What's Going On

There are lots of things that go on in my life that don't get posted to RGR. I am an avid Instagram and Twitter user but I know some of you don't utilize those platforms. I thought I would start a little (occasional) series. I'll be highlighting those things that don't make it to the blog and previewing some future content. Because my love of for 60's and 70's R and B runs deep, I thought I would call on Marvin for this one. Sadly Marvin is no longer with us.



May was really busy and June and July promise to be even busier. You know you're in for a crazy summer with the majority of your weekends in May, June and July are booked before the end of March. I'm trying to squeeze in some home repairs, Stella and Dot trunk shows, and relaxation into my schedule.

Falling in love with Korean skin care products, post soon.

I'm trying out some fun new products via Influenster, post soon.

Small changes to our bedroom. A close up of our new comforter.

The Stella & Dot Fall Preview collection launches today!  www.stelladot.com/debv to order

Old chairs to rehab...

A little spray paint and now they are like new and ready for summer!

Fun with friends (and {msL}) and some fantastic new music last weekend.

If you're on Instagram (@realgirlrunway) or Twitter (@realgirlrunway), I'd love for your to follow me. Be sure to say hi and I will return the favor.

Music and Sun

On Saturday I attended my first music festival of the summer. I love festivals. You get the chance to see and hear lots of bands, in one place and usually for a bargain price. We went to the very first Ragtime Carnival at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, Virginia (Richmond area). The festival was organized by one of my favorite bands, Carbon Leaf. The band and their music are very special to me. One of the first dates that {msL} and I went on was to a Carbon Leaf show. We also exited the church and our wedding ceremony to their song, Life Less Ordinary. The festival was two days (Friday evening and Saturday) but we only attended Saturday (Boo work). Sixteen bands played over the two day festival and there were two stages (main and a smaller acoustic stage). The organizers timed things so it was possible to hear all of the bands. We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was a beautiful day, warm in the sun and a slight breeze at times. There was no rain in sight. Comfort was the order of the day for my outfit. I chose a simple dress, a hat for sun protection, my trusty Birks and my new NECTAR sunnies.

 

Dress - Kohl's (No longer available), Shoes - Birkenstock (old style, similar here and here), Hat - Target (men's small), Sunglasses - c/o NECTAR, Bracelets - Stella and Dot (c/o Kristin Biggs), bracelet c/o People VIP and Klout, backup hairbands Goody double wear, and of course my band to buy beer. Earrings - gift, Rings - wedding band and MD Renaissance festival vendor (mid 90's)

There had been rain for two days before the festival. I was a bit worried the field might be a mud pit. I wore ankle boots into the show and once we were settled, I swapped them out for my sandals. I took my trusty bag (it doubles as my beach bag during the summer) with sunscreen, a few toiletries, bug repellent, and a collapsible water bottle.

On top of the perfect weather, the great company (I went with {msL} and my sister), the music was incredible. My sister said it best when she said, "At other festivals, there have been a few bands that I didn't love. That's not the case today. Every band and artist was fantastic. I loved them all!"

On our way (8am), coffee was required.

There were so many memorable moments from the day. I loved the easy going nature of the festival. The artists walked around the grounds, talked to fans and listened to other bands. I got to meet Terry Clark of Carbon Leaf! We share a birthday.

Terry posing with me before his final set.

I also got to meet Sarah Blacker. I'd never gotten to hear her play live before. She even thanked my sister and I for dancing during her set. She so talented and the coolest lady! Emerson Hart (founder of Tonic) played "If You Could Only See", acoustic. It was a nice surprise, since he's a solo artist now and doesn't play that song often. I loved hearing Crystal Bowersox live. She is such a soulful singer songwriter. Finding new favorites is one of the best parts of a festival. Delta Rae and The Wild Feathers are definitely on that list.

Carbon Leaf opening and closing the day.

Thanks to NECTAR Sunglasses, I got to shield my eyes from the sun all day. Their company motto is "Enjoy the Sweet Life".  Saturday was definitely the sweet life. It couldn't have been better. I had never heard of NECTAR before they offered me a pair of their shades to try. I immediately loved the classic shape and the mirrored lenses. They're seriously the lightest pair of sunglasses I've ever worn. Lots of times I will develop a headache from shades that are too tight or too heavy. I wore them all day and that didn't happen. Their prices are so reasonable (right up a real girl's alley). $20 for their standard pairs and $30 for polarized. You can also opt for their Fusion style, where you can swap out the ear pieces for $35. I am wearing the AMETHYST style. I'd love to also snag the RAYVE or the STOKE.

