girls' night out @ Q clothing

photos by Rebecca of Rebecca (hearts)

my outfit - mint & black color blocked blouse :: forever 21 | black studded faux leather skirt :: forever 21 | black studded wedges :: kardashian kollection | silver collar necklace :: forever 21 | long silver cuff :: forever 21 | silver chain & bar earrings :: forever 21 | black clutch w/chains & pearls :: claire's

That last photo of me holding an armful of gorgeous dresses and making a silly face is from last night's Girls' Night Out at Q Clothing, as I was waiting in line to try on an array of beautiful pieces from Kling's new line. I did not, alas, purchase that lovely sky/navy blue number pictured so clearly above, but you can bet a Prada purse the items I did snag at the sample sale are just as perfect - and Q happens to have a few left, so if you're in SLC this weekend you should definitely stop by the shop.

Based in Spain, Kling is a unique, somewhat quirky label that is only recently making its way into the US... and already I've decided to make them the main supplier of my closet (and Q has suddenly become my favorite place to shop). You can snag pieces from their new line at a hefty discount through the end of the weekend - or until Q runs out! Although last night was yet another display of my growing obsession with dresses, they also have skirts, coats, blouses and even a jumpsuit or two, replete with trendy details and fascinating twists to ensure wearers of this label stand out from the crowd (in a pretty-pretty-fashion-princess kind of way).

Beyond the sample sale, last night Q Clothing offered guest listed attendees cocktails, discounts, giveaways, make up, beauty and hair tips and (the best part) an awesome night out with friends. When not digging through racks or trying on pretty things, I spent time socializing with the other fashionable ladies at the party (hey, Stylish Beehivers!) and learning about Kling from the charming brand representative. I had a blast, and I can't wait for their next event!

Check out Q Clothing's website, and be sure to like them on Facebook. You can also shop Kling on their site - most items are on sale through the weekend!

Visit Kling's website to see all of their neat stuff, and show them some Facebook love too!

What do you think of Kling? Have you been to Q Clothing? I'm planning a field trip for early September - you're welcome to join me!

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guest post: not to hot by Apryl of 365DG

photo by Sarah Hasleton

both images courtesy of Apryl @ www.365DayGirl.com

Putting together the Stylish Beehive over the last few months has introduced me to some pretty cool new peeps - including my sister from another mother, Apryl of 365DG. Although we haven't yet met in person, after having perused each other's blogs thoroughly, both of us realized just how much we have in common; most importantly, our very similar transitions from NOT to HOT.

I feel like there are a lot of girls (and women) out there who have undergone that same transformation - from elementary/high school nerd to unbelievably sexy and stylish adult. In honor of that transition, I asked Apryl to write a guest post for Frayed Threads telling her story. I'll be posting mine next Tuesday, so be sure to check back for the deets on my metamorphosis (and maybe even some embarrassing high school photos!).

by Apryl @ www.365DayGirl.com

In 4th grade lime green was not my color. In fact it wasn't ANYONE's color. At least not when it came to the shoe trend flaring like a disease throughout my school. I had been desperate to score anything resembling the high-tops trend and bought the unfortunately hued pair because it was they were the only ones I could find at the mall. I naively thought it was the shape that would count for style coolness. Day one of putting them on proved otherwise with one snarky comment from the cool girls...something about seeing my shoes from space...

For the first few years of my career in clothing myself I repeatedly missed the lessons of looking good. Maybe it because my parents were poor and hippie-esque in the material saturated 80’s. Maybe I was slow to learn cause I was too busy climbing every tree in the neighborhood. Or the perhaps it was the fact that I had no mentoring older sister.

From toddlerdom to my tweens I waded through a sea of hand-me-downs, dirty old coats passed down from boy cousins, out of season sweaters from someone’s older daughter. My mom insisted on the dull brown shoes because they were a million pennies cheaper than the black patent leather shoes with the liquid shine. Pretty dresses were the rare holiday occasion only to be worn on days I would be certain to not muck about.

My only on point sartorial statement made during these years was a dress I picked out when I was 8. Color blocked, modern, it had a slim translucent belt in a cherry red and even the popular girls thought it was chic. By 4th grade's and my high-top fiasco no one remembered that I ever looked sharp.

Entering Jr. High I found the fever of my peers to chase trends got worse. By this time I figured I could only play to lose so I stopped jumping in the game. Instead I dove into fantasy and doodled big bosomed starlets in sequined gowns with plunging necklines. Occasionally I would experiment only to get chastised by the principle for broadcasting sluttiness (belly baring shirt) or once again ridiculed by the cool kids (black tights under cut off shorts).

