2015 was a monumental year in my life. Things fell together and apart, and I fell apart and came together. I graduated from college, moved home, got a job, moved to Chicago, and started a new life on my own. I still feel pretty overwhelmed. Most call the year after college graduation to be a transition period, and I could not agree more. I transitioned so much as a person. I have been forced to embrace the mid-west culture, work out and kick my own ass into gear, and make a life for myself. A pretty great life.
I was lucky for this post to stumble upon my photographer Meg Latimore from a mutual friend, and I am so excited to share her talent with you! She is an awesome human being and an awesome artist.
My jewelry (besides earrings which are Kendra Scott), was designed and created in Austin, Texas by one of my sorority sisters Ha Le. Ha’s pieces are beautiful, simple, with a touch of tough. They stand for what I have always stood for when it comes to jewelry- less is more. Please go check her out on Etsy, her online store and Facebook! Less is morE jewelry!
The first thing that we’d ask for in late August for the beginning of a new school year seems to always be jeans. JEANS on jeans on jeans. Abercrombie, American Eagle, and Hollister thrive off of the new high schoolers and the kids about to go off to college searching for jeans. If you have just outgrown your other pairs or just need that fresh Abercrombie smell, all that matters is that you need more. I’m not sure if it’s the spray bottle of cologne they use to douse the denim that draws people in and causes a craving or if it’s just the feeling of new jeans on your bodies that does it. Either way, I have been susceptible to the jean craze for as long as I can remember… until now. Parents, girls and boys, I have a solution for you. I call it the three prong attack. I, like many of you, had tons of jeans that accumulated and ended up at Goodwill and the Salvation Army by the time I was in my sophomore year of college. Now, in the wake of it all, I was desperate and looking for an alternative. Well, here it is.
Model ready for the war on denim. Photo from Google.
The three prong attack has to do with the basics. It’s all about basic. Besides, you know you’ll be wearing leggings half the time anyway, why kid yourself?
Number one on the three prong attack:Darkwash
Find a pair of darkwash denim that is limited in fading and almost dark enough to be black. I’m talking a deep, deep ocean blue here people. These will carry you through dinner parties to out with friends to rushing to work and throwing on a white tee and vans for school.
Now, the real question comes as to if you should get high-waisted, mid-rise, or low-rise. If you’re into crop tops on weekends or even just want some extra coverage in the mid-section I would suggest a high-waist. High-waist you can cover up with flowy shirts during the week and they can even act like a pair of spanx. If you can find a pair of mid-rise, which is hard to do and you’d probably have to spend more, I’d do it. These can still give you crop top time while showing less than you would with low-rise and are not up to your chest for during the week. And low-rise is for the risky crop toppers and the ones who are going more casual for a dark wash.
Either way, choose one that you feel more comfortable in and utilize them for these occasions. The real trick is to only get one trusty pair, they will be your buddy for all occasions. SAVE SOME MOOLA. Chances are if you’re a parent your child will grow out of them anyway.
Photo from Google
Part two of the three prong attack:Medium Wash
This jean is the trickiest of them all. Finding a good medium wash is like the holy grail of denim. It is almost impossible to see which wash will go with more things and which ones are edging into dark and light territory. Especially with the stores that dim their lights so much… like aren’t you supposed to be beach themed anyways? I still have not quite found the pair of my jean dreams, but I have come very close. My recommendation for this is stick to mid-rise or low-rise, and find jeans that have less of a grey hue and more of a navy hue. Bright blue mixed in wouldn’t hurt either. Don’t go too blue, but don’t go too close to light wash or grey denim either. And stay away from too much fading, because you’ll get sick of them. Now, this attack has nothing to do with ripped denim. If you want a pair of those, then that will be a splurge and decision you’ll have to make on your own. Personally, I don’t think they are a necessity, but I do have a few pairs and filter them in and out each season.
