A tropical sundress

what i wore: Baku wedges from Blowfish, Monroe cat-eye sunnies from OC Shades, periwinkle bandana from Hobby Lobby, tropical sundress from Midwest Vintage, and heart detail belt

I apologize for the lack of posting lately, but I have just been so busy with classes. This semester is already so hectic. I am so tired all of the time. I really need to make a schedule for myself so homework doesn't just keep building up. I've also been trying to spend time with some friends before they leave for college and before we all just get too busy to even talk. So, I went to the Midwest Vintage Porch Sale this past weekend and found this gorgeous dress! I knew I wanted it right away. Also, I got about 4 headscarves, another dress and a cropped top for a whooping $12.00! I am so excited about all of these purchases.


Hope you all are having a wonderful Tuesday!

Featured Sponsor: Midwest Vintage

Hi all, I would love for you to meet Sarah and Drew of Midwest Vintage. I met Sarah through chance by stumbling across a sign for her Vintage Porch Sale while on my way over to a friend's house. They are so awesome, and I love checking out all of their finds and seeing Sarah's reconstructions! Anyways, this is their story, I hope you enjoy it.





Midwest Vintage was born from our love of thrifting, and the thrill of hunting for that rare vintage t shirt or dress. We have always been thrifters, and one day we just looked at each other after a thrifting trip and said.. we should start selling some of this stuff! Just like that MWV was born. We love looking for those sought after vintage pieces vintage lovers want, and specialize in t shirts, dresses outerwear, and accessories from the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s.

We want to be the best variety of Men's and Women's vintage apparel at modest prices. We are committed to consistently bringing you the best vintage apparel worthy of your closet.

We have a passion for the quality and uniqueness vintage clothing offers and love traveling near and far to find it. We collectively have over fifteen years of vintage buying experience and strive to find only the best vintage for the price. We travel the Midwest & west coast to find the best vintage finds to satisfy your unique style.

If you are local to Des Moines come check out our Porch Sale! It is today, August 27th from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at 3402 School St.

Check us out on facebook and twitter and of course peep our etsy page!

Koi Story readers can get 10% off by entering KOI STORY in the coupon code section at checkout on our etsy.

Fifteen Favorites on Friday v11

1. I love this closet tour video of Ashley from Fancy Fine. She seems like such a sweet girl, and her wardrobe is beyond dreamy.

2. How adorable is this The Girl Never Gets Older quick bun tutorial, plus she is just super cute.

3. Ok, when does Blair of Atlantic Pacific NOT look fabulous!? I absolutely adore this outfit of hers.

4. How gorgeous are these pieces from Loup Charmant I found via Katie of I Go By Katie.

5. I love these shipping tags made with glass microbeads by Katrina of Pugly Pixel.

6. This beaded and braided necklace tutorial I found via More Design Please is awesome! I hope I get to try it someday.

7. I love the dreamy textures and styles of these illustrations from Tabo Garcia.

8. These lovely minimalist works of art by Diem Chau that I discovered via Tiny Toad Stool are great!

9. I absolutely adore this yellow 1950s/1960s "The Ruby" dress from Bohemian Bisoux!

10. I love these moon cushions I discovered via More Design Please. They look so comfy, and they glow?! Awesome.

11. These photos of Gary Pepper Vintage girl are so gorgeous, bright, and just downright amazing!

12. I am smitten with Kaylah of The Dainty Squid's new light green hair! Also, she looks so lovely in these neutral earth tones!

13. This gorgeous Deneuve cape and this gorgeous Catherine dress are so lovely and also available for pre-order at Alexandra Grecco.

14. Robyn of Twitch Vintage looks gorgeous in this dress, and I love the idea of how she got in in her thrift exchange project!

15. I love the beautiful color palette of this outfit of Jenny via Jenny From The Block.

The Karla dress

what i wore: pink vintage 1960s "The Karla" dress from Bohemian Bisoux, Wendy cat eye sunnies from OC Shades, neutral wedges from Aldo, polka dot bandana from Hobby Lobby

This dress is named "The Karla" and it is a vintage 1960s dress from Bohemian Bisoux. I won a $25 gift credit to them from Ashley of Fancy Fine and even though I had to pay a little extra, I didn't mind because I got this beautiful dress!

