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Home - Lifestyle
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Fashion Slave - |
Plaid has always been one of the most beloved prints in the fashion industry. Honestly, I wasn’t a big fan of plaid back in the day but now designers have got the trusty, ol’ pattern rockin’! This season pays a well-deserved tribute to the print as designers bring their unique touches to the pattern to create some amazing styles. |
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Tour of Duty - |
Style Savvy Checks Out Warped Tour
By Jessica Hill
When it comes to a highly anticipated event, one should always “hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” I know this, but for some reason I have yet to attempt a utilization of these words of wisdom, working under the assumption that, after as little preparation and effort as possible, most things in my life will go exactly as I’d like simply because I want them to. I must be an optimist. |
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All About Fashion - |
Fashion Slave: All About Me Boutique
by Niamh Murphy
Fall is right around the corner, and fashion gurus and leading retailers are promoting new color schemes. The color purple is a highlighted in the clothing, shoes and accessories of seasonal collections.
This autumn’s purple looks good on almost everyone whether redhead, blonde or brunette. Below are a few examples of some stylish early fall tops exemplifying the trend, from Council Bluffs’ All About Me Boutique, a new women’s clothing and accessory boutique on the 100 block of Broadway. |
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Memory Behind the Mark - |
Big Brain book tells the story behind the tat
By Sarah Lorsung Tvrdik
A lifelong ‘Man of Steel’ fan, Tony Flat came to Joshua Strader at Big Brain to design a full-sleeve Superman tattoo. Inspired by the idea of one man’s ability to make a difference in the world, he worked with Joshua to incorporate images of Superman from different mediums. In the final stages of his sleeve completion, Flat was killed in a motorcycle accident. Shortly after, his widow had Strader tattoo the Superman symbol onto her leg in memoriam of her late husband.
Flat’s story, along with several others, is featured in Big Brain’s first book, fittingly titled Marked & Mended. Big Brain was established 10 years ago in downtown Omaha and is owned by Joseph “Smitty” Smith. Today, they’re one of the best-known names in the Midwest’s tattoo and piercing industries. The seeds for the book were planted in 2006 when Smitty began discussions with a publisher and Adam Nielsen of GoodTwin Design.
“[Smitty] wanted to tell all the compelling stories that go along with the hard work that goes into tattooing,” Nielsen said, while emphasizing how rewarding the tattooing industry can be. |
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Fashion Slave - |
Ready or not, here they come! Transitional shoes are making an appearance as the summer season winds down. There is no need to put your sandals away yet, but it is time to think about the change in seasons when purchasing shoes.
Two great examples I found at BeYourself Boutique, photographed below, are the Anne Michelle grey peep-toe heel ($36.50) featuring a suede material that is great for fall, but with a color and style that can also be worn now. The bow and zipper details add a lot of style on a neutral background. These shoes will look great with tights when the weather gets cooler.
Also featured in the photo below is the black mini boot from DE Blossom Collection ($39.50). It is embellished with a perfect small silver buckle. These boots will look amazing with bare legs and either a dress or skirt. The fun part is they will also look wonderful with tights and/or skinny jeans.
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London Calling - |
Never mind the...
by Jessica Hill
London is, by far, the most inspiring city in the world when it comes to all things creative in nature. An artistic melting pot for music, art, fashion and poetry, the city itself has served as a main source of inspiration for everyone from Shakespeare to Morrissey to Mick Jagger. So when it came time for the re-instigation of The Reader’s monthly style event FashionBar, we didn’t have to think all that long or hard in order to come up with a theme that could rouse excitement in all involved parties.
“FashionBar: London Calling” on Saturday at Parliament-Midtown was intended to be a combination of vintage mod clothing and Twiggy-inspired fashion set to music of the British invasion variety. Finally, after weeks of collaborative efforts, our brainchild was born. The show was a personal favorite of mine. My passion (OK, more like obsession) for Kate Moss and all things British is no secret among those of you who frequent “certain” online social networks. Through a few Facebook invites and with the help of some incredible local talent, I think we pulled of something that everyone involved can be really proud of. |
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Stella! - |
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Glam Squad - |
It was a week full of fashion in Omaha, with the clear spotlight on FashionLOUD last Saturday at Slowdown. In its second year, LOUD was about more than an event, more than the designers, boutiques or the bands it’s all about the mesh, the cohesive intention of making it work in the name Alexander McQueen.
Local designer Buf Reynolds dropped a bomb when her new looks walked the runway (as usual) and god love the boys of Rock Paper Dynamite, who rocked the McQueen tribute.