Good news for you! As an RGR reader, you can order your very own pair of NECTAR sunglasses, through this link. Use the code lovenectar at check out and you'll get 10% off of your order! Did I mention that shipping is free!?


NOTE: I was provided a pair of NECTAR sunglasses for review. My review is honest and the opinions expressed here are my own.

How to do a Festival in the Rain

We were looking forward to an amazing Sunday at the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival.  I had planned to wear this fun outfit. Unfortunately, mother nature wasn't playing nice and the forecast predicted a 50% plus chance of rain and the temp was not supposed to go above 65. I had to prepare for mud, possible downpours of rain and cold weather.  Of course I wanted to look stylish but I knew my original outfit wouldn't work. I decided on jeans, layers and kept my original plan for boots for the muddy field. Since we had never been to this festival we didn't know what to expect with the setup.  The website was helpful but didn't tell us everything.

 

My outfit of a cute sundress changed to a t-shirt, jeans, and a hoodie. I swapped out my straw panama hat for a baseball cap. I decided on minimal jewelry, a watch and hoop earrings. The messenger bag worked because I didn't have to carry my items all day. I left my bag on our blanket. I brought a poncho, just in case but didn't need it. This outif gave me comfort, flexibility and I still looked a bit polished.

This festival only had one stage.  We were able to set out our tarp and blanket for the day. I wish we had brought chairs. The outdoor festivals and shows I've attended before that allowed chairs, created a specific area for chair use and allowed the attendees who were sitting on the ground to sit toward the front. In this case 90% of the attendees or more had chairs. Much of our view of the stage was blocked. Luckily, there were two huge screens in order for us to see the artists. The location of the festival was right on the Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Point State Park. The festival has been running for many years and it's a professional set up. There is a beach area, food and craft vendors, charity booths and of course beer and wine vendors.

During the last act (8 hours into the day).

The weather held out. Even though the entire morning was overcast, we didn't end up getting any rain. About 1pm, the sun came out and stayed out the rest of the day. It got pretty warm. Even with sunscreen, I got a little sun.  There was no mud and I wish I'd thrown a pair of flip flops in my bag. Then I could have taken off my boots for the afternoon and left them at the blanket. Instead I had to take them off and put them back on each time I wanted to go somewhere.The layering of the hoodie with my t-shirt was a huge help.  I didn't wear my hoodie once we settled down but I was able to put in back on toward the end of the day when the temp cooled down. I looked pulled together and my outfit worked for the weather, even though my plan changed.  Sometimes polished and practical has to win out over the fashionista look you plan.

The music is the best part of any music festival and of course the reason I attend. It was fantastic. I discovered new artists and got to see some of my favorites. The evening closed out with Mavis Staples and Bonnie Raitt. Mavis called Bonnie on stage to sing and play with her band. FANTASTIC!  Two blues legends on one stage.  One of the highlights of the day, for me, was artist Quinn Sullivan.  He writes his own music and is a fantastic guitarist and blues singer. Did I mention that he's only 14?!  Check him out playing at Legends. He played this song yesterday.





There were so many other great artists. We had a blast. I'm sure this festival will become a regular on our summer festival circuit. We'll definitely be back next year, rain or shine!

Inspiration - Celebrity Music Festival Style

Our first music festival of the spring/summer is in two weeks. We're going to the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival and I can't wait. Having been to lots of festivals in my life, I always consider my outfit before I go.  It's partially the fashion girl in me but partially, the practical girl.  I want to look great all day but I also want to be comfortable.  I don't wear shorts except the occasional pair of long cut offs so I usually lean toward a dress.  I learned the hard way that sandals aren't the best choice for a festival. I usually go for boots or some kind of lace up shoe. Lots of celebs attend Coachella, a huge festival in the LA area. They get all of the celeb perks which means they don't have to worry about being huddled with the masses or using a port a potty.  But some of them actually wear outfits that don't scream VIP.

I used some of them as inspiration for my outfit plans.