Photo from Google
Part three of the three prong attack:Light-wash
Ahhhh the light wash. Perfect for all season… if done just right. They are not as finicky as medium wash, but can be troublemakers. If you go too light, they’ll end up looking like white jeans or really bleached. And if you go too dark, you’ll end up with a bleached medium wash. No one wants these examples to be a part of their jean triangle. The perfect pair of light-wash has a good amount of fading all over and not in secluded areas, while having a doused baby blue. You can either buy an all light wash, no fading pair, or a pair with baby blue fading. Either way, you can’t go wrong. Also, a little distressed on the jean is a definite plus. Because light-wash are already so casual, you might as well buy a pair that looks like they were from the 70’s and you made them your own. I also recommend for the light wash to either stick to mid-rise or low-rise. And definitely as skinny/slim as you can get.
Photo from Google
Now you’re probably wondering- what about cropped jeans? or flared jeans? or wide-leg jeans? Or boyfriend jeans? or girlfriend jeans? Those are all extra jeans that can pile up in your closet if you so choose! But, the basic jean necessities in my opinion are the ones listed above.
Foodies: I promise I have dined at all of these fabulous places and have taken numerous photos of my meals, but for some I was just enjoying the moments too much to capture. I have scoured through my old instagrams to at least give you some idea of the food and places I am describing. You will not regret attending any of these establishments, and especially not dropping the extra dollars at some of the more “uppity” places. Each location is special; with great history, ambiance, and of course, food. I want to update this article as I go along with my own photos and documentation, but for now I just couldn’t wait to put these on the list and share.
I am starving to know your favorite restaurants or recommendations for some you feel should be listed on here. After all I haven’t eaten evveerrrywheree, although I can’t say I haven’t tried.
(These are not in order of my favorites, just in order of how I thought of them!)
1. The Brewster Inn $$$
Whether you want to spend $2000 on a meal for a large party or just $55 for a date the Brewster is the place to go. Everything on the menu is impeccable, the staff is friendly and efficient, and the bar is ideal. Have I mentioned the views? Sit on the outdoor patio on a romantic getaway and watch the sailboats go by on Cazenovia Lake, Cazenovia, N.Y. If you’re looking to really save money, I suggest going on Burger Night (Monday nights) and having their killer burger, topped with your favorites and crumbly fried onions. My personal favorite. The bar is great especially if you enjoy local drafts and an elaborate wine selection, but the wines are pricey if you really want to indulge.
photo from Google
photos by me
2. Lincklaen House $-$$
Sticking to Cazenovia, this restaurant is just down the street from the Brewster Inn and has much more of an old New England feel. Set in downtown Caz; only a hop, skip, and a jump from Cazenovia College, it has a great tavern scene. For those that want to have a bowl of french onion and sit by a cozy fire in the winter, they also have a back dining room that is perfect for old friends to catch up or an evening with your significant other to do just that. Like the Brewster, the bar is great but their bar food is what really sets this charming place apart. Homemade potato chips and kind staff members are two great parts of its charm.
photos from Google
3. Ray Brothers Barbecue $-$$
The best barbecue you’ll get in Upstate New York (unless of course you waited in line at Dinosaur BBQ, but Ray’s can hold its own if you can believe it…) Ray’s is making a name for itself and fast. An unconventional setting with silverware in mason jars and paper napkins in Bouckville, N.Y., the food is just as awe-some. The Carolina Pulled Pork with Bomb Sauce (they have a whole list of homemade sauces to choose from) is straight out of heaven, I’m convinced. Most of their meals come with two sides, and if you’re like me and could never choose between homemade coleslaw and macaroni and cheese, then you need to try Ray’s. They have a bar which a lot of locals love to gather at, a great porch and an outdoor area for your kids to hangout while you eat. It’s great for the whole family and is pretty inexpensive.
photos from Google
4. Ye Olde Landmark Tavern $$-$$$
This restaurant/inn is right up the street from Ray Brothers BBQ in Bouckville, N.Y., and has been around a lot longer. Set in an old colonial home with brick, columns and on the corner of the street, its exterior is as charming as its interior. When you are greeted warmly at the front door there is a full bar to the left of you, and multiple dining rooms that seem idyllic for holiday parties to the right. The food is incredible. Anything you order on this American-German-Italian menu is cooked to perfection with care and beautiful place setting. The wine selections go well with the meals and the desserts are out of this world. My favorite meals there so far have been on the “small plates” menu, which in my opinion should be called the perfect proportions menu- The Lobster Pot Pie, Chicken Schnitzel with classic German potato salad and the burger. Make sure you go, you don’t want to miss this place.