My problem probably stemmed from the fact that I wanted to dress like a movie star. Or an international spy. Or a wild fairy. An intriguing icon not some American girl growing up in the suburbs battling it out with other hormonally challenged humans.

What I didn’t realize yet was my styling talent lay in the mythic...rather than the mundane. But I wouldn't begin to harness this into a skill until leaving school altogether. Without principles fearing for a developing slutdom I began to turn on the sexy with heels, tight weaves, and skin bearing ensembles. Without classmates waiting to pounce from the schoolyard corners and pummel me with snarks I blithely experimented with color & texture. I entered my own renaissance and was on my path to successfully get myself dressed.

I expedited my transition in 2007 - after battling lame stress related beauty issues, becoming my own dietary dictator, and going under the knife to get the boobs Mother Nature neglected to gift me. Before that I had been too exhausted to get myself looking good for no one but the mailroom guy to notice and had been showing up to work in pajama pants to work 8 hours head down and shackled to desk. Health restored I felt the need to speed up my style trajectory since it wasn’t enough to look healthy – I wanted to look out of sight amazing!

Today I wear what I want AND what I know makes me look awesome. Awesome being sexy, confident, and intriguing. The key is translating mythic into socially interesting since years of trying to hold jobs and secure relationships taught me that full blown mythic attire is scary at worst, awkwardly inappropriate at best (Note - most guys that say they like weird girls actually mean "quirky", not Queen of the Damned so comb the wild hairs and put the pendant vial of blood away). I learned to artfully scale down during the day...and strategically intensify during the evening or for events. As I play with color families, organize ratios of texture, and get cheeky with contrasting elements I find there’s plenty to attract with without overwhelming. I clothe myself in ways that are pointedly interesting but just slightly destabilizing for those not adventurous enough to break thru boundaries of convention.

And there’s not a snarky peep from the cool girls to be heard ;)

be social - check out Apryl's blog, then

follow her on Facebook, YouTube & Tumblr.

Did you make the transformation from not to hot? Or have you always been one of the cool girls? Share your experience in the comments, and be sure to check back next week for my story!

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weekend pieces

Photo 1: They don't understand you? Someone will.
Stencilled graffiti on a stone tile at Sugar House Park. Oddly, it brings me some small measure of hope, as opposed to the Trust Jesus stencils decorating the sidewalks in downtown.

Photo 2: Stylish Locals
L-R: Beatriz of Bootz, Inc., Rebecca of Rebecca (hearts), myself.
A photo from Saturday afternoon's Stylish Beehive blogger meet up. Although the turnout was a bit smaller than hoped, we did meet the endlessly stylish Beatriz of Bootz, Inc. and made plans for our next social, the deets of which can be found here and RSVPs submitted here.

Photo 3: A hint of Spain
The lobby of Cafe Madrid, an authentic restaurant specializing in some rather delectable cuisine from Spain. The decor was incredible, and the food was even better. Truth be told, I'm not sure what most of what we ordered was called... but it was delicious. I can definitely recommend the lemon sorbet in Spanish champagne - the perfect end to an amazing meal.

Photo 4: Sea Foam or Mint Sprig?
This summery pastel dress I wore Saturday was the subject of much debate amongst the wait staff at the restaurant Saturday evening - specifically, the exact shade of green it captured. Your thoughts?
Outfit info at bottom of this post.

Photo 5: Saturday's Accessories (note: get the reference here)
A flagrantly neon-piped structured bag, textured gold cuff, cheaply oversized black sunglasses and a pocket watch necklace have consistently formed my army of accessories recently. Confession: this bag makes me feel like a grown up - like a woman. Another lesson re-learned: everything has [hidden] meanings.

Photo 6: I've Got Your Six
We went hiking up Mount Olympus on Sunday. Rather, he tore ass up the mountain while I trailed along behind. Annie somehow had the energy to run back and forth between us, thereby ensuring that I was indeed still following and not entirely lost... also, at least once saving me from walking off a cliff because I was trying to change the song that was playing.

Photo 7: Yeah, what?
What one wears hiking when the closet in one's car contains very little that is actually suitable for great outdoor adventuring. The Vans are courtesy of The Boy. Sometimes, having big feet is a good thing. Also, check out those remarkably badass headphones, also courtesy of The Boy by way of SkullCandy: the Fix earbuds in black and red. I am not in any way considered audio tech savvy, but damn - these are one sound piece of wavelength machinery.
Outfit info at bottom of this post.

