Champagne and charcuterie are two of my favorite things in life.
They pair so well together and I feel so fancy consuming both. So, when the opportunity came to partner with Sendik’s for my annual ladies wine party at my home, I knew this theme would be a blast. Deer Widows Weekend is the opening weekend of hunting here in Wisconsin and to me, it’s the perfect opportunity to have a get together with my girlfriends.
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Milwaukee’s newest hotel did NOT disappoint. Saint Kate Arts Hotel is a boutique hotel created by artists for artists. The hotel’s name even gives a nod to Saint Catherine, the patron saint of artists and all that she inspired. The entire hotel feels like a work of art with not one detail missed.
I know every single person reading this can relate. A wardrobe rut. It happens to all of us and if you think it hasn’t happened to you, you’re lying! But, how do we get out of this?! Here are five ways I find inspiration and style outfits using clothes I already own, or spend little to no money for new ones.
Summerfest. For us local Milwaukeeans, it means the official kickoff to Summer! I have such fond memories of Summerfest from high school, my 20's and now! So many amazing musical artists…
If you haven't figured it out yet, accessories, jewlery to be specific, is my favorite form of fashion. Now you know I like a gaudy statement earring, but I also enjoy…
You all know I am jewelry obsessed. Costume, custom, and luxury, I love it all. I would say I have more pieces of jewelry than I do clothes and handbags. My Mom always said I got the jewelry gene and I am proud to embrace it. She grew up working at a jewelry store and has been collecting pieces from a very young age. Anytime I get to raid her jewelry boxes, I am there. We attend wholesale jewelry shows where we purchase loose stones, vintage pieces and most of the time just drool over the beautiful handcrafted pieces.
Coco Chanel once said, ‘take one piece of jewelry off before you leave the house’. I have never been able to stomach that advice. You will find me with multiple bracelets on, probably two stacked necklaces, and always a pair of earrings on! Partnering with a beautiful and elegant jewelry line is a dream come true. I may be a bit too much when it comes to the jewelry department, but the simplicity of Platinum Born has me believing I could be a one necklace woman.
I was approached by a local high-end jeweler, Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, I was ecstatic to work with them. Supporting local has always been my number one goal so visiting the jewelry store that has been family owned since 1899 was very special. The store carries beautiful engagement rings, earrings to make a statement, luxury watches you can’t get anywhere else and lucky for you… A beautiful and elegant collection called Platinum Born.
I’m not sure about you, but when I hear the word platinum, I instantly think of quality, luxe, and class, and that is exactly what the entire Platinum Born line embodies. As seen on the likes of GiGi Hadid and Priyanka Chopra, you feel fabulous when you have it on. It’s timeless but modern. The simplicity of the necklaces is inviting to even a beginner jewelry wearer. Made only from platinum the pieces are handcrafted to give the illusion of diamonds and believe me, it takes the eye a while to figure that out.
You don’t have to take my word for how beautiful and versatile these pieces are, take a look below.
Riva.
I have a soft spot in my heart for the Historic Third Ward, so when the opportunity to collaborate with its most desired hotel presented itself, I was thrilled.
Cue in the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel.
Why do I love the Third Ward so much? I actually lived in this historic neighborhood for over four years and have enjoyed watching the transformation it has taken over the last ten years. When my parents told me they had purchased a condo in the Third Ward and we would be moving from Wauwatosa (halfway through my junior year of high school!) I was so confused, but was reassured that I would stay at the same high school AND have a huge closet. Little did I know, I would be in the prime location of Milwaukee, minutes from everything, and obviously, living in the coolest neighborhood in Milwaukee! Not to mention when college came around, I had the most desirable hang out spot before heading to Summerfest (one of the largest music festivals in the world) or out on the town for the evening. The Historic Third Ward, which is one of the most visited areas of Milwaukee, is also known as an art district specifically for its Gallery Night and Day event, which takes place four times each year. It’s full of character and is always booming with locals and tourists alike.
I was ecstatic to hear Milwaukee was getting it’s first Kimpton Hotel, the Journeyman. I visited the Kimpton Monaco Hotel in Denver, Colorado a few years back, and was blown away by the service, decor, and ambiance. I knew a boutique hotel would be the perfect addition to our city and the location was so fitting. What was even more exciting is that it would be built right next to my parent’s condo so I can visit them and head over to the hotel’s rooftop bar after.
