Linden's Look

IN WITH THE NEW!

2012-11-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

Alright friends. I put a lot into this blog from the time I started it in 2010 until my time in Minnesota came to an end this summer, but I feel it is time for a change. You might call me a compulsive blog-starter, but I say I just have endless creativity!

Anyways, now you can find me over at My Life as Linden, a blog that yes, still touches on style and fashion, but will also include anything and everything that happens to me or happens to be on my mind, as the title suggests. Watch out. I really intend for this blog to last me a lot longer than previous ones; it's mostly completed, but you might observe a few tweaks here and there in the next week or so. Again, I do hope you continue to follow my life adventures over here. Thanks!

Note: As of November 29, 2012, this blog domain will be deleted. Sad face :(

I'VE BEEN THE ABSOLUTE...

2012-09-09T21:59:00.000-05:00

...WORST blogger lately. I've neglected to post outfit photos, snippets of anything interesting going on in my life, you name it. This is a virtual apology to my (3, maybe 4?) readers (you know who you are), and a promise to do better in the future. I've been keeping busy on a new exercise routine, plus I've been continuing my freelancing work as well as keeping up with a few other side jobs here and there.

Things should return to normal here in a few days; meanwhile, don't mind me as I pull a shameless self-promotion by encouraging you to read a few stories via the September 2012 issue of San Antonio Magazine. Knock yourself out:

1. Welcome, Mr. President: Entertaining the commander-in-chief

2. Fredericksburg: Shop for antiques or modern accessories, savor sweets and enjoy small-town charm

VACATION

2012-08-23T13:48:00.002-05:00

I'm taking a two-week trip to Oregon to visit my grandparents next month, and I am already eagerly anticipating the cooler weather (current lows in the 40s? Hooray.) They live in a rural town about two hours away from the coast; whenever I visit it's always so relaxing–we spend time outdoors, take drives, visit the beach, etc. I'm hoping to scoop up a few cute yet comfy weather-appropriate items like these before I leave.

1. DV by Dolce Vita Simone Bootie

2. J. Crew chino shorts

3. Vibrant floral bodycon skirt

4. Ponte blazer

5. Cotton chambray shirt

6. Suede loafers

MICHELLE DOCKERY IN HARPER'S BAZAAR

2012-08-20T11:24:00.000-05:00

Photos via Harper's Bazaar

Michelle Dockery, aka Lady Mary Crawley, appears in the September 2012 issue of Harper's Bazaar (more photos and article here) looking beautiful as usual. I still can't believe we have to wait until January for the new season of Downton Abbey, but I am pretty excited to see Michelle in November's Anna Karenina with Keira Knightley!

MY BEAUTY ROUTINE

2012-08-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

This isn't really a beauty blog, but I am always inspired by and interested in reading about others' makeup routines, so I thought I would share mine just for kicks. I love makeup, but I hate putting it on. It's such a slow, precise process, and one of my faults is always wanting things to get done in a hurry. I started wearing makeup in the 8th grade–just a little mascara–but now have other favorite products and a favored routine that I've used for the past several years.

As you can see, I love CoverGirl. It's affordable and does the trick. Almay's eyeliner has long been a must-have for me because it stays on all day and never smudges. I also love Maybelline's mascaras–they've always seemed to give my lashes the most volume. I don't know if anyone else does this, but I've gotten into the habit of first applying the Great Lash mascara to my top lashes, then using the Colossal on my bottom lashes followed by a little bit of finish on top. Weird? Maybe. Effective? Yes.

1. CoverGirl NatureLux Silk foundation (shade 305)

2. CoverGirl TruBlend Minerals loose powder (shade 405)

3. CoverGirl TruBlend Minerals bronzer (shade 435)

4. CoverGirl TruCheeks blush (shade 2)

5. Maybelline Great Lash mascara (brownish black)

6. Maybelline Colossal Volum Express mascara (classic black)

7. Almay crayon eyeliner (black brown)

FEATURED IN...

2012-08-14T18:25:00.000-05:00

I recently wrote a really fun article for the July/August issue of San Antonio Magazine: check it out here! I also wrote a few pieces for the September issue, which should be on newsstands soon. Magazine writing and editing is my number one love, so to be able to contribute to my hometown's premier publication is pretty great. Below is a neat video of the magazine's white party I attended last month:

Video courtesy of San Antonio Magazine's YouTube channel.

SUMMERTIME STAPLES

2012-07-24T21:29:00.001-05:00

Generally I'm not a fan of warmer weather–I think it's safe to say I'd rather be wrapped in a cute blazer and scarf while a cool autumn breeze blows through my hair–but summertime fashion is pretty fun. I love printed and high-waisted shorts (see my leopard pair in the post prior to this one), colorful sandals, a sweet floral print dress (with peplum! my new fave), chic hat and some cool aviators. Perfect for summer.

