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Oct 23 2018

Spring 2019 Runway to Reality

This was an unusually busy fall that didn’t allow me to participate in the purchasing + photographing of the new Spring fashions from New York Fashion Week. However, I did make time to watch some of the shows (I mean…you can’t miss a Marc Jacobs show!) + help my sisters get inspo from the runways.

I’m loving this new trend of inclusion on the runway. Designers creating + styling for everyone in mind. Well…let’s hope it’s not a trend + that it’s here to stay! Regardless of your shape, size, body measurements…we can all rock these spring designs.

There are some really cool trends this season like a cinched waist, which looks amazing on every body type + also some that might take a little bit to get used to. Tie dye, for example…unless you’re from Oregon, in which it’s a wardrobe staple! Ha ha..I’m kidding…or am I? Biker shorts + boxy blazers are a new way to make our mom-blazers fun again. Cargo pants, because who doesn’t love an extra pocket for a lip gloss? And color…yellow! So fresh + dreamy for spring + easy to add into our existing wardrobes.

Below are my gorgeous sisters + their finds from the New York Fashion runways. Let us know your favorite trend in the comments below!

-Jenn

Yellow. Like last year, when orange was dominating the runways I was less than thrilled. Not everyone can wear it from head to toe, but pops of yellow…we all can do that! I had no trouble shopping for this trend. Yellow is everywhere right now! If you are looking to add this to your wardrobe this spring, popular choices are mustard + neon. Sunny days ahead!

My inspiration:

My version:

Muppet Mania. So many logistical problems with this trend! Gah! That’s when this becomes a major Runway to Reality moment. I translated the feathers + fluff to this crocheted, fringe vest. This way I stayed true to texture + movement, not to mention that crochet was spotted on the runways as well. I saw a lot of other ways to carry out this ‘muppet look’ whether it was fur vests or sherpa jackets. Soar into spring with your version!

My inspiration:

My version:

Fisherman’s Netting. The looks found on the runways of Cushnie, Ports 1961 + Altuzarra were elegant + mermaid-like. I found that a more viable option for this netting look is finding a tighter knit netting. Experiment with layering, in fact, I highly recommend it + catch yourself a new look.

My inspiration: My version:
Victorian Inspired Puff Sleeve. I love a dramatic sleeve. Marc Jacobs, Brock Collection + Mara Hoffman were just a few that played with volume this season. Since the 80’s are making a comeback, we wouldn’t want to forget that delicious puffiness. I still remember my heart skipping a beat seeing the sleeve on my older cousin Shannon’s prom dress. Heart eyes. Besides, how great is a look that allows you to avoid arm day?

My inspiration:My version:

Blazer with biker shorts. If you follow any fashion account on Instagram you most likely have seen the biker short trend. This year NYFW stepped it up by pairing the trendy biker short with a boxy shaped blazer to give it more of a chic feel rather than sporty.

I personally love sports wear. So now that it’s fashionably acceptable to wear my biker shorts in public which, by the way are SUPER slimming for legs, I’ll consider this trend a win. Sign me up!

My inspiration:

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My version:

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Cargo pants. I know what you’re thinking. Cargo pants, really? Shouldn’t we just leave those for dad to wear? Before you knock em’, let me list some reasons why you should be totally on board with this trend.

Easier way to sneak in cheaper movie snacks.

No need to pay the hefty airport baggage fees when you pants can carry all your extra items.

You can leave the house without a bag and still have both hands free to bring in all your groceries in one trip.

If you aren’t sold on the cargo trend yet, do a Pinterest search for women’s cargo pants and you’ll be heading to the stores in no time to find the perfect cargos.

My inspiration:

spring-2019-trends-cargo-pants

My version:

Tie dye. When I think tie-dye I think BRIGHT orange, BRIGHT red and BRIGHT blue, all colours that just yell at you and hurt the eyes. Fortunately, this year’s tie-dye trend is a bit more subtle and sophisticated. Now that, I can work with! Don’t let those 80’s flashbacks scare you away from this fun trend. Instead, feel a sense of nostalgia for younger years when you were tying and dying those plain white tee’s.

