Milwaukee Archives - What Riva Wore

Pretty in Platinum: Luxe Jewelry by Platinum Born

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.

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Milwaukee Moments: A night at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel in the Historic Third Ward

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.

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Sunset in the City

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.

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Milwaukee Moments: On The Water At Discovery World

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.

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Everyday Favorites with Evereve

So, where I’ve been shopping…

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.

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Milwaukee Moments: The Best Brunch, Hotel Madrid

Riva Treasure
July 18, 2018
Lifestyle / Milwaukee / Summer Fashion / Trends
8 Comments

Brunch: The basic Wisconsin staple for a Summer Sunday

I decided to document one of my favorite brunch spots, Hotel Madrid. I love the restaurant for almost too many reasons; their food is delicious, staff is fabulous and the decor is Instagram worthy to say the least! They kicked off a new menu for summer and I was lucky enough to get to try it out on the first day it debuted to the public!

Enjoy all the photos below and I hope you have a chance to get over to Hotel Madrid very soon! I am running a giveaway for two tickets to their next event, the Summer Cookout. Check out my Facebook page on how to enter! Drop a comment below with your favorite brunch meal for an extra entry!

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Milwaukee Moments at Movida: The Perfect Happy Hour Outfit

Riva Treasure
June 20, 2018
Lifestyle / Milwaukee / Spring Fashion / Summer Fashion
27 Comments

Movida, a Spanish tapas restaurant in Milwaukee.

The warmer weather has me craving outside patios and sangria. Where can I get both… Movida. I decided to capture a night out with my friendnographer, Gina. I am putting a twist on my next couple blog posts by not only featuring my outfit but showing where and what I actually do for fun! Why not feature a business I like in the process??

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Anniversary Celebration at The Iron Horse Hotel

Riva Treasure
June 7, 2018
Lifestyle / Milwaukee / Summer Fashion / Travel
16 Comments

Memorial Day weekend isn’t just an extended holiday weekend for me and my husband Michael. May 25th is our wedding anniversary and it almost always falls on the holiday weekend. To kick off the celebration of seven years of marriage, I planned a weekend that we would both enjoy; a night at the Iron Horse Hotel and a weekend of brunching and exploring Walker’s Point. Michael has been dying to get to the Iron Horse and the hotel was kind enough to partner with us to start the weekend off great.

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Girls Weekend at the Pfister Hotel Milwaukee

Riva Treasure
April 17, 2018
Lifestyle / Milwaukee / Spring Fashion / Trends / Winter Fashion
15 Comments

The Pfister Hotel is a landmark in Milwaukee and I am so proud that we have such an amazing place to represent out city. I had the honor of sharing a girls night there with three of my favorite Milwaukee bloggers. We were wined, dined and pampered, and I have probably too many photos to share, but a photo really is worth a thousand words. The beautiful hotel was built in 1893 and has continued to be the ‘it’ hotel in Milwaukee.

Let me take you along on the two day #staycation we enjoyed… We arrived in style and a naturally had to document the stunning exterior of the hotel. The intricate facade has a very vintage, but inviting feel. I mean, even the flipping parking lot has curb appeal. Now, if you have been to the hotel, you know how indescribably beautiful the lobby is… Take a look at the photos below. In addition to the ornate painted ceiling, there are beautiful pieces of art mixed throughout the entire hotel.

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My Favorite Workout: Barre District

I want to preface this blog post with one thing: I am no fitness blogger. But a girl has to stay fit… I mean, semi fit because ya know, carbs. So I thought I would start a little series about my favorite workouts coming from a normal person!

I was introduced to barre classes a few years ago when the studio opened up new near my house. I had never really heard of barre, but thought it would be fun to try and was instantly hooked. I have struggled for so long to find a workout that I love. I was either not coordinated enough to go to zumba, my feet fall asleep on the elliptical or I was just standing around, people watching of course. I also feel like when I am at the gym, I’m kind of clueless as to what to do on all the machines. I grew up competitively Irish dancing, so running on a treadmill just doesn’t cut it for me. I try to explain in the way that I was trained for 14 years to give it your all for two to three minutes of dancing. Obviously we practiced for hours, but I do not have an stamina. Barre classes are great to all ages, size and body types.

I want to also mention, this post is not sponsored, I just LOVE barre! One other thing that drew me to immediately to Barre District in particular was Christina, the owner. She is hilarious, so motivating and all around an amazing person. The vibe of the classes is always positive with a goofy mood. You can easily make an obnoxious, “this move is hard” face at anyone in the class, and you won’t get a crazy look back. I never feel judged and everyone that attends the classes is super laid-back. Christina also throws crazy classes like on the riverwalk in downtown Milwaukee, on the floor at the Bradley Center and her next class, on stage at the Marcus Center for Performing Arts. She also knows how to throw a bad ass party after a 60-90 day challenge.

So, if you’re local, give it a try! The first class is free!

What is your favorite workout?

Riva.