1. Madewell polka dot shorts
2. Urban Outfitters sandals
3. J. Crew Panama hat
4. Topshop floral peplum dress
5. Topshop high-waisted denim shorts
6. Target aviators

LEOPARD

2012-07-21T21:03:00.000-05:00

{tee & wedges: Target, shorts & earrings: Forever 21}

I am all about comfort, and this outfit is very comfortable. Sometimes there's nothing better than a simple tee and shorts combo, jazzed up with funky feather earrings and classic wedges.

WHITE PARTY

2012-07-18T17:20:00.000-05:00

{dress: Charlotte Russe, shoes: Target, earrings: Francesca's}

The white party was a total blast. My sister and I had a great time hanging out at Tony Parker's Nueve Lounge celebrating the awesome new issue of San Antonio Magazine (get your copy and turn to page 36!) The highlight of the night was probably watching older couples shake it on the dance floor. I ended up finding my dress at the last place I went to–Charlotte Russe. My little sister found it hidden in a random rack and suggested I try it on. I can't say no to peplum, so I did, and I loved it! It was absolutely perfect (and functional) for a professional party.

ALL WHITE EVERYTHING

2012-07-16T22:00:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow night I'm attending a white party (everyone wears primarily white) for San Antonio Magazine to celebrate its fabulous redesign. I've never attended a party like this and (gasp!) still don't have the perfect white dress to wear–I hope to find it tomorrow on a frantic search. Luckily, I know that I work best under pressure. I am really looking forward to seeing the new July/August issue in print, but also to the swag bags, giveaways, yummy food and cocktails, some good music and good company.

Tell me: have you ever purchased a white cocktail dress? How did your search go?

Little white dress inspiration:

1. Alice + Olivia

2. Anthropologie (Deletta)

3. Nordstrom (Ted Baker)

4. Nordstrom (Jill Stuart)

BLACK & WHITE

2012-07-02T17:31:00.000-05:00

{dress: Urban Outfitters, shoes: Target}

"White" could just as easily refer to my skin as it does to my dress. Still working on that tan. Also, I love peplum. The end.

MINNESOTA PALE

2012-06-27T17:06:00.002-05:00

{dress: Forever 21, shoes: Steve Madden, bracelet: gifted}

I bet you can guess why this post is titled the way it is. I'm hitting the pool tomorrow. That is all.

BACK IN THE SADDLE

2012-06-23T16:03:00.000-05:00

Well, I am home once again after officially saying goodbye to Minneapolis. It's nice to be back in San Antonio, despite the scorching heat. Since my arrival I've had the chance to catch up with my family, browse through La Cantera (isn't my new wallet cute?), enjoy some tasty Tex Mex and score a freelancing gig!

RECENT PURCHASES

2012-06-03T16:32:00.000-05:00

Bring on summer! I'm headed to the 100 degree heat on Saturday, so I am preparing with a lightweight floral dress, basic black miniskirt, lightweight cropped blazer, printed tank, gray pumps and black sandals. There's nothing like some affordable summertime staples and basics to mix and match throughout the season.

1. Flounce trim floral dress (Forever 21)
2. Suede wedges (Target)
3. Body con skirt (Target)
4. Sandals (Target)
5. Cropped buttoned shawl collar blazer (Forever 21)
6. Jungle rose ruffle tank (Forever 21)

A SMALL HIATUS

2012-05-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

I've been a little off the grid lately–with my birthday two weeks ago, a flurry of job applications, my internship ending next week, and moving out the very next day, my mind has been quite preoccupied! Not to mention the weather has been super bizarre, a scorching 90 degrees one day and a rainy 60 degrees the next. I have some new outfits that I've been dying to post but just haven't managed to find the time or energy. So, to tide you over (hopefully not for too long), enjoy this picture I took two weekends ago of an awesome meal I had at the Bulldog Restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis. YUM.

BAND OF THRIFTERS VINTAGE SALE

2012-05-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

On Saturday my girl Leah and I checked out the Band of Thrifters vintage sale, a pop-up shop located in a northeast Minneapolis salon. The sale was chock full of goodies–suitcases, dresses, belts, shoes, accessories, etc., and Leah purchased two summery tops and a cute pair of green earrings. Check out her Style Parlor blog post here!

Also check out my most recent post about St. Kate's Katwalk!

ON THE KATWALK

2012-05-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday night I covered an event for the magazine called St. Kate's Katwalk–a fashion show put on by St. Catherine University's apparel design and fashion merchandising students. This year's theme was "eco-logic", as many of the designs were eco-friendly and made with sustainable materials. It was a fun, high-energy event with tons of cool looks and talented designers. Keep an eye out in the next few days for my Style Parlor blog post about the show!

P.S. Click here to read my most recent Style Parlor post, an interview with a local salon owner who was inspired by the legendary Vidal Sassoon.