If you’re wondering where to score tie-dye this day and age without having to create your own check out, Aritzia and Shopbop.

My inspiration:

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My version:

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Tagged aritzia, biker short trend, Blazer and biker shorts, Carlos Falchi, cinched waist trend, coachella valley, fashion blogger, fashion photography, fashion week, Fisherman's netting trend, franco sarto, graffiti murals, H & M, honey pot, Joshua tree, level 99, New York Fashion Week, Palm Springs, Photography, Puffy sleeve trend, runway, runway to reality, shop bop, Spring 2019, target, tie dye, tiny sunglasses, trends, vince camuto, yellow trend

Sep 28 2017

Spring 2018 Runway to Reality

Inclusive. Not always a word associated with fashion…but this years New York Fashion Week was all about being inclusive. We saw this in the modeling world–all shapes, sizes, colors and ages were represented…even a pregnant woman strutted her beautiful self. We saw it in the venues the designers chose to show–no longer just in the tents or Lincoln Center, but all over New York City. And now, watching the shows are as easy as signing in on Facebook Live.

What this means for us regular schmucks is that fashion is even more available than ever before. Regardless of your age, shape, where you live, or even your budget–access to great fashion is accessible and inclusive for all.

A few trends from the runways this September (which means you will start wearing these trends come spring ;)) were; candy stripes, glam leisure, cowboy chic, fringe, sheer and jackets paired with shorts. The colors that seemed to dominate the runway were WHITE, Lavender and allllll the neons!

Continue reading for inspiration we found on the runways and our version of how to make it work with our lifestyle. And as always…we love your comments-so leave us a message with your favorite trend!

Sheer. Oh….I love a good sheer! So elegant and also so easy to wear! Victoria Beckham is a genius at using sheer to show some skin yet stay modest-so look to her collections for more inspiration in that area. Happy to say that you can get an early start on shopping for sheer as it has been slowly trending the last year and is already in stores.

My inspiration:

My version:

Jackets and Shorts. This is a great combo for those spring days when you realllllly can’t wait to wear your shorts…but it’s still just a bit cold! Also…you will get extra points if you find a sweet blazer with extra shoulder padding or a deconstructed blazer…they were all over the runway this season.

My inspiration:

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My version:

Fringe. Fringe makes you want to dance. So go buy yourself some fringe and make the world a better place. That is all.

My inspiration:

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My version:

Glam Leisure. A marriage of comfy + glam? Am I dreaming? But sure enough…runways of Valentino, Prada + Gucci had the Athleisure women of 2017 salivating. I found this dress that had Sporty Spice written all over it…check out my instagram to get a peek of the back.

My inspiration:

My version:

Candy Striping. Stripes are always in but this year it was specific to the candy stripes…yes, the red + white kind that hospital volunteers were known for in the 1950’s. Those that went clinical on the runways were Son Jung Won, Jason Wu + Monse.

My inspiration:

My version:

Lavender + Fanny Pack. In stores filled with neons + primary colors, lavender or lilac proved to be a difficult find. All three of us searched high and low for the shade from Victoria Beckham + Michael Kors. This oxford works for me because the fabric was just right and with what looked like a splash of bleach it had just enough personality. And as far as the fanny pack goes…I have always wanted to bring fanny back. Whether they were ‘in’ or not, I have owned many versions over the years, and well now, they are just easier to find!

My inspiration:

My version:
Orange. For the last couple of years we have seen orange trying to break out on the scene + this year was no different. I am not a huge fan of orange so I have steered clear. Soooo not the easiest color for to pull off. But hey, if you can, I suggest going head to toe with it. Calvin Klein, Fenty Puma + Tom Ford did. I opted to keep the orange on the bottom with these sack waisted shorts from H +M.

My inspiration:

My version:

White on white. If you’re like me, 75% of your wardrobe is either black, grey or black so come spring it’s time to ditch those dark comfort colours and put on something vibrant and crisp. A good accessory to go with this look would be a tide to-go pen.

