flapper inspired summer fashion in the Salt Lake Tribune



photos c/o krista nielson

Some fun outtake shots from the photo shoot I worked on last week at the Hotel Monaco in downtown Salt Lake City. I jumped at the opportunity to play dress up when Krista Nielson invited me to model for the Great Gatsby-inspired shoot for the Salt Lake Tribune. The piece was published today, and you can find the story, full of awesome advice for modernizing 20s trends, and the professionally done photo gallery here.

Are you going to see the movie this weekend? Share your opinion on the film and the flapper trend in the comments below, and check back this weekend for more summer fashion goodness!

(link above not working? use: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment2/56236225-223/fashion-flapper-gatsby-inspired.html.csp)

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fashion podcasting

I was recently interviewed on the I Am Salt Lake podcast! Take a moment to listen in as Chris and I chat about the blog, fashion, Utah style and the state of the blogosphere in general:

http://www.iamsaltlake.com/episode-36-jennifer-booth-with-frayed-threads-com/#

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shop utah :: uptown cheapskate

red ruffled blouse :: charlotte russe (old but love this version) | floral skirt :: thrifted via uptown cheapskate | nude heels :: charlotte russe (sold out, but dying for this pair) | messenger bag :: via francesca's collections (get it here) | black woven belt :: maurice's | straw fedora :: maurice's (love this one) | gold cuff :: charlotte russe | red scarf :: thrifted via uptown cheapskate | pocket watch necklace :: nine via urban wear (similar here) | earrings :: maurice's | sunglasses :: charlotte russe

To say that this weekend has been one of intense change would be a massive understatement.
Intrigued? Check back tomorrow for photos.

This floral skirt and red scarf are from one of my favorite Salt Lake City thrift shops, Uptown Cheapskate. Since acquiring a car and the obligatory payment, thrift shopping is quickly becoming my main source of wardrobe replenishment. While I occasionally haunt the racks at Tooele's Deseret Industries, I lack the patience to be a good thrifter - digging through racks upon racks of ratty 80s cast offs and floral print pioneer chic dresses in search of the ever elusive designer finds is just not my idea of a good time.

That extreme lack of patience is probably why I find fashion exchange shops like Uptown Cheapskate so alluring; their carefully collected assortment of clothing means that all items are on trend and in good repair, while still maintaining the low prices of a thrift store. Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Anthropologie are among the more popular brands I've found at Uptown Cheapskate, though I've occasionally come across a few not-so-hidden gems (like a Dior pencil skirt and a pair of Coach flats - sadly, neither of which was in my size) and they also carry a selection of new items for a hell of a lot less than mall prices.

The "exchange" is a bit tricky though - like the well-known Plato's Closet, Uptown Cheapskate advertises that you can bring your gently used brand-name clothing in to sell or trade in for store credit. In my experience, they are extremely selectively in what they will purchase, and they tend not to pay much in cash - but I'm guessing that's how they keep prices low. If you're looking to buy a few new pieces anyway, you'll get more value if you opt for store credit over cash, but keep in mind that they are probably not going to buy everything you bring in. The employees are friendly and quick to help, but at their busiest on Saturday afternoons, so for their sake try to avoid bringing in your entire closet on the weekend. Last time I dropped by, I brought three giant bags of clothing but was in and out of there in under 30 minutes because I went on a weeknight.

In conclusion: the decent selection, fantastic prices and awesome employees make the racks at Uptown Cheapskate worth a thorough perusal next time you're in downtown Salt Lake City looking for a cheap way to update your look.

Uptown Cheapskate

353 West 200 South | Salt Lake City, Utah

801.931.3388 | Find them on Facebook

introducing :: shop utah

This post is the first in a new series on the blog, called Shop Utah, which follow my exploits and explorations of Utah's locally owned shops. Get the full scoop on the series here, then submit your recommendations/requests for reviews in the comments below or by emailing me at fashion.nerdom@gmail.com. If you're a local shop owner who would like to have your store featured, please feel free to contact me as well.

Rating system is based on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the lowest possible rating and 5 being the highest. Check the Shop Utah page for deets.
Disclosure 1: This is not a sponsored post - just my own well-informed and beautifully articulated opinion.
Disclosure 2: Uptown Cheapskate is a chain of franchised locations with two locally owned locations in Utah; one in downtown and a second in Bountiful.

