the silver lining

It's no surprise to anyone who knows me that I love jewelry. Between the racks dripping in earrings and necklaces adorning my bedroom wall and the two drawers stuffed full of tackle boxes full of jewels (organized by color, obviously) I think it's safe to say that I definitely have an addiction.

Recently, I've been feeling sterling silver pieces with a homemade/quirky feel. I'm allergic to costume jewelry (very sad for my style and wallet) so sterling is the perfect choice because it doesn't irritate my skin, it looks nice AND it doesn't break the bank.

Below are some great pieces - some I found on Pinterest and some I found through mindless wanderings online when I should have been doing homework. All items are available through Etsy, which is you haven't heard of it is a great online shop that promotes handmade items (there's also a great selection of vintage items).

Wire-wrapped Crystal Pendant, $12

Silver Feather Ring, $16

Tiny Paper Airplane Pendant, $50

So if you're in the market for some new silver bling, make sure to scope out Etsy for some great handmade finds! What sterling jewelry are you drooling over this season?

xo, Meaghan

Pinterest Bling

First off, long time no post! I'm so excited to get MadApparel ramped back up this semester, and I hope you're all excited too!

For my first post back, I thought I'd share some current accomplishments of the Pinterest variety. You know, the case with Pinterest is that you pin about a million things and rarely (if ever) actually make anything you find ... WRONG. My friend Chelsea and I recently made two bracelets that we found on Pinterest - both of which came out great. They were super cheap and easy to make, and I've already gotten tons of compliments on them!

Directions for the blue bracelet here.

Directions for the red bracelet here.

(Hint: Search "DIY bracelets" on Pinterest.)

Both bracelets took well under 15 minutes to make, and costed less than $5 a piece. All supplies are available at either Michael's or Walmart, and come in packages with enough to make more than one bracelet. So why just pin it when you can actually make it? Do you have any great DIYs you've done?

Happy crafting,

Meaghan

in my closet

Who says you have to be frumpy when you're at UREC sweating it out? I mean, I know every time I end up working out I end up seeing everyone - from professors, to past flings and people I'd rather never see again, and everyone in between. And while it is a gym, and I'm beyond against the girls who show up in full hair and makeup, I think it definitely is possible to look good at the gym! (... At least a little bit)

I've recently gotten into running as a way to relieve stress and have a fitness goal to work toward (half-marathon in April, yes I've lost my mind) ... Unfortunately, my athletic wardrobe is seriously lacking. I stocked up on some great tanks and shorts this summer, but now that the weather can't make up its mind I need to invest in layers. From tights to half-zips and fleeces, I'm saving up to splurge on some great pieces to take my training through the seasons.

Nike Pro Combat Thermal Tight

Oiselle Iris Sports Top

http://www.refinery29.com/cute-clothes-for-the-gym-running-yoga-swimming-workout?page=2

http://hikinginstilettos.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html

I'm loving bright colors because 1. they fit my personality and 2. they make you visible for running outdoors (safety first, kids). And while it might just be running, you bet I want to look good doing it. Not only do I like how it makes me seem to others, but it also gives me that little extra confidence boost to make it through my workout.

For more great athletic wear companies with cute styles visit:

- Lululemon

- Lucy

- Adidas by Stella McCartney

What do you wear to workout? Any good places you know of to shop (it is Harrisonburg, after all)?

xo, Meaghan

in my closet

While autumn brings to mind vivid shades of orange, yellow and red (leaf piles, anyone?), autumn (as far as my wardrobe is concerned) is nothing but neutral. Tan, brown, black, taupe, gray, and even pale rose pinks and earthy seafoams (those count as neutrals, right? right) make up about 85% of my closet. Fall is a great chance to start layering, so I tend to layer on neutral on top of neutral to add dimension to an outfit without making it seem too busy. Below are some my favorite closet picks, as well as some items I wouldn't mind adding to my collection ...