Click above for buying information

How to Wear a Vintage Rock T-Shirt

Lucky for me I saved many of my old concert t-shirts. I have some dating back to my earliest concert days.  One of my favorites is my U2 t-shirt from 1985.  I also have t-shirts from Duran Duran, AC/DC, and others. I frankly wished I'd saved more of them. If you didn't save your favorite concert t-shirt or you weren't even alive when the band was still together, you're in luck. There are reproductions everywhere.  But please, if you decide to wear a band's t-shirt (repro or original) at least know the band and their music. If you're wearing a Ramones t-shirt and you don't know who Joey Ramone is and have never heard the songs  "Blitzkrieg Bop" or "Rock n' Roll High School", I will insist that you wear another shirt. Don't disrespect the band (the Ramones or any band). Better yet, get a rock education and buy their songs on iTunes.  Rock tees are more than just fashion. That's the music lover in me talking.

There is so much great street style for inspiration.

I love the way that people are styling rock tees in all sorts of outfits.  They aren't just for jeans and sneakers anymore. A couple of ideas for styling your favorite rock t-shirt.

Add a tuxedo jacket to your favorite pair of printed jeans. Grab a fancy clutch and some shiny or sparkly shoes. I love my mirror, silver oxfords. You could also do heels. And you're ready for an evening out.

I love the contrast of the rock t-shirt with girlie pieces.  Adding strappy heels, a flowy skirt and a ladylike bag is a cool change for your casual t-shirt.

How do you wear your favorite concert t-shirt?

Keep an eye out, a few blogger friends and I are going to do a concert tee styling day soon.

Fashion Inspired by Heart

We decided to take a very short honeymoon trip to the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame (we're taking a longer trip later this year). It's in keeping with our rock inspired wedding and it was an economical trip after spending much of our money on the wedding.  I know Cleveland isn't everyone's ideas of a  romantic honeymoon destination but {msL} and I have a great time no matter where we go. This week the female fronted rock band, Heart will be inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.  I think it's about time. They are one of my favorite bands.  Not only did Ann and Nancy Wilson sing but they wrote the songs and played instruments too.  Trailblazers! In honor of these two talented and stylish ladies, I thought I'd show how their style is influential, event today.

Click above for info on the fashion.

The style of Ann and Nancy has evolved over the years.  They went from bohemian, to 70's tailored fashion, to 80's over the top and now they've settled into their own style.  I love their early influences, boots, pants with tuxedo stripes, chokers, fur, and lots of black eyeliner.

I'm looking forward to our visit to the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. Check out Heart's biography here.

My Holiday Must Haves - Every Year

The Holidays for me are about memories and spending time with those I love.  I'm not usually super sentimental and mushy but the Holidays bring back some of that out in me.  We have some family traditions that have existed since I was a child. Some of those have changed because of our lives as adults but {msL} and I have created some of our own traditions.  There are a few things that are must haves for me during this time of year.

I love Holiday decorations but I hate spending tons of time to put them up, just to have to take them down a couple of weeks later.  Because of this, my decorations have become more simple over the years.  I create easy to put up and take down displays that are festive but no stress.  I use lots of glittery ornaments and candles and lights.

A few nights before Christmas every year, {msL} and I hop in the car and drive around drinking coffee or hot cocoa.  We listen to Holiday music and look for the most tacky and over the top Holiday lights we can find.  It's so much fun and really puts me in the Holiday mood. Tacky Light Tour can help you locate displays in your neighborhood. If you live in the DC area check out Holly's Tacky Christmas Lights and don't miss Christmas on 34th St. in Baltimore.  Make a fun evening out of your drive to Baltimore. It's fantastic.

Christmas and Holiday movies are a must have for me.  The nostalgic childhood cartoons like Rudolph and Frosty are fun.  Classics like Holiday Inn and It's a Wonderful Life always top the list.  Over the years I've added some favorites.  The Holidays aren't complete without watching A Christmas Story, Elf or Christmas Vacation.  I also have to throw in a dysfunctional family movie like Home for the Holidays or The Family Stone.  These movies are fun and always make me smile.

The Holidays aren't complete without music. There are so many great ways to get free Holiday music, no matter what type you love.  You can create your own channel on Pandora. Amazon is giving away free Holiday music downloads for 25 days in December.  Just check here every 5 days for the new downloads. Check out a list of ways to get free Holiday music, here.