photo from Google
5. Upstate Tavern $-$$
Following the tavern theme, the Upstate Tavern inside the Turning Stone Casino and Resort in Verona, N.Y. should not be missed if you want to experience authentic Upstate cuisine. Ever heard of “riggies”? We in Upstate New York pride ourselves on this spicy, creamy pasta dish, and I personally believe the best are at Upstate Tavern. Made with shrimp instead of the traditional chicken, this pasta will fill you up to the brim with happiness. Also listed on the menu are traditional Utica greens, chicken speedie skewers, salt potatoes, and local Saranac beers. The apple pie comes out freshly baked, hot, and in its own individual dish wrapped in a brown bag with fresh vanilla ice cream on top, and is perfect for any time of the year. My personal favorite has to be (surprise) the burger, with a sunny side egg on top and cooked medium-rare. Stop here on your night out next time before you hit the bars… or after. It’s open late!
photo by me
6. Wildflowers $$$
My family’s go to restaurant on Christmas Eve, Wildflowers in the Lodge at Turning Stone Resort and Casino is an escape. Four stars and waiters with taste and flair, you know you’re in for a treat as soon as you walk in the door. The meals are artfully prepared by the top chefs in Upstate, and each one comes out more unique than the other. The cappuccino is unusually wonderful for this area, and the filet mignon, well, is there to please. Don’t forget to try the desserts, there is a surprise in every bite! The restaurant itself is donned with leather and Native American accents. It’s an all around wonderful experience.
photo from Google
7. LoFo $-$$
LoFo, or “Love Food,” in Armory Square, Syracuse, N.Y. is an awesome little side restaurant/cafe/bar with major character. Despite what you may assume with its mostly vegan/vegetarian menu, LOFO serves a delicious chicken and brie sandwich and has pressed juices and smoothies that will make you feel like a new woman/man. If you feel like relaxing before making it to your dinner reservation just down the street, enjoy a great glass of local wine. Or, stop here and read the paper outside and enjoy its great breakfast. Eggs, toast, and awesome potatoes. It’s the cutest dream restaurant, and you’ll never see someone you don’t like. (At least I don’t…) The homemade granola and yogurt is just as good if you’re heading to Lululemon down the street before your morning workout, too.
photos by me
8. Blue Tusk $$
Unconventional huge restaurant/bar with outdoor seating in the midst of all the shops in downtown Armory Square, Syracuse, New York. You place your order and pay at the front, and pick up your meal/drinks straight from the bar and then pick your seat. These are not your ordinary deli sandwiches. They are stacked high with meat and are so delicious they don’t even need a side to accompany them. The lobster salad sandwich, which is lobster salad on a CROISSANT, is the most incredible and delectable thing you’ll have eaten in a Syracuse, ever.
photo by me
photo from Google
9. Dinosaur B-B-Q and Pastabilities $$-$$$
Because these two are so well known and popular I feel as if I have to write about them even though this list is more for the lesser known joints in Upstate. Both are incredible, both have delicious food, great atmosphere, and you will not regret the wait times for either if you are stuck in line on a Wednesday or without a reservation. Pasta at Pastabilities is basically visiting a Syracuse little Italy, and Dinosaur is straight out of Tennessee. They are icons of Upstate dining. Both have been featured on the Travel Channel and Food Network.
Exterior of Pastabilities. Dennis Nett/The Post-Standard
photos from Google
10. East Sushi $-$$
Located in the smallest city in New York, Sherrill, (also in Utica, N.Y.) this sushi restaurant really knows what they are doing. It’s small, but the food packs a punch. They are quick, friendly, and everything is fresh. The seafood is great and the soba noodle soup is my all time favorite all year round. Located right next to everyone’s favorite ice cream shop “Ebeneezer’s” and the town’s favorite Chinese restaurant “Taste of China,” it’s a one stop shop for your families biggest feast yet.