My inspiration: hbz-ss2018-trends-white-out-1505073735

My version: IMG_1746blogsize

Microfloral. Is spring/summer fashion week even spring/summer fashion week without floral? Instead of the usual big and bold floral prints that trend, this year’s floral seemed to be on the small and subtle side.

My inspiration: hbz-ss2018-trends-micro-florals-1504973504

My version: IMG_1617blogsize

Cowboy chic. Western wear isn’t just for John Wayne anymore thanks to designers Cinq a Sept, Calvin Klein and Rag&Bone. Personally I’m not a huge fan of western anything but fashion is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. I found the best way to pull off this trend was all in the accessories.

My inspiration: Calvin Klein - Runway RTW - Spring 2018 - New York Fashion Week

My version:

Straw bags. Not to brag or anything but I totally saw this trend coming. While travelling in Europe I noticed that everybody that was anybody had a straw bag and I knew it was only a matter of time before this trend made it over to the western world.

My inspiration: Brock Collection - Runway - September 2017 - New York Fashion Week

My version: IMG_1799blogsize

Tagged blazer and shorts, Blazers, Canada, candy striping, cowboy chic, dance, Deconstructed blazers, Fall 2017 fashion week, fanny packs, fashion photography, fashion trends, fashion week, fringe, fringe sleeves, glam leisure, Inclusive, Lavandar, New York, New York Fashion Week, NYFW, NYFW spring 2018 trends, Orange, Photography, red and white, runway to reality, sheer, sporty, spring 2018, Spring 2018 trends, straw bags, us, USfashion, VB

Aug 17 2017

8 Comments

about us, travel, tuesday @ 2

Tues. @ 2

So…(sheepish grin) its been 1,203 days since our last Tuesday at 2. This was a project we started back in 2012 and has gotten more popular every time we do it! This was ‘supposed’ to be a bi-annual project…but…well…ok…we have no excuses!
The rules are simple–On Tuesday at 2 o’clock you grab your phone and take a photo of where you are and what you are doing. Caption it and send it to us.
We love doing this post and seeing all the fun, random and interesting lives that people lead on a regular Tuesday at 2 o’clock.
This time we have some great shots from ALL over the world, Finland, Italy, United States (east and west) and Canada.
We love sifting through all the shots that get sent in from all different time zones…Let us know if you would like to join in next time!

Caught between the Czar of Russia + the King of Sweden. Valerie Knuuttila. Turku, Finland

Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Vanessa Petays. Florence ItalyOhio State at 2pm. Brad Hess. Ohio
Just back from a run, waiting on the next. Columbus, Ohio. Logan Hess
Redo. Shawna Richtsmeier. Huntsville, AlabamaThe daily grind at the office. Linda Jackson. Winnipeg, ManitobaOut checking crops. Philip Petays. Rocanville, Saskatchewan
All day. Err day. Cat. Rocanville, SaskatchewanMaking the most of my kid-free day!! Loving my new office space!! Carla Shultz. Osage, Saskatchewan
A little stainless steel mounting bracket. Chris Petays. Weyburn, SaskatchewanYay for Hay. Jenelle Quigley. Tribune, Saskatchewan5 little marsh hunters ready for a hike. Juanita Malcolm. Clear Lake, ManitobaOnly 150 miles to home. Spending a little quality time on the road with the in-laws today. Cristy Brown. Columbia River, WashingtonLeonardo looks almost as excited as the Carter boys for the party and sleepover tonight! Carolyn Carter. Grande Prairie, AlbertaNoah + I babysitting baby B on this comfortable 96 degree day. Melissa Petays-Cooke. Palm Desert, California

After putting the kids down for a nap, I’ve been hanging out with Zoey while cleaning up the kiddos stuff. #nannylife Karissa Hall. Snoqualmie, Washington