How do you celebrate the Holidays?

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#7)

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” ~Coco Chanel

I think I've told you all that I am part of great local group called the Capital Fashion and Beauty Bloggers (CapFABB).  It's an amazing group of people who not only love fashion and beauty items but have diverse backgrounds, ideas, careers, and personalities.  I've met so many incredible people because of blogging.

The members of CapFABB constantly inspire me.  I thought I'd share just a few of their blogs with you. Be sure to click on the link to see the full list. They are full of amazing fashion, style and ideas.  This time I'm going to highlight some of the things I love about them that have nothing to do with fashion.  Be sure to check out their blogs and all they have to say.  I only picked four this time but never fear, I'll feature more in the future. 

Wardrobe Oxygen - Alison's love of music

My friend Alison is the reason I'm a member of CapFABB. Back in the day when they were a fledgling list serve, she invited me to join.  My how CapFABB has grown. Among the many reasons I think she's great, is her love of music. She highlights great bands, festivals, and turns me on to new music constantly. Her beautiful family is always part of her blog. She also gives her insight on being more green and earth friendly. Her smile and positive attitude are contagious.

Apollinas - Beautiful (and I'm sure yummy) cakes that Apollina makes

Apollina is a lawyer and in her spare time she bakes beautiful cakes.  Hopefully, one day I'll get to taste one.  Can't you see that one above in our wedding colors? She makes baking seem easy and her positive and fun attitude make her blog so enjoyable. She's also a fellow bride to be. I'm really enjoying tidbits on her wedding planning.

BiblioMOMia - Her love of poetry and literature

She's a Ph.D. candidate in Literature and her feature "Sunday Words" is one of my favorites.  She selects beautiful and special poetry.  She has great ideas and encouragement for Mom's everywhere. 

The Domestic Dandy - Jeffrey's beautiful decorating ideas

Lest you think that CapFABB members are only women, I thought I'd introduce you to Jeffrey, The Domestic Dandy.  He highlights creative and many times simple decorating projects.  I love his super easy candle bling project! His sense of humor always makes me giggle. 


Be sure to check out these fantastic blogs and bloggers.  I know you'll love them as much as I do!


photo credits (top to bottom): CapFABB, Wardrobe Oxygen, Apollinas, BiblioMOMia, The Domestic Dandy

DIY - Rock Graphic Tee

There are lots of great rock tees available but I'm always looking for the ones that speak to me personally. What if you could take your favorite lyric and turn it into a one of a kind shirt?  All you need are just four simple supplies and a song lyric you love.

Just a few simple supplies were needed.

SUPPLIES
t-shirt.                      $7
spray paint               $4 already owned (from my neon jewelry DIY)
stick on letters          $3 already owned       .
newspaper               ______________
                                $7 (not counting the items I already owned)            

I chose a few lines from a song I love and one I could turn into a great design. The line is from "Crash Into Me" by Dave Matthews Band. "Sweet like candy to my soul. Sweet you rock and Sweet you roll.". Because sweet comes before each line I could create a design with that single word.

I stretched the shirt over the newspaper. Then applied the stick on letters. I didn't worry about them being straight and even. Imperfection would add to the cool rock vibe. 

Then I sprayed the paint across the letters in a swash. I wanted it to look accidental.

I let the paint dry completely. Then I removed the letters. The best part of this DIY is that it is completely customizable. Choose any song lyric, t-shirt, color of spray paint, and letter style to make it your own.

Music is Life - A 30 for 30 Playlist

As you know each post title in 30 for 30 was the title of a song. Some were chosen because I love the song, some were chosen because it was the one I could find that had words in the title, in addition to the number. It would have been so boring if my post titles were:  One, Two, 3, Four, 5... I found tons of songs with just the number as the title. I decided that I wanted more. More interesting titles, more meaning. Searching was a challenge and fun. I found some great songs that I'd never heard. Some have special meaning. It made me laugh when they ended up being perfect for the day or outfit. 

Sums Up My Feelings About Music Perfectly
Found on deviantart.com by 0Silver0 (talented kid)

I hope you'll find some new songs to love and enjoy. Each song title contains a link to a video and/or lyrics.

