getting chilly. There's time to wear shorts, but in a fall fashion sort of way. You can pair them with tights, socks like I did or thigh high boots. For a top you can choose a sweater, cute hoodie or long flowing blouse.
We know we aren't ready to give our shorts up, but we are totally ready for sweaters. That's why I put the two together!
I wore an H&M collared sweater with leather shorts from Plato's Closet. Adding some thigh high socks and an Urban Outfitters cargo jacket for extra warmth!
It was also a good day for a smoothie. The City Gourmet at the corner of my school makes so tasty sandwiches and healthy smoothies. I made my smoothie my little prop! My photographer, Megan, and I met some adorable puppies on this shoot too. One was a tiny, white Pomeranian named Thor! It was a beautiful day for lunch with friends and small shoot in the park!
Wear those shorts as long as possible!

- Mik
Photography: Megan Madden

Making Mondays Simple

Monday is no one's favorite day of the week. It's the first weekday, you're tired, overwhelmed and overloaded. This Monday, in particular, was my longest (so far). I even changed my outfit four times! I had my outfit all planned, until I spilled all over my pants. I put on a new outfit, went to class and decided I hated this outfit and wanted to cancel shooting with Megan because of it. Since I got out of class early I changed again, but I approached it differently. I said to myself " Mikayla, Monday is already complicated, dress simply today." The fourth time was only because I have to wear certain clothes to work, not as exciting as my accident, hatred and simplicity.
For my simple outfit I went with a Brandy Melville striped crop top, natural waisted Hollister jeans, black flats and a vintage jean jacket purchased at a Brooklyn flee market. Thrift finds are some of the best finds.
No this isn't chic, perfect of particularly eye catching. But it worked for me that day and described how I felt. I think that's a great way to start developing a personal style. Some days I feel more fashionable then others, some times I feel like I have six projects due this week and I'm living in leggings. Whatever it is I feel I try to make it work for me and my style. Sometimes simple is superb.

- Mik
Photography: Megan Madden

My Favorite Place

I'm lucky enough to have an amazing roommate who deserves to have this post. I want to start sharing more then just my ootd's and to start here's a little gem. Laura Rounds (aka roomie) is a Photo Major at FIT, where we met. For her documentary class she chose to photograph six of her friends in their favorite places in NYC. All her friends, including me, apparently are the most generic people because we all picks parks or the MET. I was one of those MET choosers. She photographed me enjoying the works of Monet, Van Gogh and more in the European Painting section (Modern Era). It's my favorite place to relax, think and breathe. Seeing these pieces right before my eyes takes my breath away. It's hard to believe some of them are even real.
FIT has each student in their AAS degree take two art history classes. One is Western Civilization and the second is our choice. I became one of the few students who fell in love with art history. It's basically mind blowing. I learned just the other day that before 1456 when the Gutenberg printing press was invented, only 50,000 books existed. Between 1456-1500 the print press helped raise that number to nine million. How fascinating! Fun facts aside, museums in NYC fill my urge for some beautiful, live art. The more I learn the more I realize that anyone can be an artist, you just have to go with your gut.
Here's her diptych of me with a quote about why I chose the MET. Enjoy and check out Laura's work! And if you're interested in seeing more things NYC follow me on instagram @mikmadigan

- Mik

Moderately Profesh

Normally I'm all about my casual and cool style. It just so happened on this day people from the new Topshop location on 5th ave came to meet students interested in working there. INTERESTED? Interested doesn't even describe how I felt hearing about this opportunity. I think it's time for me to get a new job. To prepare myself I took my edgy style and made it a little more classic.
I chose black H&M leggings, a fashion tee from a store in Italy and an H&M, hip-length blazer. The blazer added a pop of color to my usual all black look. Of course I didn't want to over do it because I still had a whole day of classes to get through comfortably. My fashion tee is actually a tee shirt dress that I tucked in in the front. It was way too long to wear with leggings. You can always make small modifications to make individual pieces work for you! It's it great trick to have to get more use out of one piece. My fashion tee also says "Dream Until Your Dreams Come True." It's a very important phrase to me because my dreams are HUGE. I think it's important to always work towards your dreams and what will make you happy. Luckily, I'm hoping my interview for Topshop is part of my path to my dreams! I don't say it in every post, but it's definitely implied; always follow your dreams.

- Mik
Photography: Megan Madden

Last days of August, Hello September!

It's now Labor Day and into September. Let me tell you I love fall because layers layers layers! But for my last day of August I had to hit up a trend that's translating from summer to fall, overalls. These 90s-00s classics started to come to the scene with shorts overalls this summer and now stores are selling full overalls for fall. As Barney Stinson would say "They are Over-ALLS." They can be worn over anything!
It's been hot, muggy and darn right humid in NYC so I chose to pair my Target overalls with an H&M Epic Weekend crop top. It's a long weekend of course it's EPIC! Some motorcycle boots from Plato's Closet, a Pacsun Plaid Shirt and an H&M Bedazzled Beanie complete this look.
I kept singing Fancy while shooting with my awesome photographer Megan Madden because I felt ultimately badass in this outfit. I'm convinced she thinks in totally weird. Also while checking out the Urban Outfitters sale with my roomie the greeter said he loved my look!
We shot near a sweet graffiti wall we pass going to school. The artwork changes on it all time. I think of it like style, it changes depending on how you feel and what's out there.
I think it's fun to play with different looks and see how it makes you feel. Like I said I felt bad-ass and awesome wearing this look.
I also felt totally myself! Playing dress up is part of the game it's so much fun. Keep playing around with your style.
Now we are headed into fall and I can't wait to see what looks and trends are going to be out!

- Mik
Photography: Megan Madden