Anyways, as most of you probably know, I started school on Monday with a schedule full of art classes and I am absolutely loving all of my classes so far, it's weird, I know! I can't wait to share with you all my projects and such.

Hope you are having a lovely Thursday! After today, my first week of school is over! I'm so glad I don't have Friday classes.

PS: Does this location look familiar? Check it out when the trees are in full blossom here.

Meet my August Sponsors!

BLOG // TWITTER // TUMBLR

Hello! My name is Alex, I'm 19, and I live in Iowa. I'm a lover/collector of vintage gowns. I'm passionate about photography.

SHOP

DeMoivre's theorem links the imaginary number to trigonometric functions. Sounds pretty boring, but the imaginary "eye" and the complexity of style, health, and beauty makes shopping at deMoivre's store an easy formula to comprehend. Live fabulously, breathe easy, and get your hands on rare, discontinued skincare and perfumes; accessorize through the world of high fashion with hard to find petite goodies. Shop now!

SHOP // BLOG // LOOKBOOK

Hi there! I’m Megan. I’m a 20-year-old girl who loves crafting, fashion, and relaxing. I’m currently living in Des Moines, Iowa, but I will be attending Iowa State University (in Ames) in the fall. I’m an Early Education major who loves working with kids, but I also have a passion for style. I love thrifting and shopping in general. Putting together new outfits and experimenting with different pieces is a hobby of mine. I like to keep things simple, but at the same time, add a bit of flare to my outfit. I love sewing and making anything-using fabric. I recently opened up my own Etsy shop called Little Girl Blue, where I sell cut-off or cuffed and studded denim; and I’m now offering handmade lace bloomers! Although school is my number one priority, I do love working with my hands and spending my free time working on new pieces!!

BLOG // ANNA'S LOOKBOOK // CARLY'S LOOKBOOK

Anna & Carly, Carly & Anna, We come in a pair-double squared. We love being outdoors taking pictures modeling, pottery, painting, drawing. Carly is more of the crazy one, Anna is more laid back. Family & Friends are dear to us, As well as animals, especially cats. Music is peace, Music is love.

SHOP // TWITTER // FACEBOOK // OTHER SHOP

I'm an Iowa girl living in Southwest Florida by the Gulf Coast. I've always had a passion for vintage clothes since my style is a bit eclectic and vintage is a great way to have an original looking wardrobe without braking the bank. I make hand crafted goodies over at sewZinski.etsy.com, and sometimes I would incorporate vintage finds into my work. I decided to open MsZinski.etsy.com as a way to further my passion of reVamping vintage, and a way to share thrifting finds with others.

BLOG

I'm Brinny, and I'm a girly-girl with an occasional edge. I absolutely adore the soft, pretty, and feminine, but my status as a reformed alternative brat means that some relics, like my blue hair, are here to stay. I love bold lips and clashing colors, high heels and a vintage silhouette.

BLOG // TWITTER // FACEBOOK

Small town girl from Oregon, currently attending Oregon State for Merchandise Management and I am not quite sure what else yet. I have a passion for clothing, horses, mermaids, pin-ups, and anything that sparkles. Beautiful rooms, bold make-up, and randomly pieced outfits.



AQUI: BLOG // TWITTER // FACEBOOK

Travel, fashion, eating, writing. This is my blog about lifestyle and culture, here, wherever I may be. Welcome!

BEHIND LEOPARD PRINT GLASSES: BLOG

My name is Emma and I am 22 years old, a college graduate with a degree in Biology (going back to school to be a teacher, currently a graduate assistant for Multicultural Affairs, and engaged to the love of my life. My blog is a compilation of my personal style (somewhere between high end lusts & vintage obsessions- my closet does NOT close!), my experiences and life in general.



EVERYDAY OUTFITS: BLOG // TWITTER

I'm no fashionista, but I love dressing up as much as the next girl does. My blog documents my everyday outfits.