Neutral Ground by meago featuring bootie boots

J Crew long sleeve blouse
$170 - net-a-porter.com

J Crew linen t shirt
$35 - net-a-porter.co

Acne peach blouse
£180 - liberty.co.uk

J Crew funnel neck sweater
$110 - net-a-porter.com

Bootie boots
$20 - target.com

TopShop leather oxford
$60 - topshop.com

Banana republic shoes
$110 - bananarepublic.gap.com

H M acrylic shawl
£7.99 - hm.com

Terrifically Taupe Nail Polish
$2.80 - forever21.com

The absolute best thing about neutrals? When you're not piling them on top of each other, they go with everything else! Talk about versatile. And while my mom mayyyy or may not be on the verge of holding a neutral intervention for me, I still can't help myself.

How do you wear your neutrals? Are you as addicted as I am?

xo, Meaghan

in my closet

Denim on Denim: My Take on the Trend

So I've kind of secretly (not-so-secretly) been waiting for fall because 1. it's my favorite season and 2. I really wanted to rock the denim-on-denim trend with my newest denim finds!

I got this great loose-fitted, pocketed chambray shirt this past summer up at a Forever 21 in Maine (actually it was an "XXI Forever" which is a part of Forever 21 but EVEN BETTER than the regular store). The jeans are my brand-spanking new J. Crew toothpicks, and the cardigan was a Goodwill find while up in Maine.

I think this outfit works because of the mix of denim - dark on the bottom and light on top. Also, I wanted to wait until cooler weather so that I could wear a cardigan on top to add a pop of color to break up all the blue. I paired it with some great cut-out oxfords from Forever 21, and some great chunky (and super feminine) turquoise jewelry also from Forever 21.

Jeans: J. Crew

Chambray shirt: Forever 21

Cardigan: thrifted (Goodwill)

Oxfords: Forever 21

Necklace & Ring: Forever 21

How do you feel about the denim-on-denim trend? Too "blue" for you?

xo, Meaghan

in my closet

What's the most colorful, versatile and abundant item in my closet? I'll give you one guess - it's got sleeves, buttons, and rhymes with "hard again" ... That's right folks - THE CARDIGAN.

I can't get enough. Ever. Full sleeve, three-quarter sleeve, buttoned, no buttons, fitted or flowy. I usually gravitate toward neutral tones (like gray, black and tan) because they go with everything but I also love gradually collecting bright cardigans to add an unexpected pop of color to outfits.

The burg's weather recently is a great reason to stock up on your cardis. You might leave your house at 8am wearing a cardi, a jacket and a scarf but then by noon it's in the 80s and the only reason you might keep your cardigan on is the cover the pit stains (this definitely didn't happen to me today. definitely not.). Then a couple hours in Carrier later you walk out into the brisk autumn evening, glad you have your cardi and scarf in tow.

In the market for some new cardigans this season? Check out these:

Striped Knit Cardigan, Forever 21

Twisted Cable Knit (in fall beige), Gap

The Mad Men Collection Cabled Dolman Cardigan, Banana Republic

Felted Colorbar Cardigan, Anthropologie

And lost on ways to wear your new collection of cardis? Check out this video on for some different ways to wear a cardigan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnDXX6SD9qs

What's your favorite way to wear your cardis?

xo, Meaghan

in my closet

What's in my closet right now? Entirely too many clothes ... a lot of which I barely wear. And since Harrisonburg decided to suddenly go from 90 degree sweltering summer to 65 and autumnal, I'm feeling the urge to bulk up my fall staples (because, naturally, my 387695287 sweaters aren't enough - let's be real).

Not only is cold weather approaching, but I'm also itching to build up my professional wear for when I hopefully get a job post-grad (fingers AND toes crossed).

Problem is, my closet cannot handle any more clothes. There are a couple ways to fix this.

1. Follow Kendi's closet overhaul plan. Even though I'm slightly obsessed

with this girl and miiiiight be biased, I think she does a great job of breaking down the process into Purging, Assessing, Organizing, Shopping and Remixing. I think a lot of times we keep things "just in case" but really they're just taking up precious space!

2. Donate. You might not love a shirt, or have nowhere to wear a certain dress, but someone

else might. Stop by your nearest Goodwill, Salvation Army or Saver's to drop off gently used clothing - you can even get a tax write-off for it!