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parks to penitentiaries

black studded blazer :: zara | mint green cut out dress :: charlotte russe (dying for this lacy version) | messenger bag :: francesca's collections (get it here) | gray buckled rope wedges :: charlotte russe (love these ones too) | gold cuff :: charlotte russe | pocket watch necklace :: nine, via urban wear (similar one here) | aviator sunglasses :: forever 21 | black sunglasses :: charlotte russe | light grape beaded earrings :: urban wear | tan belt :: charlotte russe (similar)

A few more photos of the dress that caused such a stir at the restaurant Saturday night (reference: weekend pieces); it is quite possibly my favorite of the recent additions to my closet, and I'm desperately trying to think of a way to make it work appropriate. My first reflex is to add tights to any ensemble too short for the office on its own, but they somehow don't feel right with this dress. The cutouts around the neckline are certainly my favorite aspect, though there is an undeniable allure about the floaty hem that cries out against tights; besides, it's been upwards of 90 degrees every day for the last month or three, so tights would likely be the death of me. Come fall, some over the knee gray socks layered beneath my gorgeous Chanel-inspired Fantasy Fabric Blazer from Zara will become the perfect transition look, but for now this dress may be relegated to a strictly nights and weekend wear position.

This structured messenger bag-purse-satchel combination, on the other hand, has become more or less permanently attached to my hand since its acquisition from Francesca's Collections (in Fashion Place Mall). It was supposed to come with a shoulder strap, but I suspect the girl at the counter threw it out with the stuffing. At first I was somewhat displeased, but upon some reflection I have determine that this bag might simply look gawky and awkward if attached at the shoulder rather than elegantly draped over my elbow or hanging from my fingertips. The neon yellow piping is the perfect touch to line the neutrally color blocked flaps, and the gold locking clasp adds a hint of mystery to an otherwise innocent looking accessory. It's large enough that I can literally carry my entire life in it (and I do), but it avoids looking sloppy through its use of structure and build. The extra large inside pockets and extra zipper pocket on the back aide in organization, while the main compartment itself is surprisingly easy to navigate even when loaded with six different tubes of mascara. In short: I'm obsessed. Get it here.

Side note: Did you know that Sugarhouse Park used to be the location of the Utah Penitentiary? I'm not sure about you, but I feel a little awkward picnicking on a spot that used to house hundreds of violent criminals.

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trenducation: fall/winter accessories

gray crochet cardigan :: H&M (love this one) | neon mustard sleeveless blouse :: H&M (similar here) | electric blue tulip faux wrap skirt :: H&M (dying for this one) | khaki messenger bag w/neon yellow piping :: francesca's collections  (get it here) | pocket watch necklace :: nine, via urban wear (similar) | textured gold cuff :: charlotte russe | gray buckle rope espadrille wedges :: charlotte russe (sold out but similar here) | sunglasses :: charlotte russe

This mildly fluroscent faintly greenish yellow hue is referred to as lime in some circles and cilantro in others, but to me it looks like neon mustard. My co-worker was repulsed. I love it.

While typically I avoid pairing bright shades together, I've recently made it a goal to add a bit of punch to my wardrobe. Adopting neons as a closet staple is a vital part of my new life plan, so when I happened across these two spectacular finds in H&M, I knew they would make the perfect first experiment. Mustard yellow and navy blue is one of my fave fall color combos, so I thought the electrified version of such would be the perfect transition look. After all, this autumn's fashion seems to be nearly identical to summer's; the only modifications being the addition of sleeves and layers, plus a few drops of gray into our favorite hues as some transparent attempt to winterfy neons and pastels.

When I originally purchased this ensemble, I literally spent hours hunting for the perfect accessories. I first set out to locate a chunky, collar-like statement necklace and matching cuff in a burnished gold finish with gray or white accents, but immediately changed course upon sighting a collection of these gorgeous pocket watch necklaces in one of my new favorite shops, Urban Wear (located in Fashion Place Mall for my fellow Utahans). Pleasantly inexpensive and blissfully perfect for this slightly unbuttoned blouse when double wrapped, I am thoroughly satisfied with the fruits of my search... though I am still in need of the perfect arm swag. I'm thinking a gold leaf cuff in an antique finish.....

Chunky jewelry and collar necklaces are certainly among the trends that will be pulled from summer into fall, but in a more refined sense, with a gravitation towards class and elegance over momentary thrills. Summer is the season of youth and frivolity, while fall and winter have a somewhat more grown-up feel to them, and our wardrobes (and jewelry boxes) generally reflect that shift of consciousness. Think heavy neon chains (not cheap plastic links), wrist hugging leather cuffs (trade in those friendship bracelets), skinny metal bangles (in a veritable ROYGBIV of colors) and bejeweled earrings (in tones ranging from neutrals to neons and everything in between). 