photo from Google
11. Mitsuba $$-$$$
This tiny Japanese sushi bar in downtown New Hartford, N.Y. (also in Rome, N.Y.) is THE place to get authentic, fresh, artistic sushi in the downtown area. It is beautifully prepared, always different (as in the menu changes) but your classic favorites will be there for you, and just plain great. You’ll pay a pretty penny for more unique rolls, but the waitress comes with a hot hand towel and random free sushi bites which makes it all worth it– besides the delicious meal you’ll be getting. They have an array of Sakes hot and cold, as well as meals hot and cold for the raw fish squeamish. Not really big enough for the whole family, but worth the lesser company or date for yourself.
photo from Google
12. Papa Gallo $-$$
Papa Gallo is the best Mexican this side of the state as far as I’m concerned. Located in Fayetteville, N.Y., Papa Gallo has a delicious American-Mexican fusion menu with just enough spice for the whole family. You’re probably wondering how I am not part cow yet but I had to try the burger and it was of course, wonderful. The enchiladas and the rest of the Mexican flair is no short of special, either. If you’re looking for Mexican in this area, this is the best that you’ll get.
photo by me
13. Tully’s Good Times $
Tully’s is a Syracuse, N.Y. (multiple Syr. locations) institution for their chicken tenders and sports bar atmosphere during basketball season. These chicken tenders are so good the whole family will be ordering them, not just the children. They come with a perfect sauce, coleslaw, and french fries. Oh and GARLIC BREAD. It’s the best tenders you’ll get in this area, hands down.
photo by me
14. Peter’s Cornucopia $-$$
Located in downtown New Hartford, N.Y., “Peter’s” is the place to go to buy all of your organic groceries while also grabbing a bite to eat of fresh, cooked to order food. They serve all organic meals, delicious organic coffees and smoothies/juices. The soups are always the perfect temperature and the wraps you can tell would never be as good made in your own kitchen, even though you can buy all of the ingredients right in front of you! The New Hartford-ians try and keep Peter’s a secret– but I know, and I’m sharing it with the world!
photo from Google
photo by me
15. Sherrill N.Y. Pizzeria $
For me, picking a pizza place to list here was almost impossible. There’s Pepi’s in Oneida, Sicilian Delight in New Hartford, and Nick’s Tomato Pie in Syracuse. Finally, after a long period of really thinking it through, I decided I couldn’t skip “Franks,” or Sherrill N.Y. Pizzeria in Sherrill, N.Y. Growing up, this was the pizza I ordered and was given at all childhood parties/sleepovers/school events. It’s a thicker New York style crust, made in front of your eyes in a dusty little bakery. The restaurant has a back room for seating, and a bathroom so small you can barely fit in after eating their slices- but it is home. This pizza is always delicious, always dough-y and fresh. The chicken-wing is my favorite, but you can’t go wrong with pepperoni either. This to me is true “Upstate” pizza.
photos by me
16. The Colgate Inn $$-$$$
Hamilton, N.Y. is a quaint Upstate New York town located around many smaller, beautiful lakes and the better known Colgate University. Although this is one of the smallest college towns probably ever, it is home to some delicious restaurants (La Iguana and No. 10 Tavern), a beer bar (Good Nature Brewery), local coffee shop, and old time candy store and ice cream parlor (Maxwell’s). The pillar of fine dining, inside and out, is the Colgate Inn. The food, the atmosphere, the greatest Thanksgiving dinner you’ve ever seen, and the Colgate Hockey team are just some of the reasons to visit this historic tavern/restaurant/inn.