THE HONEYPIE ARCHIVES: BLOG // ETSY

I'm just another girl capturing her journey behind a lens, with a heart for: pigs, lazy days, my dog, Dr. Pepper, guitar, shoes, art, and George Harrison.

LIVE LIFE IN STYLE: BLOG // TWITTER // FACEBOOK

I am a Chemical Engineer during the day and a Fashionista by night! My blog is for the everyday, working Fashionista on a budget.

LOVE MAKES THE GIRL: BLOG // SEWING BLOG // TWITTER

Hello, my name is Janelle (online alias: Jane) and I'm a daydreamer trying to figure it all out. I blog about things I love, like pretty dresses, sewing, photography, and more...I hope you'll stop by and say hi!



MICHELLESQUE: BLOG // TWITTER

I am an awkward (but insanely easy to get along with - trust me) fashion designer who likes to write narratives on my days off. I blog about nothing other than my life and my unusual encounters with what I think are fascinating people, food, animals, and things.

TONGUE-TIED IN AWE: BLOG // TWITTER

Hello! My name is Danielle Sprouse and I’m a student, photographer + aspiring graphic designer and I live in the state for lovers while finishing my last year of college. I am happiest when around sarcasm, food, live music, and creative people, come say hello - I'd love to meet you!



TULL & COMBAT BOOTS: BLOG // LOOKBOOK

My name is G, and I'm a 21 year old college student and graphic designer, living in the DC area. I love cats, design, photography, shiny things, and fooling people into thinking I'm a hipster.

YOUR AD HERE: CLICK HERE FOR SPONSOR INFO

There are still sponsor spots left, if you have any question, or want to do ad for ad trading, contact me via e-mail: meanzchan[at]gmail[dot]com

Sponsored Giveaway: Ms. Zinski

Hello dears, one of my amazing sponosrs, Sarah of Ms. Zinski, would love to give away a $20 gift credit to absolutely any of the delightful items in her store. You can enter below!

A pretty peacock print

what i wore: peacock top thrifted, refashioned high waisted studded denim shorts by me, Wendy cat eye sunnies from OC Shades, earrings and rings from Forever 21, tan belt from Target, and beige wedges from Aldo

This day I had a great time getting coffee and just hanging out with the two ladies of Mirror Image, Anna and Carly. I think these have got to be some of my favorite photos of me for a while. I think it's because the colors look great and my hair is down and wavy for the first time in so long!

Oh, and if you can't tell, these are my favorite sunnies ever. If you want, you can get your own pair of Wendy Cat Eye sunnies here at OC Shades. I even gave a pair of them to my friend because I love them so! Anyways, here I am again with these studded high-waisted shorts. I am so excited to tryout transitioning a few pairs into the Fall/Winter! Stay tuned to see what I come up with. Be sure to check out my etsy shop. There are several new listings up!

This might sound weird, but I'm a little excited to go back to school. Probably because I'm excited about all of my classes: Graphic Design I, Typography I, Graphic Design History, Survey of Art History, and Intermediate Drawing. Ah, the sound of all art classes is such bliss. Today is the last day of my Summer Break! Hopefully, I'll still have time to post regularly!

Hope you all have a fantastic Sunday!

PS: Medium and small ad spaces are still available for the month of September and so is ad for ad trading! For more information, please click here or you can e-mail me at meanzchan[at]gmail[dot]com.

Spotlight: Lauren Proffitt

Hello dears, I'd like to introduce to you all one of my very best friends, Lauren. She has an eclectic sense of style and is a very talented artist. She's also really funny, down to earth and well, just plain awesome! Read on to learn more about here. Be sure to check out her demo reel, and links below!

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Tell me about yourself.

My name is Lauren. I am a 21 year old student at College for Creative Studies in Detroit, originally from Des Moines. I enjoy music, cats, working out, shopping and doing just about anything that involves art.

Tell me about your major, what you do, and your work.