3. My personal favorite idea (that I want to make happen SOON) is a clothing swap party. How awesome would it be if you got all your friends into one apartment, you all brought stuff you were sick of, and you got to leave with great new finds? For free? Seriously, I need to make this

happen ASAP.

... And when I get the time to tackle my cluttered closet, here are some pieces I'll be dying to

add to the mix:

Free Spirit Skirt, Francesca's Collections

Schoolboy Blazer, J. Crew

Slouchy Pocket Pants, Gap

What about you? Are you doing any "fall cleaning" and what items are you drooling over?

xo, Meaghan

in my closet

It's that time of year again ... RUSH. Whether you're starting up rush for your co-ed fraternity (like mine) or you're about to start recruitment for social greek organizations, one of the busiest times of the year is now here. Sure you might be on campus from 8am-9:30pm and sure you might not get any work done because you have no free time, BUT if you're going to be going to rush events you might as well look good doing it, right?

My fraternity, Phi Sigma Phi (co-ed honors) had our second night of rush tonight. I thought it'd be fun to snap some pics of my favorite ways to wear letters! (ps: Sorry for the poor quality pics. It was dark in the room annnnd I may have forgotten my camera at home ...)

Our beautiful president, Heather. It might be hard to tell, but her headband matches her letters perfectly. Cute and simple (and she always has the cutest headbands!)

The lovely Erica. This girl conveniently is my little's roomie, so I get to see her all the time. Let's talk about how obsessed I am with the way she paired a normal t-shirt with classic, pleated black shorts, a crisp white summer scarf, and that silver sequined belt. This girl is runway-ready 24/7 ... I mean it - she does modeling!

Lastly Sameera and I. Love this girl ... Always so cheerful and well-dressed AND she works at UREC like me! She's wearing her class letters with the cutest red and white seersucker shorts and an adorable red, bow belt. And you can't see them, but she's wearing the cutest patent leather sandals with bows, too!

Then there's me (on the left). I'm rocking my favorite pair of letters - they're on an American Apparel t-shirt so they're super comfy. And you can't see it, but the fabric is the cutest grandma-esque floral ever. I paired it with classic jean cutoffs and (even though my shirt conveniently came untucked for this picture) I did have the front of my shirt tucked to expose a skinny, braided brown leather belt (which matched my brown braided leather sandals).

Moral of the story? Letters are more than just greek letters on a t-shirt; letters stand for an organization that you're passionate about ... and they can even be stylish! Don't be afraid to try tucking your shirt, or even wearing letters with a skirt. The ways to wear letters are almost as endless as the potential fabric and shirt color combos of the letters themselves - good thing you have all of rush week to try out different looks!

What greek organizations are you a part of? What's your favorite way to rock letters?

xo, Meaghan

in my closet

Even though it feels like we just got here, it's already time for the first home football game! And while I must admit that I'm not the biggest football buff (shocking, right?) I do love me some school spirit - one of the reasons I love JMU! Whether you're into the game, or just there to tailgate, everyone always tries to rock their JMU best on game day. Why just throw on your favorite shirt when you can bring spirit to your nails (talk about spirit fingers, HA).

One of my favorite ways to waste time? Painting my nails. It's so oddly relaxing to me and it's a great way to be adventurous with your look because it's not permanent. So what will I be doing to prep for game day? Naturally the obligatory ABC run and prepping food for the grill, but you can bet I'm going to town on my nails to kick off my Senior year in spirited style!

LOOK #1

Step 1: Paint entire nail yellow. Let dry completely.

Step 2: Place strip of scotch tape across top of nail; paint purple strip and peel off tape gently.

Step 3: Repeat placing scotch tape, this time below the purple you just painted, and add a strip of gold for extra detail.

Step 4: Dab duke dog paw on with polish brush for a finishing touch!

LOOK #2

Step 1: Paint entire nail yellow. Let dry completely.

Step 2: Place strip of scotch tape halfway down nail and paint top half of nail purple. Let dry.

Step 3: Gold duke dog paw!