I’m normally analyzing data at 2 o’clock on a Tuesday, but if I need a break I’ll walk a block to Dahlia Bakery + get one of their famous peanut butter cookies! Kelly Chapman. Seattle, Washington
When mama gives you a bath and thinks you would look cute as a chicken! #iamembarrassed Mexx @toypoodlemexx Seattle, WashingtonThe beach with my boys. Jenn Petays-Tschetter. Salmon Creek Park, Washington
Tea Time. Jessica Graham. Vancouver, British Columbia
Testing the lights to make the models glow. Brendalyn Bergh. San Luis Obispo, California
Studio Session. Sean Petays. Victoria, British Columbia

Tagged Clear Lake, Columbia River, Dahlia Bakery, Finland, Florence Italy, Grande Prairie, Huntsville, Ohio, osage, Palm Desert, Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Portland, Rocanville, Salmon Creek Park, San Luis Obispo, seattle, Snoqualmie, toy poodle, toypoodlemexx, Tribune, Tuesday at 2, Turku, vancouver, Victoria, Weyburn, WInnipeg

May 31 2016

1 Comment

about us, smashin' fashion

not all who wander are lost.

It’s that time again when the moving trucks arrive, all our belongings are packed and we move onto another new exciting place. New adventures. New friends. New places to explore. Lots of stress. Lots of excitement. All mixed into a few months.

This summer my family is packing up and moving to the Portland, OR. Wayne got a great faculty position at a small university…so if anyone is looking to geek out and take a biology course…I know a great (and super cute) prof. We will do our best to ‘Keep Portland Weird’!

Melissa and her squad are headed off to sunny Palm Springs, CA. David got a great hospital management job down there, so if anyone needs…oh wait…his job is similar to Chandler Bing…no one knows what he ACTUALLY does…but it’s very important, I’m sure. I am anxiously awaiting the gorgeous photos Melissa will take and hopefully post here of the beautiful and unique scenery down there.

Vanessa is slaying it in Regina (although we keep pestering her and Erica about moving down here!). She has full-time work at the hospital as a Cytotechnologist, great friends and an amazing closet of clothes! I’m pretty sure her part-time job is trying out coffee shops and brunching….who’s jealous!? I AM!!!!

We have an amazing group of readers and we love sharing our lives and photos with you all. We appreciate you checking out our site, all your comments and private messages. That being said…with all the craziness of moving we need to take a break from posting for the next month or so. Just until we get our feet on the ground…and unpack the camera gear!

…so…if you have any great spots in Regina, Palm Springs or Portland that you recommend we check out…Post in the comments! and remember to follow us on Instagram: @melissapetaysphotography and @vanpetays

Tagged Eugene, Fashion, lifestyle bloggers, moving day, Palm Springs, Photography, PNW, Portland, regina, seattle

Mar 23 2015

11 Comments

about us, child's play, smashin' fashion

Styled by a Child

When I first saw Summer Bellessa’s blog go viral (the one where she let her toddler dress her for a week), I immediately texted my sister and said WE HAVE TO DO THIS! I love the way kids view clothes…similar to the way fashion designers see clothes…no rules, nothing holding them back, no judgements.

My 3.75 year old son, Dre did great…I LOVED his outfit choices…but…he got bored after 3 outfit pulls. Let’s be honest, picking skirts just doesn’t compare to playing monster trucks or annoying your baby brother!

I was cruising my Facebook page to see who I could pester to help me with the rest of my pulls. A friend had posted a photo of one of her daughters walking down the street with a pair of butterfly wings on…I immediately thought, “I want HER to style ME!” Luckily her and her equally awesome twin sister were game to come over and pull some great looks for me! Thank you Ezraylah + Iliana for your help in dressing me! I love the way you made a dress into a shirt and were careful to have each outfit completed right down to sunglasses + hats!

Melissa was able to come down for the weekend so we chose some of our favorite high fashion poses and really made it into a fashion shoot! Hope you enjoy this fun blog as much as we did!!

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Outfit by Dre Age 3.75

This outfit is called…PINK! Big surprise! Haha!…Oh and it’s not a scarf…it’s a tail.

