News & Life Update

Hello my darling friends! Guess who got to see the Lemon Twigs?! Thats right, it was me and I drug Andrew along with me. He actually really liked it too. That being said, if you have the chance to see them--- go. Everyone on Instagram told me that and I was very happy that I did! The venue was pretty small which made for an intimate concert; everyone huddled together, as close to the stage as they could get. The Lemon Twigs played songs from their latest release, an EP titled Brothers of Destruction, which I had just discovered the morning of the show but listened to enough that I managed to memorize a couple songs. Even if you don't go to see them live just check them out on youtube or apple music, whatever you're down with, but they rock and if you're into 60s/70s rock I think you'll be into it!

In other news, Ably House! What is this you ask? I'm not talking about the murder house outside of small town Galena, Il (shout out out to Andrew's hometown!!!)--- I am talking about Andrew's band. Ably House just released two songs at the end of October which I will link the first here: Hazy Days by Ably House and here is the second: Dead Inside by Ably House I'm so extremely proud of the guys! I enjoyed seeing them do what they love, and its so cool to see the song change and get better and better just when you think "this is it!" they do it again and you're like "no way! that was great!". & I'm pretty stoked to listen to the next bits that they'll be releasing (another early this month). Maybe I'm biased though, idk. Anyway, it would be cool if you checked it out too! To give you an idea theres definitely 60s & 70s rock influence, some psychedelic, a little dark humor at times. Don't take things seriously anyway, haha. Dead Inside is about a breakup and how you feel just gutted afterward... its just a dramatic way of expressing an emotion! So yaaa, m8. Check it!

What else do I have to tell you? OH YA! I have to call off work tonight because they do not let us take off weekends and I needed to have this Saturday because my parents and Andrews parents are going to meet. That's right! We are all driving about 2 1/2 hours to get to a middle meeting point--- Wisconsin Dells. Yee haw! So this should be fun but I'm deathly afraid to call off of work bc it just gets crazy... like beyond what you'd imagine (no exaggerating I trained in a girl last night and she almost left; she was freaked out). They expect us to come into work and prove that we are sick if we have to call in on the weekend. I kinda don't want to work there so being fired may be a good thing... although I've never been fired before I don't think they would fire me but who knows! Gosh it shouldn't be like a world war if someone needs a Friday or Saturday off. But anyway thats my life rn. oh... and my hair turned very red when I tried to dye it yesterday... but its all good! ha...ha... JK It really is all good. Just little things that I won't have to worry about soon and I'll probably forget about! Life goes on, my friends. Don't worry be happy!

Dev xx

2017 Fall Guide to Accessible Groovy Clothes

Helloooo... its meeee! But really, hey friends! I have recently went on a bit of a shopping spree; a little "retail therapy" some may say. I'll admit it, getting new clothes is exciting and something that really makes me happy! It's like new paint for an artist, just in a different form. So I was in need of some inspiration but didn't have a ton of money to spend (considering the amount of things I wanted to buy). I am trying to revamp my wardrobe because as time goes on style changes a little and its refreshing to have new basics to work with. Given that situation, I decided to hit up ole Forever 21. I swear by it; I can always find something I like in there. This time ended up being like the jackpot of all trips to Forever 21! So they have some really cool stuff that looks very 60s/ early 70s fall clothing and I totally dig it. The colors they chose really spoke to me and inspired me there. Oh oh! Best of all, they have some fabulous ankle go go boots in a variety of colors and heel sizes (I got two different pairs with the lower heel).  Im going to list some of my favorite items on here that I purchased and hopefully, you'll all be inspired like I was! Everything I purchased was extremely affordable, and Forever 21 stores are all over or you could order online!

Anyway, here we go!

Tops:
Striped Mock Neck Top - I couldn't find the same colors as mine anywhere on the website but you've seen it on my Instagram. It has a fiery orange, mauve, black, and a deep olive color. These two tops are the same as mine, just different colors... I want them all!
Short Sleeved Mock Neck - Ok, same deal with the first. Same top, different colors (mine is black and white horizontal stripes). And I know, I know... Another mock neck? Ya, ok well it's kind of like my favorite thing to wear so sorry but not really. Plus, I love the little ruffles along the edges--- very sweet and dainty.
Orange Striped Casual Crop - I was so stoked when I found this. Honestly, it's like the most perfect halloweenish vintage casual shirt I've ever laid eyes on. I feel like this could be styled very rocker ish(?), or even kind of beatnik style if you wore cigarette pants and ballerina flats! The point: they're versatile!