Feel free to play around with colors combinations and using tape to create clean lines. Try a pale, french manicure colored nail with either a purple or gold top strip. Play with layering. Have fun with it! After all, it's only a little nail polish. Plus it beats the go-to alternating purple-gold pattern any day.

What are your plans for game day?

xo, Meaghan

in my closet

Way back in February (before this gorgeous weather) Dyana posted about the upcoming maxi skirt trend. I had jumped on the maxi dress trend last summer and bought a cheap dress at K Mart - just in case the trend died out and I was left with a useless maxi dress. As soon as I saw Dy's post, I couldn't wait for the weather to warm up so I could try pairing my old maxi dress with different tops to achieve the new maxi skirt look.

Today I decided to wear a tan, studded, flowy top over my old olive green maxi dress, adding a navy blue skinny belt to accentuate my waistline and also add a pop of color.

Clothes

Maxi Dress: K Mart

Shirt: TJ-Maxx

Shoes: roomie's (Target)

Belt: thrifted (Mercy House)

Jewelry

Left arm:

[bracelet, artisan sale on campus; claddaugh ring, gift from Dad; turquoise ring, Grandmother's]

Right arm:

[watch, thrifted; Pandora bracelet, gift; mustard yellow bracelet, handmade; spoon ring; Oneida]

Not only did I receive many compliments today on how "trendy" my outfit was, but (added bonus) I also was super comfortable! I'm not one to resort to sweats just because finals week is approaching, but this maxi/tunic combo was the perfect mix of cute and comfy!

What do you guys plan on mixing your old maxi dress with this season?

xoxo, Meaghan

in my closet

With temperatures rising, everyone is starting to catch some form of spring fever - in my case this means I'm itching to buy new clothes to accompany the new weather. Unfortunately, my campus job doesn't provide a big enough cash flow to support my J. Crew and Anthropologie dreams. However, it does support another obsession of mine - thrifting. My friend Chelsea and I were dying for some new threads, but didn't feel like breaking the budget, so we made our first ever visit to Mercy House of Harrisonburg. Safe to say I'm hooked. Care to see what I snagged for under $3.00? 

in my closet

Did anybody else go to Madipalooza this weekend? I definitely went and took advantage of a free Eric Hutchinson concert, as well as free food and games! Naturally (as with any JMU event) it came with a free t-shirt. Since everyone seemed to like my last t-shirt re-purpose I figured I'd try a different one - this time leaving the shirt intact with an open, braided back. Got your shirt and scissors ready?

in my closet

I. LOVE. SCARVES. Plain and simple. Being from Massachusetts, I just got used to them being a staple in my wardrobe - I'm pretty sure I wear one almost every day as soon as the temperature drops below 60 ... Which is why Summer is scary. 4 months with no scarves? Seriously?

You can imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon a sampling of some Hermes Scarf Knotting Cards on this blog. While I have nowhere near enough money for a real Hermes scarf, I do have an abundance of scarves to work with.

I decided to try out some of my favorite ideas with a large, lightweight scarf that I snagged at an antique shop in Lynchburg, VA. I elicited the help of one of my best friends Chelsea because 1. it was much easier to figure these ideas out and tie them on her and 2. she was much more photogenic at the time (thanks, Chels!).

Look #1: Turban w/Side Knot

Look #2: Low-back Halter Top

Look #3: Draped Halter Top

Look #4 (and pièce de résistance): Bow-closure Purse

Make sure to check out this post for a slideshow of the cards, with step-by-step directions and more pictures! Do you have any other great ways to use your scarves in the summer?

xo, Meaghan

mint holds 1st "first friday"

Remember Mint? You know, that awesome new store downtown that we reviewed last week? Well the store is starting a tradition called "1st Fridays". Deal is, the first Friday of every month, Mint will have a bunch of items for 10% off AND will showcase local artists (this week features Lynda Bostrom - I love her work!). So while the weather might not be the best for walking around downtown, I would definitely brave the drizzle to check out Mint tomorrow to see all their new items and see what you can snag for 10% off! Let me know if you get any great deals!

xo Meaghan