I have had my blog for 5 years now. I guess, when you cut down the time I’ve actually spent on it vs. how long its been, I probably have had it for around 2.5. It doesn’t feel that long at all. So many strange things, including growing up, have happened to me. There have been 7 seasons of Parks and Recreation made, I have finished Gossip Girl, friends is now on Netflix… like what. Even though all of that had to do with Netflix, it’s all very relative to where I am at now. I have decided that I want to keep a Leslie Knope attitude on life. I want to give my close friends presents and try and be smiling and blonde for as long as I can. I have decided that Serena and Blair combined would be the fiercest, most confident and successful woman. If I could just obtain Blair’s classiness and business savvy, with Serena’s fun loving attitude and drive, I can be anyone and do anything I want to do. And now, as I have been out of high school for almost 4 years now, I would say I have definitely secured a tight knit group of friends, that would sit with me and drink coffee for what seems like minutes in between info-mericals but is actually hours and I don’t hate any of them. It took a while to figure it out, but it’s there. Thinking about my life in the next 5 years is probably the most horrifying thing ever. I have been near death from illness and from almost falling off of a volcano once, but I was not prepared for the sinking feeling in my stomach while the date draws nearer to graduation. I look at Chiara Ferragni, who about 5 years ago became my inspiration to start a blog and is now in Forbes for becoming a millionaire under 30 years old. The only Italian one, too. I dream of the life where I am not struck down by my budget to where my personal style can truly be expressed. I look at Paris Hilton, for all of the money she has, her style is absolutely bad. Thankfully, that’s not why I love her. I feel as if I am trapped in a closet that isn’t mine. I can tell you about all the things I wish I was wearing in the photos I post on Bootsie. How badly I want a Fendi monster bag to wear all year round; or for those YSL Tribute pumps I am walking around in my dreams in, asking the Starbucks barista for a latte and it not having to be soy. I want to pay off all of my parents debt, for all of the things they do for me. I think this year is going to be a strong year of realizations. I am not the person anymore who gets handed things. My family and I have had a bit of financial trouble lately and I think it finally set in when my mom told me I could no longer go to fashion school unless I paid for it myself. No break up could even touch the weird emotions I felt after that conversation. I have always been pretty financially set, I work two jobs at school and they help me out. No, I couldn’t afford Fendi or YSL, but my parents are kind, loving and amazing parents. My small collection of designer items are from them for a birthday or Christmas. I think that’s why I have so much appreciation for the fine things that I have. I think this is why my love for how hard it is to make each hand stitched Mary Katrantzou dress comes through. I take care in the detail, I become inspired by how these designers have changed the entire culture of fashion as art in their own way. They make things because they CARE. Not because they want someone to be walking around with “LV” all over. Although that’s obviously a pleasant goal to aspire to. The convenience of the Louis Vuitton Speedy is crazy. I mean I can throw anything in that. I have one pair of Manolo Blahnik’s that my dad bought for me. No shoe has ever hurt my feet so much, but his story is pretty incredible. I get a high for truly beautiful things. It’s true, most bloggers only become famous because of the money they have to buy the clothing, shoes, and accessories that makes people want to look at them and read what they have to say. That will always be a disadvantage I have. One of the most honest blogs out there, Man Repeller, is my favorite of them all. Leandra Medine is amazing. She does everything I want to do. She takes the pieces that aren’t necessarily sexy, but showcases them as if they were a winner at the Kentucky Derby. She shows the real side of fashion, not just the parts of it that people only want because other people have. There’s a real story there. I am trying so hard to grasp on to the fact that I can make it without connections and without money to take me to where I need to go. I am hoping that I will succeed without having that back up, and I know it will make me a stronger person. The anxiety I feel should propel me forward and not backwards. I have been so jealous of those blogger women, but they are just models for what they own in their closet. I want to be something people want to own, not just someone who dresses well. I want a closet full of accomplishments I did myself. I am not sure where that pep talk was going, but in 5 years I have made true friends, I have lost and found again where my passions are, and I am ready to put myself out there. I am hoping that I won’t be on the street with only my gifted Vintage Dior clutch, but no real promises.