A special thanks to Jessica Hill (fahion director of the show) and to all contributing members at Dundee’s Halo Studios, Mary Killian, Jessica Brown and moi, for going the extra mile and properly priming the hair for this humidity. Although it showcased itself, it did so softly, allowing the clothing to be center stage. This draws me back to the simple fact that one should always understand their own look, and they should OWN IT! Know you, and OWN IT! A good example would be LOUD Mistress of Ceremonies, Stella Zotis. This diva KNOWS as well as everyone else that she is a hardcore, rock ‘n’ roll, in-your-face, New York woman! |
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Turn It Up - |
Giving Hope with FashionLOUD
by Sarah Lorsung Tvrdik
Here’s a fundraising recipe for Omaha’s Hope Center for Kids: Begin by mixing loads of talented models, musicians, hairstylists, make-up artists and designers. Next, add a pinch of McQueen and carefully fold in a giant heap of rock ‘n’ roll. Finally, add a dash of “leath-uh” and you’ll end up with Omaha’s second annual FashionLOUD event.
FashionLOUD is a spectacular celebration of music and style with host and ringmaster Stella Zotis of “Project Runway” fame. This year’s event is jam-packed with special guests and surprises. Starting at 4 p.m., a T-shirt expo featuring the work of a variety of artists and highlighting other fashion art items will take place indoors, along with a performance by the Jes Winter Band followed by DJ Emy S. During the T-shirt expo, Convicted Skateboards will throw a Skateboard Launch Ramp Appreciation Day ’80s Style outdoors at the Slowdown.
The runway portion will begin at 8:30 p.m., with host Stella Zotis introducing local designer Buf Reynolds, known for her draping talents, use of soft, flowing fabrics, and, as the designer told The Reader, “[For her ability to] create garments that complement a woman’s body, no matter her size.” She will show a total of 20 new looks, comprised of swimwear and dresses. |
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Glam Squad - |
Summer planning has commenced we must act now because summer is always here and gone before you know it. The Squad took its first opportunity for summer vacation, traveling to the one and only Motor City USA, for Movement, Detroit’s Electronic Music Festival, and caught a view of the global dance scene’s fashion.
Glitter is apparently no longer acceptable among the Divas except as an accent as it is known to be a disco standard. Seeing more European looks with extremely loose, cotton, boat-necks revealing feminine dιcolletage.
As for shorts, they’re short again! Not that the long cargo shorts trend, originating in the grunge of the early ’90s and transformed into the prepster style for two-plus decades is not appreciated again European influence can be seen as the above-the-knee shorts are back with a modern cubic style. |
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Style Savvy - |
This week a friend pulled an intervention on me. I told him not to worry, that I was fine and I could stop anytime I wanted. He wasn’t convinced. After he sat me down and expressed some serious concerns, I realized that I may, in fact, actually have a problem.
I’m addicted to online social networks.
It’s not like I need a 12-step program, but I could definitely benefit from a reassessment of the number of hours I spend on Facebook.
These days, it’s hard to remember life before the Internet. And now, modern technology makes it far too easy for an Internet junkie such as myself to log on anywhere, any place, anytime. Between Facebook, Youtube, Ustream, and Myspace, who needs real friends or a real social life? Right? |
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Glam Squad - |
Another week in Omaha, this one cold and gray.
Thursday was all about the Burrito Boys, who laid down tracks celebrating their reunion at Bar 415 in the Old Market.
Friday, it was off to Eat the Worm and the Squad was impressed with the venue’s new “Inferno” night. The pub, on Howard Street between 12th and 13th Streets, was packed. I have never seen so many awesome salsa dresses all bright colors and flowing movement. Where do these lovely patrons find such awesome dresses? The consensus was, online.
Moving on to Saturday night, Benson was the place to be. Hands down. The streets were packed. Jake’s Cigar Bar hosted its “Just ’Cuz We Can” block party with the street just outside blocked off and full of people. It was a celebration for everyone. Insiders say they expected about 300 people, but with everything going on in Benson, I think they easily doubled that number. |
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Master Stylist - |
Nicholas French brings his talents to Omaha
by Paul Kenney
When it comes to hair, Nicholas French has seen it all. After traveling the world from Japan to Australia to Switzerland and back, he has secured his name as one of the most renowned hair stylists in the business. French has lent his expertise to designers and their runway shows for the last several decades. The houses of Emanuel Ungaro, Eres, Alpana Bawa, Levi, Doll House, Luca Luca, Guess Jeans and Betsey Johnson have all relied on his talent and experience at one time or another. He has appeared on Fashion TV, E! and “The Today Show.”
This past week French was right here in Omaha. As the artistic director of Matrix, he is traveling with the company on the “Get Connected Tour.” |
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Glam Squad - |
For the past few weeks, Matrix, the international leader in beauty and hair-care products, has been calling Omaha home with the Matrix Get Connected Tour. The month-long series targeted Omaha-area hairstylists, colorists and salon industry professionals with events, hands-on education courses and business-building programs.