The Fall/Winter 2012 runway shows may seem long over, and July is still technically summer, but fall street fashion is right around the corner. Craving more inspiration? In dire need of some trenducation? Check out my Style Survival Guide, and find the picture book on Pinterest.

What trends are you most looking forward to for fall?

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trend analysis: black and white color blocks

black asymmetrical tunic top :: zara (dying for this a. wang tank) | white jeans :: city streets (love this skinny moto pair) | leopard pumps :: express (sold out but similar here) | black feathered fedora :: maurice's | blue & gold beaded cuff :: pacsun | gold cuff :: charlotte russe (dig this set) | gold collar necklace :: forever 21 | black satchel :: ebay (in love with this one) | beagle :: Annie

This look might seem like a relatively simple take on color blocking, but the spark is in the details: the asymmetrical hem of the long tunic, the flashes of gold and teal in the bracelets, the feather in the fedora and the leopard print and red lining of the pumps make a seemingly basic look into something subtly chic.

Graphic black and white combos are something I suspect we'll be seeing more of throughout the remainder of the year, particularly as the months grow colder. The novelty of winter whites having not yet worn off, combined with the traditional winter black, this combo provides a starkly contrasted yet understatedly simple palette upon which one can layer anything from neon jewelry and textured scarves to wildly printed shoes and boldly colored coats. Zebra connotations aside, one can combat the animalistic implications through layers and accessories, or embrace it wholeheartedly as part of the overall trend. Whichever way you go, just remember that poaching is illegal - avoid overkill and always aim for depth and elegance, not shallow flash.

how to style it :: black & white

now...
Variations on my outfit pictured above abound for the last remnants of summer; think sleeveless tops with distressed skinny jeans or shorts with pockets protruding from the legs, combined with leg lengthening platform sandals for weekends, and rolled sleeve blouses atop white palazzo trousers for the office. A white pencil skirt with black buttoned blouse is always profesh, while a summery white crochet dress becomes oddly office approps when a black blazer and pumps are added. Nights out call for white tuxedo jackets over your most trusted LBD, with snazzy shoes and a neon clutch for a bit of spunk.

later...
Come winter, a few added layers will become necessary, but this understated palette provides a canvas upon which we can transport our favorite summer trends through the darker half of the year: neons, pastels and wild prints can all be added in the form of jewelry, bags, scarves and other accessories. I would advise caution, however, when attempting to add red into the mix: a bright, cherry red over white can lend a decidedly Mrs. Claus affect. When opting for red, think deep. Aside from that, keep your whites slightly off and your textures winter appropriate for a fashion forward look that doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.

research notes:

• Alexander McQueen
• Rick Owens
• Valentino
• Pinterest: In Black & White

Where do you stand on mixing black and white? And on winter whites in general? Share your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to leave a link to your fave black and white ensemble or inspiration.

Are you a fashion, beauty or lifestyle blogger in Utah? Interested in meeting your colleagues? Join the Stylish Beehive for drinks at the Coffee Connection next Saturday - get the deets  & RSVP here.

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mood board :: free spirits on the open road

Photos collected via Pinterest. Click on each photo for its source.

A glimpse of a few of the things that have been inspiring me this summer.

A little neon, a dash of pastel, a hint of beach babe and a few sparkles, sprinkled over a free spirit and overlooking a wide open road. Summer might finally be growing on me.

Check out my mood board on Pinterest for more summery inspiration, and I'd love to see some of what's been catching your sartorial eye this season. Leave your thoughts in the comments - or, better yet, a link to your own mood board or inspiration post.

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contradicting rainbows: 5 steps to gorgeously windblown hair

slouchy mint tee :: forever 21 (sold out, but similar here) | white denim flares :: city streets (get your own white flares here, or try this skinny version) | pink lace bandeau bra :: maurice's | studded black leather criss cross sandals :: c/o kork-ease | black satchel bag :: ebay (lusting after this Cambridge Satchel bag) | gold, leopard & black bangles :: maurice's (love this set) | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | twisted gold collar necklace :: forever 21 (this spike version is pretty cool too)

My first instinct was to pair this loose, airy palette with some dainty gold jewelry... so naturally, I opted for burnished, clunky and leopard. I find the opposite end of the spectrum to be the best place to find inspiration for pairings; the pot at the end of the rainbow may not always be full of gold, but you're certain to pick up at least a few new ideas along the way.