I had to wait longer than usual to get my September issue of Vogue this year, which had only made my anticipation grow even stronger than it was in July. I dreamed of it’s glossy pages, it’s eye catching cover and it’s weight in my shopping bag. Normally it was out in stores right around the first week in August, but when I went to find it I had no such luck. Maybe because it just hadn’t gotten to my central New York location is what I had assumed as it’s spot was vacant in every convenience store. Then, on a trip back from Atlantic City, New Jersey in mid August I was sure it would be at a rest stop. Again, my efforts were thwarted. So to my despair, I went on to school knowing that I had not read it yet, but feeling comforted that I wasn’t alone because I was sure many were feeling the same way. Finally, while school shopping in Columbus, Ohio, a lovely Barnes and Nobles sales clerk overheard my desperation when describing my loss to friends. He said that they hadn’t put them out, and they were sold by inquiry only because the size was too hefty for their lofty shelves. I almost peed my pants as he came out from the back room with an unopened, untouched by man (or so I like to think until he came along) September 2014 issue of Vogue. “The Instagirls!”, it read, “Models of the moment in the clothes of the season,” 856 pages of fall fashion. I wasn’t too thrilled with the cover, just because it looked more like an August issue than September, but I got over it once I noticed that the cover sprawled over 3 extra fold out pages. “I’m okay,” I thought. It took me about a week to get through all of it, to read the words of the most respected and influential designers, photographers, fashion writers, and journalists. I was particularly happy with it’s focus on Paris, and it only kept me dreaming further with it’s gorgeous stills and ad campaigns. To say it was remarkable is an understatement. I can’t imagine saying I’ve truly “lived” until I’ve worn a $30,000 gown in a body of water, but I at least got to picture it. And then the story on Nicolas Ghesqiere, the man who is putting Hedi Silmane and his grunge Saint Laurent line to shame, who brought the genius mini Louis Vuitton trunk clutches, and is changing the face of the fashion house indefinitely, was one for the books. I would say my favorite spread was “Belle Fleur” photographed by David Sims. I’m pretty sure my friend Haley has been rocking the bun on model Caroline Trentini for about 6 years, and this piece is the only reason I can say it’s now considered socially acceptable. One really impressive thing was the return of Guiseppe Zanotti shoes, who got their own show. And I’m sure some will disagree with me, but I have not seen in an insatiably long time Vogue not high lighting Chanel Iman for Chanel Iman but letting her highlight one incredible pair of italian made open toed pumps. Actually do her job, to model something. Just the beauty of these shoes and the movement in the pictures is enough reason to buy the issue. There were some things I could say I didn’t appreciate, a few adds that I felt lacked, and like I said the cover really wasn’t the reason I purchased it. But the thrill of reading it, viewing it, and then experiencing a dream that night of walking around in a pair Alexander McQueen boots is what makes it all worth while. There’s something magical about this magazine book, something that gets you ready to become someone who is a part of a world like that which lies in it’s pages. You grow as it does, every year getting older and wiser, understanding more and it’s relationship with society becomes noticeable. The hilarious but poignant article on marijuana, the artists recalling living in that “moment,” the sheer beauty of it. It’s absolutely worth the wait.
I was searching for new music to put on my iPod for running and or the 8 hour drive to Ohio, and a little overlap would be fine. Without the September Issue and a short attention span, I am having trouble getting inspired for my favorite season. The booties have not bewitched me like they usually do. My “Beware” seasonal candle from Yankee Candle has been constantly burning and all seven seasons of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” are on repeat on my Hulu account, but still nothing. I’m starting to be concerned- normally my Halloween radar is on in July. But while searching for this music, I came across BANKS. You’ve definitely heard her before, her song “Waiting Game” has been in like six movie trailers, perfume ads, at least a few commercials by now I’m sure. She has a haunting voice and range, and is doing just the trick for me to start looking for new treats. I decided to scavenge the new fall collections (without my September Issue), and I have found some must haves with her voice and sharp features in mind. I am going to walk through the mall slow motion pretending I’m in the Fifty Shades of Grey trailer and stalk my prey. Also, why didn’t Maleficent come out in September? That would have helped I’m sure. Even so, I’m looking forward to the leaves falling now. These are my song choices for fall so far to give you the idea. Also, could “Beggin For Thread” be any more perfect? It took all of me not to make a pun out of that. You should BANKS on it. BOOps.
I have been experimenting with grilled cheeses this summer… And I’m obsessed. I know it sounds weird, but this mixture of salty and sweet is amazing.
Butter for spreading and pan as much as needed
Four slices of small homemade wheat bread from your bakery
Homemade blueberry jam for spreading
Four mini salami slices from local butcher
2 slices of swiss cheese
Spread butter on both sides of bread and put on pan.
Spread blueberry jam on opposite sides from which the butter is on.
Place cheese first, salami second on the blueberry jam.
Put in pan on high, cook until cheese is fully melted and bread is golden brown.
Serve hot and with Terra blue potato chips for added blue!
