grin and share it

I absolutely adore the NorthernGRADE Menswear Market, which has now become an annual event here in the great city of Minneapolis. It features all handcrafted, made in America goods. It is always full of smiling, beaming faces, proud to be a part of such a great event and this year was probably the best yet (fine, I say that every year). The mister and I had a great time hanging with the folks at BlackBlue, drinking amazing cocktails by Marvel Bar, and pouring over which Sanborn Canoe Paddle to buy with the incredibly kind gentlemen who makes them. Special thanks to Betsey Kershaw for taking this, my favorite picture of the two of us, and tying Reed's very stubborn new Hill-Side tie. Also a special thanks to Eric from Askov Finlayson for bringing a handful of the Special Edition P. Hicks tie created for President Obama's visit to day 2 of the event, and then smiling warmly and getting it out when they saw me walk up to buy it.

It's been a hot summer. A really hot summer. Here in Minnesota the aforementioned hot summer followed a shockingly mild winter, which I would never complain about. That being said, I am kind of excited for things to cool off a bit. Reason number one? I miss wearing my scarves!
I like the gigantic drapey ones that practically turn into another shirt. Here are some goodies.

1// Pieces Erica Long Scarf $27.59
2// Orla Kiely Cute as a Fox Scarf $150.00
3//  Express Leopard Infinity Scarf $20.93
4// H&M Shawl $9.95
5// Master of Multiplication Scarf $24.99
6// Merona White Oblong Scarf $14.99 (it doesn't look impressive here, but it's actually my favorite)

I jumped on the blogger train and ordered up some sunnies from Tumbleweeds. I.Love.Them. Is it weird that my favorite part is that they smell like wood? Actually, that's not my favorite part. My favorite part is the customer service that came with my purchase.
First things first- When I jumped onto their Etsy page I didn't see the heart shaped style I was looking for- I emailed them and they had them posted within an hour! They shipped way faster than I expected and when I  devastatingly broke them a mere 2 days into having them they shipped a replacement pair that day. Can you believe that? They kept in tight contact and checked multiple times to make sure everything was squared away. Super sweet folks, without a doubt, and a quality product no less!
Oh, and they donate $1 for every order to the Save the Manatee Club, Florida- what's not to love about that?!

I purchased the Lolita patchwork pair and I get compliments on them literally every time I wear them. If these don't strike your fancy, head over to their shop and check out a bajillion other awesome options!

My good friend Meghan invited me over for some {incredibly delish} orange tempeh and a little craft time-something we always have fun doing together. We took a crack at the Honestly...WTF DIY Braided Bead Bracelets and I have to say I am pretty pleased with the way it turned out! It was tricky to keep the braids as tight as they are in the tutorial but I actually don't mind the looser look. I am thinking of using thicker string and brighter beads in round two for a bolder statement. Have you attempted any fun DIYs lately?

Hey all, you may remember my post about all the success my gent and I had at the Mighty Swell His event a couple weeks back and I am ecstatic to prepare you all for the Hers event this Friday (5:00-9:00)! There will be a huge collection of lingerie, bubbly and the very talented Soraya Hatfield (who has worked with the likes of total local badasses L'Assassins!) will be doing pin-up hairstyles for just $30! As someone who has attempted many-a pin-up hairstyle I can say that $30 is a ridiculous steal compared to the countless hours of bobby pin mishaps and inevitable swearing that comes from even something as "basic" as victory rolls.

What do you hoping for this weekend? Me? I am thinking something like this...

After I posted that ridiculous bunny video I realized that if I lived in Japan I would SO be one of those stuffed animal toting, rainbow makeup wearing, practically unreal looking street style girls. I just cant resist it all. 

AND we are exactly 60 days away from Halloween!
Hostess with the Mostess already posted some absolutely to-die-for Vintage-Style Haunted Halloween Party ideas. I'm so excited to put some of those to use along with this adorable idea for apple cider cups originally posted on Gimme Some Oven