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…
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.
You may or may not know… I have a restaurant named after me in Chicago, Riva! Okay, it’s not named after me, but unless the owner is reading this… I will claim it is!
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.
Now I know I have said this a million times, but my absolute favorite thing about blogging is meeting new people and finding new businesses to support. I started my blog about two and a half years ago and since then I have met countless people I may or may not have ever met otherwise. There are brands I wouldn’t have ever discovered and stores I may not have been introduced to. It’s funny how a couple years can make such a difference and made an impact on the way I shop now. I would much rather take the advice from a reputable blogger the way I share my honest opinions with others, to help make shopping easier and more efficient.
I was introduced to Willow Boutique by email and was instantly drawn to the shop. Although it’s located three and half hours north, I am still one to support a local-ish store over a national chain. They were kind enough to gift this adorable outfit and I cannot wait to share their store with you all! When you get a minute, go to their website to see their amazing selection of pieces to elevate your closet!
I often drive down Lake Drive (for my non-Milwaukee followers, it’s the fanciest block with all the houses facing Lake Michigan) and have always loved a particular house, with amazing landscaping, so decided to feature it today. I figured I wasn’t trespassing, and the likely-hood of the owners following my blog was slim. And I mean, I am technically on the sidewalk 😉 But I figured the outfit I had on was the definition of the most Summer Uniform so their flowers were the perfect backdrop.
Now to the outfit… I was drawn to the fun woven straps on this adorable Knot Sisters top and I even got a compliment from my husband, who never notices my clothes… I mean unless he’s making fun of me or telling me I look really good. The Joe’s Denim skirt is a great addition to my summer and fall wardrobe. I am excited to pair it with a sweater and pair of booties. Naturally I don’t take my Gucci belt off so I thought it’s presence was a great addition.
Have you found a store through social media or a blog that has impacted your closet?
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.
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??
I’m not going to lie, these photos were taken when it was cold enough to wear a jacket. Although, here in Wisconsin you never know when to put the jackets and boots away… June? July? who knows, every year is different.
I came into work wearing this blazer style coat and immediately my co-worker Melba (me in 30 years) told me she liked my ‘boyfriend’s jacket’. I said, ‘HUH?’ She told me they called that style back in the day, your boyfriend’s jacket. When she said that, it immediately made me think of a high school letterman’s jacket, but loved the idea of ‘my boyfriend’ vs the ‘the quarterback who I would never have dated in any case’, concept.
Wondering why I didn’t say my Husband’s jacket… He would NEVER wear anything like this, ha! You know the saying, “doctor’s kid is always sick”, well I need a saying something like, “fashionista’s husband never gets new clothes”.
Something about polka dots gives me a nostalgic kind of feel. Maybe because I grew up in the 90’s and/or because I probably wore too many of them. If you have been paying attention to this spring’s trends, or maybe if you haven’t, take a look now and you will notice polka dots are everywhere. I honestly can’t get enough of them. I have had to actually stop buying clothes with the fun print… But this top was too adorable to not get… And it’s less than $20 so I didn’t have to debate for long if I needed it or not!
Copyright 2018. What Riva Wore
Design by Greg C. Alfaro
Follow along for fashion, styling, and lifestyle tips!