This summer flew by. Spending half of it in summer school, and then the rest of it working on “In the Heights,” with my local theatre program, I rarely got to enjoy those N.Y. rays. “In the Heights” was absolutely a rewarding and spiritual experience, but after long days and a long opening weekend I was really excited to get to my family reunion in Atlantic City, New Jersey on the island of Brigantine. This decade of one week long family vacations have been the best days of my life. The ice cream, the surfing, the bonding time, and the city really make it perfect. I find myself re-connecting not only with 40 family members from all over the country but also with myself. It’s almost unexplainable how perfect it is. While doing a little dress shopping, I found this dress on sale at BCBG Max Azria which seemed like it was glued to my skin. I had to buy it, for any and every occasion, just because of how much I loved it. My relationship with BCBG Max Azria goes back as far as 6th grade when I started looking for dresses for family events and dances at Lord and Taylor in Syracuse. I was enamored with the fabric, the fit, the quality, and obviously the beauty of every piece. The same feeling happened to me in 2014 the next day after purchasing the dress in Atlantic City, where I found this blue suede fringe jacket at BCBG in Caesar’s (on sale, or else I never could have gotten it.) And so my obsession continues even stronger with this place and this brand. On the last night at the beach after a very large ice cream cone and about half a bottle of champagne, I wanted to show off these clothes to the dark ocean and skyline which you can see on the beach outside of the main house. My sister Mary and I had a lot of fun taking these pictures, and I hope you all enjoy them. I can honestly say pure happiness had a lot to do with it.
This summer while staying with one of my friends in Columbus, Ohio I got to experience many different things about the city of which I never knew. I heard that the food was good, although I wouldn’t have imagined that Bon Vie and Press Grill would become two of my favorite restaurants on the planet. Bon Vie particularly for the truffle fries and cocktails. And I was taken many places. One being the Community Festival, or “ComFest,” and it was a lot of what I had been told it was going to be by my friends. I didn’t expect all of the great jewelry and awesome German food. One jewelry tent stood out to me the most, so much that I ended up going crazy for five minutes purchasing almost everything I saw. For those who know me, they know this is unusual because I don’t really like jewelry nor do I ever wear it. Clothes, shoes and bags have always been the priority for me. I always felt like a big chunky necklace is just a cover up for a so-so outfit, and that it takes away the natural beauty of the person in the clothes and the clothing itself. Like a costume instead of pret-a-porter. I’ve just never been a fan, because I want to wear the clothes, not have them wear me. I feel like jewelry should be there to compliment someones skin or facial features, and that’s really hard to do (and probably sounds really strange). So when I found Red Giraffe Designs, I got very excited to be out of my comfort zone and into a new, shinier zone. I love that this jewelry is moveable, that you can personalize it and look down and be reminded of the important things in life, that it’s completely affordable, and matches all of my stuff and myself. I found Kate Steven’s designs and I knew I had to talk to her and thank her for inspiring me to wear a little more than just my watch everyday. Her jewelry is extremely wearable, and below is the interview I had with her and the pictures from the shoot taken by my friend Christine LaClair. Hopefully you will be inspired to wear it too!
Where does the name Red Giraffe Designs come from?
This is by far the question I get asked the most by my customers! It basically comes down to my favorite color is red and my favorite animal is a giraffe. When I was in college, one of my school projects was to come up with a business plan for some type of retail business. The name of my company for that project was The Red Giraffe. When I started my real business I found that the name The Red Giraffe was taken so I changed it to Red Giraffe Designs (RGD for short).
Tell me a little bit about yourself?! What do you do for a living (other than making jewelry?) about things you like, where are you from, how old are you?
I am 29 years old. I am originally from Pickerington, Ohio, but now I live in Columbus with my husband Jeff and two dogs, Max and Molly. When I first started RGD I was working for a small wholesale company. After a few years of working both jobs it just became too much and I knew that if I wanted to grow my business I was going to have to put 100% of my time into that. I started working for myself at RGD fulltime about a year and a half ago and it was the best decision I could have made. When I am not making jewelry or doing something RGD related (rare!) I usually like to spend my time with my friends and family. I play in a volleyball league with friends and my husband and I are trying to improve our golf skills. However, I usually prefer spending my time at home with my dogs and husband watching Netflix.
How long have you been making jewelry?