Bottoms:
Faux Suede Mini - I got the burgundy version of this skirt, although I style it a little differently than they do. This hot little number caught my eye with the beautiful color and cool round matching belt. You wanna know what? The first thing I did was check and see if the belt was attached--- it wasn't! Oh gee! What a magical moment! I have worn this skirt with many different colored tights that pair well with the burgundy, and I have worn the belt without the skirt to jazz up other outfits. Two thumbs up!
Corduroy Mini - I loooove green! Originally, I had a different green mini that I had been toting around the store right up to when we were heading to check out when I saw this one hanging up. I had tried on the other one and everything so figured the same size would be fine, hung up the other one, and left with my new find. The main reason I chose this one is that I adore the pockets on this; the little half circle pockets (totally impractical- my phone has fallen out with every attempt), zip up detail that has circle pull tabs. Original Green Skirt <--- there is a link to the fist skirt I had chosen. You can really see the resemblance with the zip and pull tab, but you can also see why I chose the corduroy one, given my style preference. It just looks so vintage and the green is kind of off in a certain way but its so fall!

Stockings:
Burgundy Fishnets - When I saw these it was such a must. I just instantly saw the look--- I mean they perfectly match the skirt, and they make such a look with some open toed shoes! Plus, they seem like pretty decent quality. A+
Mustard Tights - Oh mustard, how we adore thee. Seriously, what a great color! I love buying tights. They're usually pretty cheap and a good pair of tights can really vamp up a dull outfit! So... that pretty much explains why I got these!

Boots:
Patent Faux Leather Ankle Boots - Ok, now these are literally THE BOMB! I have them in nude which I purchased while getting everything else the first time, except the mustard tights and another item I'll be mentioning below today along with BUM BUM BUM--- the black pair of these too! Now, if you're going to be ordering online keep in mind that the sizes run rather large! I usually wear an 8.5 or 9 US size and I have a 7.5 when it comes to these babies. Nevertheless, the nude pair has been my go to ever since I got them and I cannot wait to wear the black! They remind me a lot of the last patent faux leather pair I had, which may be why I fell in love with them and they were right on the first display as you walk in at my location (both trips)! Very foxy, very groovy, very much a new staple of mine!

Hats:
Cabby Hat - How could I spot this and not buy it? Tell me that! This just reminds me of John Lennon, Bob Dylan, and even Donovan was sporting one! It's an iconic item and everyone should own one, that's what I've come to find!
Wool Beret - You all know I love a beret. Plain and simple, it was there and I didn't have a grey one....so I got it!

Tempting Items:
Here are some things that I just found while searching for the items I purchased so I could link them for you haha!
Metallic Ankle Boots - SO GLAM!
Sweater Dress - Reminds me of Birkin or Bardot with a cabby hat.
Betsey Johnson Boots - Oooo I do love Betsey Johnson and these boots are fab!

I don't know, man. Sometimes you just hit the nail on the head and I can say Forever 21 really has here. There are so many cool things, like if your'e into platforms they have a variety of super cool options and lots of flare pants I noticed, too! Anyway, I hope that was helpful or enjoyable in some way! Stay groovyyyyyy!

Dev x

October 2017

   Hey guys! I had a lot that I wanted to talk to you about in this post so I wasn't quite sure how to title it, and with that I just kind of dated it. Anyway, whats new? It's October! I love it! I can stop pretending like its fall and wearing coats only to end up nearly having a heat stroke midday. It's actually been like 60 degrees (ish) and rainy. I am pretty happy about it; not because I like overcast skies but because this is the weather I know how to dress for best, being from Northern Wisconsin, and I feel like fall/ winter colors suit me better than spring/summer. Also, this weather makes me want to bake so I've been busy making mini cheesecakes (pumpkin and caramel apple crisp) and cookies! I think Andrew likes that haha! Now we just need more candles... and pumpkins to carve. I really don't decorate for Halloween too much because outside we want the house to look possibly vacant (not very social beings, ey?) and inside we already have christmas and halloween lights up that we just use as the regular lighting in our house. I don't know, maybe we live like giant children but I love it! You have to just have fun and enjoy your home, I think thats most the most important thing to remember when decorating your pad. Although, I did make one little festive centerpiece for our kitchen table as a nod to the newly come season. I picked up everything for this at Target and I'll list the items and prices for you below the picture!

   The container I found in the Halloween decorations for $7. It reminds me of the thing the rose was kept in for Beauty and the Beast except it has a little bat on the top and it's much wider. Then the sparkly pumpkins were also in the Halloween section, a bag of like 9 for $5! Lastly, I picked up the little fairy lights first when I got into the store, in the dollar section. I didn't know what I was going to do with them yet but I believe they were $3 or $5 and I knew I would use them somewhere. They ended up being perfect for this because the wire is so little it allows the display case to close tightly and they are battery operated so you don't have to have an awkward wire running down your table. 

   The next photo is of the caramel apple crisp cheesecakes which my mom made me want to make. She is a phenomenal baker and had been talking about how she made these mini cheesecakes and I love mini cheesecakes---they're a family favorite and really just remind me of Christmas as a kid. She found the recipe on Pinterest and I used the same one she did, so I will also share it with you all! Here's the link if you're interested (it was super easy and yummy): Caramel Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecake Recipe

   

   Last night I went shopping with Elisabeth (hi friend) and got a TON of good things for a decent price at FOREVER 21!!! I am probably going to make a little like youtube video about everything I purchased just to try something new and fun (?). I am super excited about everything I got though and I am just stoked to have these items in my closet to play with. Forever 21's fall clothes have some serious 60s vibes and I can totally dig it, ok! Like cute hats (got mine on now... no joke), rich colors, and mod cuts. It's very like 1965, 1966 which is like my entire essence--so to say the least, I am stoked. Also, super cute low cut go go style boots.