1. One is the Loneliest Number – Three Dog Night
2. Power of Two – The Indigo Girls
3. Three is a Magic Number – Schoolhouse Rock
4. Four Kicks – Kings of Leon
5. Five Feet High and Rising – Johnny Cash 
6. Six Shooter – Queens of the Stone Age
7. Seven Nation Army – White Stripes
8. Eight Days a Week – Beatles
9. Nine in the Afternoon – Panic at the Disco
10. Ten Feet Tall - XTC
11. The Eleven – Grateful Dead
12. Twelve thirty – The Mamas and the Papas
13. This is Thirteen – Anvil
14. Fourteen Rivers, Fourteen Floods - Beck
15. Fifteen Beers – Johnny Paycheck
16. Sweet Sixteen – Billy Idol
17. At Seventeen – Janice Ian
18. 18 and Life – Skid Row
19. Hey Nineteen – Steely Dan
20. Highway 20 Ride – Zac Brown Band
21. 21 Guns – Green Day
22. Catch 22 – Pink
23. 23 Days – Framing Hanley
24. Twenty-Four Hours – Joy Division
25. Twenty-Five to Midnight – Sting and the Police
26. Was It 26 – Charlie Daniels Band
27. Twenty-Seven Strangers – Villagers
28. No Clause 28 – Boy George 
29. 29 Palms – Robert Plant  
30. 30 Something – Jay-Z

21 Guns

During the trip to NYC that my sister I made in September, we saw the amazing Broadway show, American Idiot. As you know, from my post titles, music is a huge part of my life. I'd been listening to the album constantly since it came out and couldn't wait to see the show. I've seen many Broadway shows in my life and grew up listening to my parent's records of musicals like West Side Story, South Pacific and The Sound of Music. This one was different from traditional Broadway musicals in a fantastic way. It was all about the music and the story, with little to no dialogue. I loved the show and can't wait to take my Honey to see it. I've included a video of 21 Guns by Green Day and the cast at the end of this post.

As a nod to the show, I've added a few punk touches, as well as my own two guns to this outfit.

Jacket - Thrifted, Shirt - Old Navy, Jeans - Lane Bryant, Shoes - asos,
Belt - Lane Bryant, Necklace - DIY, Bracelets - gifts, K-Mart, Kohls, Watch - Target

I thought I lived in DC, not Chicago but we have been having crazy widstorms. They got up to 60 miles an hour yesterday. There is no hope for hair in wind like that.





Because I'm dying for Spring to arrive, I've been seeking out bright make-up colors. I found this great pink lipstick.  It's Revlon Colorburst in Candy Pink. I have to admit, I've never like Revlon lipsticks. I'm very picky when it comes to the smell and taste of lipstick. It it's the least bit chemical, I can't wear it. The Colorburst line is very creamy and has a nice scent and little to no flavor. Most of my make-up is Mary Kay. But I can't resist walking the make-up aisles at the drugstore.

And now for your musical entertainment, Green Day and the cast of American Idiot.

Fifteen Beers

The title for this post came about completely by accident but it's incredibly appropriate. This was my going out outfit last night to hear a band play. And have some drinnks but not 15 beers. I don't think I've had that much beer since college. When I started 30 for 30 I decided to use song titles as my post titles for all 30 entries. Some post titles were easy to come by but others have been a challenge. Music is an important part of my life and this was a way to also incorporate it into my blog. At the end, I'll post a playlist of the songs with the title and artist.

We had a blast of cold again last night and I was not feeling a skirt. I decided to throw together this nod to the 80's outfit. My sister, my Honey and I went out for dinner, drinks and to hear a great Virginia band, William Walter & Co. play at Whitlows (one of my favorite places for local music). Check out some of their original music here - William Walter & Co.

Shirt - Coldwater Creek, Tank - Target, Jeans - Lane Bryant, Jacket - Target (outerwear not 30 for 30),
Boots - Dolce Vita for Target, Tie - thrifted, Necklace - Kohls, Ring - JewelMint, Earrings - gift

I wore an outfit during the day yesterday and took photos. I apologize but I just couldn't bring myself to post them. I hated the outfit and how it looked.  Later during 30 for 30 I'll restyle the outfit and wear it again. I promise.

I hope you are all having a great weekend.