The tour, which featured appearances by award-winning celebrity stylists, including Ammon Carver, Cori Randall, Daniel Roldan and Nicholas French (see my interview with him on this page), was intended to open the door to new careers in the hair-care industry with artistic educator auditions, a cosmetology school scholarship and a chance to go head-to-head with top Matrix artistic designers in the Matrix Iron C.R.A.F.T. Challenge. It truly has been about enhancing the skills and knowledge of Omaha stylists. |
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Style Savvy - |
Last week, May 3-9, was not my finest hour fashion-wise (to say the least). Bloodshot eyes, bedhead hair and a pajama pant dress code are all tell-tale signs of a college student in the midst of finals week. Chalk it up to an occupational hazard. But looking like a hot mess was the least of my worries. The synapses in my brain had taken a leave of absence and were no longer firing. By the time Friday rolled around I felt (and looked) like I had undergone a recent lobotomy. The weekend meant freedom. School was out for summer. No more thinking and no more learning, for three whole months ... unless I’m thinking about locations for happy hour or learning the drink prices on the menu. Elation. Naturally, my mother calls me Saturday to inform me that we will be spending Sunday (Mother’s Day) downtown at Bodies: The Exhibition learning about anatomy. Cue the violins. Tears may have been involved but I choked them back. Who argues with their mom about how she should spend Mother’s Day? I mean, I get 364 days out of the year devoted to me ... and she gets one.
I went. It was packed. It was expensive (more than $20 a ticket). It was ... amazing. Maybe I was still in my sleep-deprived haze and was hallucinating, but if I’m not mistaken I think I might have loved it. |
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Glam Squad - |
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Life changing, cathartic experiences happen to each of us over the span of a lifetime. However, they happen so rarely that when one actually occurs it’s hard to ignore. One such catharsis struck me less than a month ago. It happened like this: I was just getting ready to settle in for a night of reality TV and junk food (two staples in the life of a college student in her prime) when a documentary on basic cable disrupted my channel surfing. No sooner had I taken a bite of my double cheeseburger (no pickle, no mustard) before Alec Baldwin began berating the consumption of processed meat and any and all food derived from animals. Maybe it was his somber tone of voice (he is a great actor) or maybe it was the gut-wrenching imagery. Suffice it to say the burger wound up in the trash as I sat watching the remainder of the documentary in horror. As the credits rolled, I realized that this was probably a moment to regroup entirely. |
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Glam Squad - |
It was a record-setting, hair-raising weekend, literally, this Saturday at the Mid-America Center as 552 hair stylists simultaneously cut 552 heads of hair setting the Guinness Book of World Record’s mark for “Most People Cutting Hair.”
The awesome event was part of the “World’s Largest Hands-On Workshop,” being put on by Peel’s Salon Services as part of the Omaha-based company’s annual spring trade show, which ran Saturday and Sunday. |
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In Bloom - |
Mark Held brings his flower power to
Lauritzen Gardens
by Jill Bruckner Robberts
As an artist in the fragile medium of flowers, Mark Held is a master. Co-author of Fabulous Parties with partner Richard David and caterer Peggy Dark, Held will visit Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens Wednesday, April 21.
“Flowers are beautiful on their own, but for an event, it’s the way they are combined and presented that is important,” Held, whose large-scale designs can exceed 25,000 blooms, said. “The way the shapes and sizes of blooms are combined. The use of primary flowers combined with smaller blooms, and textural elements. The way the colors are mixed for impact; and, the way the flowers are used to express the theme of a particular event a wedding, a party, an anniversary, etc. All occasions require a different approach.” |
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Glam Squad - |
The week started Wednesday, March 31, with a peak into some awesome Omaha fashion. After Glam Squad’s trek to the Winter Music Conference in Miami, we were hungry for some local action.
Nomad’s Omaha Fashion Week preview show showcased some great work by local designers. Omaha fashionistas were in abundance at the preview, which was hosted by the Omaha Women’s Fund.
The Nomad event was the perfect primer for the night’s main event Bassnectar at Slowdown! From bar to venue Slowdown has it all, all the time. Although I’ve seen this phenomenal DJ more times than you can count on fingers and toes, this was one of the best and the night was a definite success. |
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Big Hair - |
Peel’s attempts
Guinness record with spring show event
by Jill Bruckner Robberts
Peel’s Salon Services is taking “a cut above” to a whole new level. The family owned, internationally recognized organization is hosting the World’s Largest Hands-On Workshop at its spring show this Saturday. April 10.
“Linda Melia (vice president, Peel’s) and I wanted to do something hands-on for cosmetologists, such as several small workshops during the Peel’s Show,” said Lyndsey Rys, director of education, Peel’s Salon Services. “Before long it turned into doing one main event for the masses and kept growing. Now, we are doing it to set a world record.”
Officially, Peel’s workshop is listed as “Most People Cutting Hair” on the Guinness World Records website, and is approved as an attempt at the record for an event of this type.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the face of cosmetology by setting a world record,” Rys said. “When will anyone ever be able to do this type of event again?” |
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