My major is called Entertainment Arts with a focus in video/live action. I am mainly interested in working on music videos, so that is what I usually end up doing for school assignments and as freelance work when I have time. I would describe my video and animation work as experimental, sometimes morbid, modern and urban.

Tell me about your personal style.

I wear a lot of black and other dark colors. I tend to gravitate towards girly things and I wear a dress or a skirt everyday. I like to pick accessories that have an edge to them to add more dimension to my outfits. I pay attention to trends and keep up with some of them, but I mostly focus on what I like and what will flatter my body.

Where do you like to shop?

H&M, Urban Outfitters, Target, Value World, thrift stores, Forever 21, Banana Republic

Name five things you couldn’t live without.

Camera, iPhone, cats, macbook, mascara.

What is your ultimate goal in life?

To be a trophy wife.

Where do you get your inspiration or who inspires you?

Friends, my uncle and grandparents.

Tell me about your music taste?

I am a big fan of almost all types of music, but my favorites are hip-hop, pop and electronic. Right now I am listening to: Big Sean, Britney Spears, Houses, Earl Sweatshirt and The Kills.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Somewhere warm all year round!

What are your passions?

Art, video/film, music, literature and writing.

What do you think about the style in Des Moines?

I think that there are a few stylish/unique people sprinkled throughout the city, but for the most part I notice that the style tends to be somewhat boring. I would like to see more original style as opposed to t-shirts and jeans or an outfit picked out of a department store. However, I am starting to see some really cool, unique stores opening downtown that have one of a kind pieces, which is great.

How does it compare to the style in Detroit?

Detroit’s style is much more urban and edgy. A lot of artists and other creative people are filling up the city and that is definitely reflected in the style there.

What do you do with your free time?

I am not much of a homebody, so I am always going somewhere, doing something! I like to go out with friends, go shopping, work-out, go to concerts and take photos/videos.

If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Kanye west, because i think he’s a genius.

What else would you like my readers to know?

Nothinnnnn.

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Be sure to check out Lauren's demo reel below to see some of her amazing work:



You can view her You Tube channel and full videos here.
And lastly, you can follow her on twitter here.

Fifteen Favorites on Friday v10

1. I love the lighting, styling, and overall dreamy feeling of this amazing 50s inspired photoshoot by Kara via I Just Might Explode.

2. Check out this gorgeous Summery cinemagraph I discovered via Kaelah of Little Chief Honeybee made by Jamie of From Me to You.

 3. Check out this gorgeous Peter Pan Collar Rose Print Dress from Dahlia.

4. These ear cuffs by Anni Jyrgenson I found via her blog Style Hurricane are awesome! You don't even need your ears pierced to have them either and it's a great statement piece!

5. These photos of Frances Bean Cobain I found via Srsly Liz are stunning. If you don't know, she's the daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love. She turned 19 yesterday!

6. I adore basically everything from the Erdem Spring/Summer 2011 collection, especially these lovely  laces dresses.

7. Lion cookies, cookie monster cakes, and more! Check out this new website I discovered called Cutest Food filled to the brim with images of adorable food!

8. I love the neutral tones of this outfit from Keiko of Keiko Lynn.

9. Look how adorable Islabell of A Fine Day For Sailing looks in these photos with her overalls! It makes me want to give it a try and/or refashion some overalls for my shop!

10. Coury of Fancy Treehouse is amazing at finding amazing dresses for her shop, and absolutely adore this gold leaves dress.

11. Kelly of the Glamourai's outfit in these photos is perfect, from the gorgeous black and yellow Bill Blass dress to her lovely vintage hat and her adorable hexagonal purse!

12. I love this little gif of Kaylah of The Dainty Squid's kitty, Squid! I'm a sucker for sleepy cat eyes!

13. Veronika looks like such a classic beauty in this outfit. I love how she alters thrifted clothing to fit her so perfectly. Definitely one of my biggest inspirations.

Untitled by beneaththeglass featuring choker jewelry

14. I love this Polyvore set created by Beneath the Glass.

15. How incredible does Diya of In Her Stilettos look in these photos. Oh, and of course her dress is gorgeous!