Outfit by Ezraylah. Age 5

This green dress has special memories for me. It was one of the first pieces I bought when I moved to New York City. Yes…that means it has been in my closet for over 7 years. Should I be embarrassed? Some pieces just hold such great memories they are hard to get rid of. Glad she picked this one:) Outfit By Dre. Age 3.75

The outfit is influenced by Circles…if you hadn’t noticed already.

Outfit by Dre. Age 3.75

This has to be my favorite outfit of all. This skirt. The leggings. The mismatched shoes. Most random shirt. I am just in love with it all.

Outfit by Ezraylah. Age 5

I call this my Paris Chic outfit. There is just something about this dress that makes a person smile. Love the details she chose…right down to the belt and hat. I would easily wear this one!

Outfit by Ezraylah. Age 5

Now this outfit has all my favorite elements in it. Some black + white, lots of sparkle + shine, some pink…It’s a bit of a mishmash! I love how Ezraylah made this B+W dress into a shirt rather than keeping it as a dress. Not something that we, as typical consumers tend to think about doing when we buy something. Clever young lady!

Outfit by Iliana. Age 5

This outfit has A LOT going on! But hey! If you want to stand out here in Eugene…you HAVE to have A LOT going on! Love the blinged out hat, aviators, and of course…a shiny pink skirt!

Outfit by Iliana. Age 5

I personally love this outfit. It kind breaks all the rules…and yet kinda looks pretty cool? I would have never put a belt with this outfit…or a plaid scarf…or matched pink sunnies with a red plaid scarf…yet…somehow this little 5 year old stylist did her thang’ and made it work! Love it!

While Jenn had some looks that were downright adorable and even editorial, mine however were that of a colorblind man. Or were we just seeing the difference between the minds of boys and girls?

My boys Noah (10) and Simon (7) were completely on board with pulling looks for me. I was amused to watch them as they both put a lot of thought into selecting my outfits. Originally they both chose a week of outfits but we only had time to shoot 4 each. They thought it would be funny to put together one ‘crazy’ outfit each. I included this ‘crazy’ outfit and I dare you to try to figure out which ones they are!

As I was watching them make their decisions, all the while hiding a smile, I couldn’t help but make some observations. All shoes need socks regardless of style. Highheels…socks, loafers…socks, flats…socks. They also both seemed to prefer skirts/dresses to pants. Noah, being an animal lover, gravitated towards animal prints. At some point he decided that the outfits needed to be named and Simon jumped on board with this idea. To name a few looks that did not get photographed were ‘The Jungle’, ‘Big One 44’, ‘Everythings’ and ‘Red Hot’. They were really disappointed when they found out we didn’t have time to photograph them all:(

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Simon called this look Hodie (not to be mistaken for Hoodie).

He started the task by saying to himself “Start easy with socks.” I’d like to point out those precious Hello Kitty socks. The boys got these for my birthday because all girls like pink and Hello Kitty. Noah called this look Snowy White.

He started out trying to go with all white but because my summer stuff is put away in tubs it was tricky. He then noticed the bird dress and he had to use it…with the flamingo socks. Birds of a feather flock together?

Mstyled7 Noah called this one Storm Trooper 073.

Obvi. I thought Noah had lost interest half way through because the next thing I know he’s downstairs doing crafts. But nope. He comes back up with a homemade construction paper gun to complete my Storm Trooper outfit. Bless his heart. Every woman needs one of those in her purse. Simon called this one Rigie Pigey.

I have no words. Noah named this look The Terrible No Good Very Bad Dressing Day.

Well the name gives it away. This is Noah’s wild outrageous look. The color combination with the stripes is not a good look if you were to ask him. The burning question in my mind was, why do I still have that hat?
Noah called this look Lady C.A.P. (Cool Animal Prints)

Even though he choose this dress as part of this ensemble, last Sunday when I wore it to church (styled differently however), he was mortified! “You’re going to wear that?!” He told me that he thought it was inappropriate for Sunday. Apparently he has reached the age of embarrassment. Ohhhh…this is gonna be fun!Simon named this look Crazy Girl 27.