I started making jewelry about 6 years ago right after I graduated from college. Making jewelry was never something I thought I would end up doing as a career, but I have always loved making things and being creative. It was one of those things where I starting playing around with some pliers, wire, and beads and I just fell in love with it. I started experimenting with other jewelry techniques and eventually started selling at craft shows and then in stores and online. I’m still learning new techniques and methods all the time. I get bored easily so I like to change it up and try new things.
What are your future plans for your company?
I am currently working from my home so my biggest plan is to move into a studio in the near future. It’ll be great to have some place to actually go to work. I’m also hoping it will help keep me a little more organized and my house a little more clean!
Where is your jewelry sold?
My jewelry is currently sold in about 40 stores throughout 8 different states. Some of the stores in Columbus include: Bink Davies at Easton & in the Short North, Celebrate Local, Wholly Craft, Simply Vague at Tuttle & Polaris, Devoted on OSU campus, Kifle Shoe Boutique, the Franklin Park Conservatory Gift Shop, The Library Store at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, and the Boutique Truck.
What materials do you use/how do you make it? Are they customizable?
Since my items are so diverse, I use a wide range of materials. Various beads, metals, wire, hammers, drills, etc… When I’m creating something new, I usually start off with somewhat of an idea in my head and as I start using my materials the idea usually transforms into something a little different than my original plan. I’m a very visual person so I love seeing something start to form and then adjust as I go. Some pieces are customizable. I sometimes will even customize a piece for a customer at one of my craft shows. For example, if they wish the chain was slightly shorter or longer I will customize it to their preference. I also make custom pieces for people all the time whether it’s for a bridal party or a gift for someone. I love working with customers and hearing their original idea and then creating it for them.
What do you like most about jewelry/your jewelry?
I love that jewelry can really change the entire look of an outfit. You can throw on a basic shirt and jeans but then layer on a few bracelets and necklaces and your look is no longer basic but interesting. What I like most about my jewelry is that there is something for everyone while still staying true to my style and aesthetic. Many of my customers buy jewelry to give as a gift to someone. I love when a guy sneaks back to my booth to buy the pair of earrings his girlfriend was admiring earlier and he wants to surprise her. Or the guy who purchased a locket from me so he could propose with it. Things like that make this job so fun. It’s just cool to know that I had a small part in such a special moment for someone.
What would you say your style is like?
I would say my style is a little vintage whimsy with a classic modern edge. It really varies piece to piece depending on the mood I’m in. If you look at my collection of work it ranges from dainty and minimalist to bold statement pieces. I love trying new things and methods of making jewelry so my style is constantly evolving.
I am wearing a vintage poison ring and “man in the moon” ring that are not Red Giraffe Designs as well as my watch which is Movado. These are from my personal collection to show how easy it is to pair Kate’s designs with other pieces!
You can purchase the jewelry I am wearing designed by Kate here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RedGiraffeDesigns?ref=s2-header-avatar
I LOVE crepes. I have been making them since 8th grade french class, and have enjoyed them on London street markets and in downtown digs. I think they are just the most versatile food and I can’t get enough. I hope to learn every way to make crepes and eventually find different types! This is one of my all time favorite easy recipes. It’s fresh, sweet, and delicious and even my gluten free friends can enjoy it with me just like we all did back in middle school.
1 cup Red Mill gluten free flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk (whole)
1/2 cup of water
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter (melted)
1 pinch of powdered sugar
1. In a bowl, mix together flour and eggs. Add milk and water and then add the salt and butter. Beat much harder than you would with regular flour, about 2 or 3 minutes with a whisk.
2. Butter up a skillet and re butter for every set of batter. Use a large spoon and put large circles on batter in middle of frying pan. Continue pouring batter around original circle clockwise until it is big enough.
3. Flip until edges begin to curl and it turns golden brown around them.
4. Place a spoonful of Nutella in the middle of the hot crepe so that it starts melting, add fruit, and either roll up the crepe or enjoy as is! Sprinkle with powdered sugar. (Below)
Be sure to check out my blog’s instgram, where I’ll update it with food as soon as they are made before they hit the blog, as well as tons of other teaser updates from Bootsie!
Bootsie 