When the Journeyman Hotel opened, I immediately went to check it out. I was blown away by the luxe interior design and the meticulous attention to detail found even in the smallest nooks and crannies. Featuring stunning light fixtures, an inviting fireplace, and mid-century modern decor, the hotel caters to all tastes and is the perfect addition to the Milwaukee hotel portfolio, as there is no other hotel like it.
Besides the stunning interior design, there are other amazing amenities the Journeyman offiers: their social hour for guests featuring free local brews, their pet-friendly vibe, with pet sitting and dog walking services available, a pool table in the lobby and a personal, complimentary yoga mat in your room. You will be entertained during your stay, for sure.
Nothing like a crisp fall golden-hour night. Well, maybe a pina colada on the beach. But come on, look at how beautiful Milwaukee is!
I discovered this uniquely lovely riverwalk space on a local photographer’s Instagram and knew I had to go. It’s so gorgeous in person and is the perfect playground for a blogger.
If you haven’t noticed by now, fall is my favorite season. I have never been partial to summer or warmer weather fashion. I mean, if you live in the Midwest as I do, you must love colder weather (better) or you should probably move south. Something about putting on a warm sweater or pair of boots, really gets my spirit going!
I found this beautiful trench coat earlier this summer on my first visit to the Fashion Outlets of Chicago. If you haven’t gone, boy, are you missing out. They have every store from Gucci, to Diane Von Furstenberg, to Burberry. I picked up this scalloped beauty from Club Monaco. I paired it with my trusty Target tank top and of course, added a pop of pattern with the earrings and heels.
What is your favorite season for fashion?
Riva.
I hate to even type this…but I have never been to Discovery World here in Milwaukee. You know I am Milwaukee’s number one cheerleader, so what’s my excuse? Sadly, I do not have one. I knew I had to change, so I scheduled a visit! I was welcomed with open arms to come take some photos and explore the science and technology museum right on Lake Michigan. My consensus, it’s amazing! Interactive, easy to navigate, and ultimately, a good time. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy this museum; you’ll see below, once you get there you feel like a kid! My favorite part of Discovery World had to be the Reiman Aquarium! I enjoyed seeing all the sea creatures from the Great Lakes, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and, naturally, poking the tank as if that would get their attention.
In addition to the interactive exhibits and hands on labs, Discovery World also hosts sail rides on the Denis Sullivan. The sailing vessel is the world’s only re-creation of a 19th century three-masted, Great Lakes schooner and it is seriously SO cool to see in person. Michael and I had the pleasure of hoping aboard for a brew sail a few weeks ago and it was such a memorable experience! We were treated to Gathering Place beer (their IPA was delicious) while sailing Lake Michigan. It was so great to see the city from the water! I high recommend a brew sail for a special date night.
Visiting a Milwaukee staple, I knew I had to represent a local boutique, Soho Boutique. The red striped top has a nautical feel, so why not wear it next to water? I will never turn down a peplum top, so that’s why the top was so appealing to me! I loved the shape of the sleeves and the tie in the back is adorable. I paired the top with these Flying Monkey denims which were comfortable and I knew the hemline had to be in my closet. I completed the look with my chunky black hemp wedges and naturally, a fun bucket bag!
Are there any landmarks in your city you are dying to see? And to my local followers, have you been to Discovery World yet?
Riva.
I hope I’m not the only one that cannot quite get the in between of a super dressy and a super casual outfit…? Ya know when you look at your closet and think to yourself, “I just want to be comfortable, but I want to look nice and fashionable”. Cue in Evereve. With a mixture of casual, dressy, trendy and designer pieces, believe me, you can’t leave empty handed. I knew I was in trouble the second I got to the store. Mel (Store Manager) was putting the easel sign outside The Corners of Brookfield location, and I instantly saw her adorable leopard slides. One of those, don’t question, just buy, moments kicked in. Hence why you see them here.
My experience while shopping at the store was what was the fun part. There were about five stylists working, all of whom gave me recommendations, friendly critiques and very nice compliments, while trying on half the store. All of the stylists are trained in finding the best pieces for your body type and style. Their ultimate goal is that you leave happy.
Copyright 2018. What Riva Wore
Design by Greg C. Alfaro
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