I wandered up the canyon this evening in the hopes of finding an interesting backdrop for tonight's photos, and was rewarded with the perfect amount of light leaking over the mountain as I set up my tripod. I tend to gravitate towards scenery that conflicts with my chosen persona wardrobe for the day, and naturally, today that meant hiking in white jeans and five inch heels.

The above was my second choice for backdrop; my first impulse was to climb down into a man made, dried out stream bed to lean casually against the timber lined walls. Once down there, however, I realized there was something (or someone) up the other side of the mountain. This may seem paranoid, but Middle Canyon is known as a favorite business spot for local thugs and has its own scattered populace of displaced citizens. A couple of fallen rocks and snapped twigs later, I decided it would be best to scramble out of the stream bed as quickly as possible to avoid any unwanted encounters. This led to me climbing up the aforementioned timber and digging my hands and camera tripod into the dirt to pull myself out.

I'm beginning to rethink my method of choosing scenery for style photos.

5 steps to perfectly windblown hair :: a guide for the epicly unskilled

1. Spritz Suave Volumizing Root Lifter liberally all over wet hair, from roots through mid-shaft.
2. Flip hair over; blow dry bottom layer using your fingers.
3. Flip hair back over and blow dry just the roots, pulling small sections straight up.
4. Leave main body of hair wet. Get in car; roll windows down. Drive to work at 50+ MPH.
5. Spray hair with Suave Touchable Finish Hair Spray. Tousle appropriately.

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warning :: prepare for some epic shiz

white & orange striped tee :: H&M (love this version) | cutoff denim shorts :: L.E.I. (similar) | braided taupe sandals :: forever 21 (similar) | straw fedora :: maurice's (similar) | bangles :: my sister's | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | straw purse :: vintage (similar) | silver arrowhead necklace :: forever 21 (sold out, but I love this one) | dia de las muertos skull bead earrings :: Tooele Arts Festival vendor (similar coming soon to the shop) | yellow scarf :: wet seal (old, but similar here)

Celebrated Independence Day with a family BBQ and a very basic look; white tees and cutoff denim shorts define iconic American style.

Tonight's post started out as a lecture on flag etiquette, then moved into some lengthy, existential explanation as to why the blog has been so conspicuously silent over the last week, but upon revision of the finished text, I determined it was just too damn whiny. What it amounts to, friends, is that I've wasted the last two years under the guise of putting my life back together, and I'm ready to move on and bring it on. Enter:

26 before 27

Prepare for some epic shiz.

1. Buy a car.
2. Find my writing voice.
3. Top Secret. (This one will only be revealed upon completion. Intrigued? Stay tuned.)
4. Reach 300 blog followers.
5. Rock red lipstick (in public and in a style post).
6. Impress myself. Twice.
7. Meet some new people. Make some new friends.
8. Go for a walk...
     -In the rain
     -In the sunshine
     -In the snow
     -In the middle of the night
     -Somewhere I've never been
     -In the middle of nowhere
     -In the middle of somewhere
     -To clear my head
     -On the beach
     -With Annie
9. Write a book.
10. Write a letter (by hand) to someone I admire. Send it.
11. Go somewhere I've never been before... by myself.
12. Take a random road trip.
13. Learn to sew.
14. Design, create and wear five items of clothing.
15. Open an Etsy shop.
16. Move out of my parents' house.
17. Get healthy.
18. Try a new (nice) restaurant.
19. Have a glass of expensive (>$150) wine.
20. Go ice skating.
21. Start taking classes.
22. Go to the beach.
23. Challenge myself. Daily.
24. Make a difference.
25. Find and implement a new blogging vantage point.
26. Publish three articles.
27. Write, every day, every word, every dream, every feeling, however fleeting. Write like no one is reading. Write to remember. Write to forget. Write to let it go and write to keep it in. Write, until my heart bleeds all over the pages and the words run together and one moment becomes indistinguishable from the next. Write, because no one will ever be me again [and I'm damn well worth remembering].

I invite you to hate. To judge. To pass by. To join in. To become wrapped up in. To write your own list, and to accomplish it. We'll do it together. Leave a link to your list of epicness in the comments so I can check it out.

Also :: Tune in tomorrow night for the secret to applying tanning lotion + the scoop on how I achieved split end-less hair in less than three weeks - without giving up daily heat styling.

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