LIFE LATELY

2012-05-11T17:59:00.000-05:00

Well, in case you're missing it: I recently got my hair cut, tried brunch at Salut Bar Americain on a rainy Saturday afternoon (Florentine Benedict + hand-cut fries + iced tea = totally delish), felt at home eating a catered BBQ lunch and snapped a matchy matchy photo of the intern crew, also known as the cheetah girls.

RECENT PURCHASES

2012-05-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

1. Cardigan (from Urban Outfitters)

2. Wedges (from Target)

3. Jeans (from Urban Outfitters)

I've been in need of some wardrobe basics and didn't feel like braving the mall to look for them, so I took a chance and ordered them online (minus the shoes–those I bought in-store; see them on here). There was free shipping and a 10% off code, so the shopping daredevil side of me took over as I pushed the "submit order" button. I held my breath as I opened the package when it arrived last week, half terrified the cardigan and jeans wouldn't fit, half excited because I really, really liked them and wanted them to work out.

Well, work out they did! The cardigan is a classic piece and has a great fit, and the jeans are the perfect length and have just the right amount of stretch. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised by my online ordering skills!

SUMMER NECESSITIES

2012-05-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

A few things you'll need for a super stylish summer:

1. Espadrille wedges (from Target)
2. Printed maxi skirt (from Zappos)
3. Mint green clutch (from Topshop)
4. Chambray shirt (from Old Navy)
5. Striped swimsuit cover-up (from Target)
6. Colored cropped skinny jeans (from Nordstrom)

HOLA LUNCH

2012-05-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Several days ago, I had my first taste of Hola Arepa since the food trucks reemerged after going into winter hibernation. It's definitely my favorite, followed closely by both the Dandelion Kitchen (the three cheese grilled cheese is melt-in-your-mouth delicious) and Barrio food trucks (Barrio has the BEST guac you've ever tasted.... and I'm from Texas).

90s REVIVAL

2012-04-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

{jean jacket: Old Navy, dress & earrings: Forever 21, flats: UO, watch: Michael Kors}

When 1990 rolled around I was only two, so I spent basically all of my kid and preteen years in the decade. It's no secret that the jean jacket was one of the biggest fads back then, but it's making a much more fashionable comeback now. I loved pairing my new one with this floral dress and colorful flats, and I can't wait to wear it with more fun patterned dresses and sandals, as well as with some of my maxi dresses and wedges.

TWIN CITIES BUCKET LIST

2012-04-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

With mere weeks left until my time in Minnesota comes to an end, I find myself wanting to do things and explore places I have yet to go in the Twin Cities. I've been to a lot of places–the Mall of America, various places in Uptown (Williams, Cafeteria, Chiang Mai Thai) and various places downtown (Bootlegger's, Rosa Mexicano, Barrio, Zelo). I've covered events for the magazine, I went to a Timberwolves game, I helped style for a Kare 11 TV segment, I watched the Holidazzle parade, and I've tried Pizza Luce, myburger, numerous other skyway hotspots and various food trucks (Hola Arepa, Dandelion Kitchen). Here are a few things left on my Twin Cities bucket list:

Photos courtesy of 50th & France's Facebook page

This trendy shopping district in Edina is at the top of my list. The restaurants, the shops, the atmosphere–even though I'm dirt poor and might only be able to grab a coffee, it will still be fun to take it all in!

Photos courtesy of Salut's website

I am dying to try the brunch here. I especially want the Florentine Benedict: spinach, tomato and poached eggs on a toasted English muffin with basil pesto hollandaise. Give me that and a mimosa on a pretty Sunday morning and I would be a happy, happy girl.

Photo courtesy of the University of Minnesota

The land of 10,000 lakes, and I haven't been to a single one! I live minutes from Lake Calhoun, and I've heard it's a great place to hang out when the weather's nice.

Photos courtesy of Blackbird Cafe's Facebook page

I also live literally five minutes from this cafe, located right on the edge of Uptown. The menu changes seasonally–how scrumptious do these dishes look?

P.S. Click here to read my most recent Style Parlor blog post, all about the open back trend.

RIGHT ON TARGET

2012-04-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

{dress & shoes: Target, watch: Michael Kors}

Target. That is all. I got this dress and these shoes on Monday and am so in love. I love that the espadrilles are this wedge/flatform combo, and of course, floral. The dress is the same as the one I recently wore, just a different pattern. You can never have too much of a good thing.

ANOTHER FLORAL DRESS

2012-04-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

{dress: Target, sandals: UO, scarf: J. Crew}

Here it is, my personal style staple: the floral dress. But how could I resist? Target is quickly becoming the mecca for cute, affordable fashion, and I just had to snatch up this dress while it was left in my size. I added one of my favorite scarves (it is in the 50s, after all) and a pair of summery sandals to complete the ensemble.

Also, I promise my legs don't look that white in person. Maybe.