Photo 8: The View
The Salt Lake Valley. I (respectfully) disagree with the Mormons LDS Church on many (many, many) things, but they did get one thing right: this is the place.

Photo 9: WTF?
I spent my Monday morning scraping glass off the ground, vacuuming it out of my seat and very carefully removing it from my foot and fingertips while trying to not get any in my eyes as I wiped away tears of panic. While there is the impulse to lay blame upon myself for leaving a purse in the open, I prefer to lay the blame squarely on the shoulders of whatever low-life smashed open the window of my new car for, quite literally, nothing (the only item stolen, a cheap purse, was empty). On the bright side, I was able to put together most of my August editorial calendar while waiting for it to be replaced, and I worked less than half the day.

It's the little blessings that get us through the big messes.

Picking up those shards of shattered window glass this morning seemed a disturbingly apt analogy for my life over the last six years. No matter how many pieces you collect, how many shards you add to the bag, every time you open the door a few more fall out. A complete recollection and restoration is essentially impossible - no matter how hard you look, you'll always be missing the pieces you left with someone else.

saturday's tea party outfit

sea foam cut out dress :: charlotte russe (love this lacey version) | gray rope wedges :: charlotte russe (similar here) | gold textured cuff :: charlotte russe | pocket watch necklace :: nine, via urban wear (similar) | messenger bag/purse :: francesca's collections | belt :: charlotte russe | purple beaded earrings :: urban wear | aviator sunglasses :: forever 21

sunday's hiking outfit

oversize white tank :: H&M | black layering tank :: charlotte russe | charcoal shorts :: maurice's | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | tennis shoes :: Vans | headphones :: fix earbuds by skullcandy (get them here)

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coffee + convos with the stylish beehive

[my outfit] sheer green blouse :: lulu's (similar) | black cami :: arizona | cream & black tuxedo trousers :: love 21 by forever 21 (sold out but similar here; also madly in love with this pair) | black studded wedge pumps :: kardashian kollection (similar) | gun metal cuff bracelet :: forever 21 (old, but similar here) | gun metal twisted mesh necklace :: express (similar) | gun metal stud earrings :: express (similar)

Met up with my new friend Rebecca today at The Coffee Connection to plan the first get-together of Stylish Beehive, a group we're putting together for Utah fashion, beauty and lifestyle bloggers (I briefly mentioned it a few nights ago). We're excited to invite all local bloggers to join us for coffee and conversation on Saturday, July 28th around 11am at The Coffee Connection!

As this is going to be our first meet up, we plan to keep things very casual and just have some fun getting to know each other (see above napkin notes for more on this). The goal behind forming this group is so that we can meet our local colleagues, share ideas and inspiration, do some networking and make some new friends. We're hoping to be able to offer seminars, workshops, speakers and other blogger education in the future, but for now we're keeping things light and social.

Come join us for a great cup of coffee (or chai, or bubble tea, or any other delicious beverage offered by our fabulous venue) and some stimulating conversation - all it will cost is a little of your time Saturday morning, and the possible benefits (new friends, blogging tips, sartorial inspiration, a forum in which to be heard, new readers and new bloggers to follow - need I go on?) definitely outweigh the small price.

Check out this page for more on the Stylish Beehive, and go to the event on Facebook for full deets and to RSVP, but here is what you really need to know:

• Who: All fashion, style, beauty and lifestyle bloggers in the northern Utah area
• What: Coffee/tea and conversation
• When: Saturday, July 28th @ 11am
• Where: The Coffee Connection, 1588 South State Street. Check out their website for a menu and a map; parking is located behind on the shop, along State street and along several side streets.
• Why: To make new friends and garner some inspiration.
• How: You can RSVP on the Facebook event (it's set as public, but if you have problems, email me), or via email by dropping me a line at fashion.nerdom@gmail.com (include your name, blog name and URL). Don't feel bashful if you forgot to RSVP - we're just looking for a general head count. It's appreciated, but certainly not mandatory!

The more the merrier, so tell your blogger friends, tweet the event to your followers, invite Facebook friends who blog, and (better yet) post the event on your own blog! More people means more opportunities for networking, inspiration, and new friendships, so please help us get the word out!

In the meantime, take a moment and head over to Rebecca's blog, Rebecca (hearts)... - that girl alone is proof that Utah has got some serious style.

Photos 1, 2 & 4 by Rebecca.

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