   Something else that happened: the magical and mystical @madresunshine (Courtney, my wonderful Insta friend from Texas) came to Chicago and I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with her down at Navy Pier and then a chill sesh before she had to fly back to her family, waiting with baited breath for her arrival. I don't blame them though, even I can't wait for our paths to cross again!

   Now for the current update on my life if anyone is interested, this weekend Andrew and I will be out in Galena, IL because there's a gig on Saturday in Dubuque, Iowa which is near by. We are both very excited because Galena is Andrew's hometown and is very similar to my hometown. It is pretty rural but also has a cute historic downtown which is something I love, with all the little shops and restaurants. It's always nice to get out of the city and see some NEAT-ure (wink)...and do some filming which reminds me---Oh, BIG NEWS- Andrew's original band, Ably House, will be releasing things this month (yes, yay, WOO!) specifically, October 27th, 29th, and the 31st. We are stoked, obviously. I would describe the music like psychedelic, 60s, garage soft punk. Is that a thing? Because I just made it one! Anyway, I think its super groovy! I'll post the links on my Instagram whenever it's released if anyone wants to take a listen/ peak (we are making videos for each song which include us and some vintage shots). Last thing before I roll into bed for the evening, WE GOT A COUCH! Well, like a little futon and we had it before, just upstairs where we never go. We had one of my buds from work over one night and decided the couch was a must so we brought it down and now it's in the studio. We have never had a living room; we always just hang out in our room or the kitchen because the studio is where the living room should be! But now it's like my life has changed because we have a couch in here, and a big chair that used to be in the kitchen. I was telling Andrew that it's like a real house now! haha! He likes it though too; we sit and have our coffee there in the morning and he can have the computer on the bench to watch the news. Well, I believe that covers about everything. Besides the video which hopefully I'll have done before Galena! I hope you all are doing well and you are embracing fall like I am! Light some candles and turn on the Velvet Underground---time to get cozy.

Dev xx

A Wardrobe Must Have

You've seen this blouse in my anniversary post and in a couple Instagram photos, but honestly it deserves its own moment. I got this white blouse with the feminine ruffles while shopping at Very Best Vintage (with Elisabeth!). When I picked it up I immediately fell in love! It's such a versatile staple that I was missing from my collection, but even better because it still had personality! I've worn this top so many times now I feel like; to the botanical gardens with a polka dot waistcoat, out to dinner with Elisabeth last Monday (pictured below), and over my sleeveless romper the other day. Now that I have this as an option everyday I realized how many outfits I can use this for! Honestly, before I was just like "eh I don't need a plain white blouse. I want patterns, color, etc..." It doesn't have to be anything fancy or expensive! There's tons at thrift stores, but its definitely worth while to get your closet stocked up with the basics. It helps you to use the more unique pieces without looking like too much you know? Some statement pieces should stand alone in an outfit. Anyway, here's the look from my dinner last Monday. I wore the blouse over top of my very light blue slip skirt that I actually made into a slip dress by safety pinning to a bra (I will sew on someday...maybe) but I like the skirt as a skirt so I unbuttoned the back two or three buttons on the back of the top and tied it together so it would gather tightly in my waist. ---That's another cool thing: it buttons in the back! Which looks really cute with a high waisted skirt/pants/shorts and the shirt unbuttoned just to the top of the waistline of your choice of bottoms! The rest of my outfit includes these cute white fishnet tights from Target, hat and shoes thrifted, an antique scarf from my grandma, and this ukulele which I am just learning for the hell of (it some of you know that from Insta).

Thanks so much, everyone!

love, 

Dev x

My Vintage Fall Favorites

We are only a little over a week into September and I have already slipped into the fall state of mind! I don't know about you guys but I'm buying hot coffee drinks again, taking a jacket with me when I go out, and even turning the seat heater on in my car. And obviously my fashion has changed for the colder weather too; Like I said, I have been grabbing a jacket lately and adding cozy layers to my outfit. I wanted to share with you all my favorite fall fashion looks, so in no particular order:

Socks/Stockings: In winter especially, but its chilly enough in fall weather to not want bare legs most of the time. Call me old fashioned, but I think if its under 50 degrees outside I think you should have some kind of tights or stockings on your legs... I mean COME ON GIRL DO YOU WANT PNEUMONIA? But I guess to each their own. Anyway they add a lot to an outfit and I think that they're super cute so why wouldn't you want to wear them anyway? Both socks and some kind of stocking can look very vintage so thats a plus! You can even wear them together or on their own depending on the look you want and the weather, even. Lately, I've been loving wearing my long knee high socks and cute little ankle socks which started as early as the solar eclipse...haha... you can remember that look ( http://devynseverson.blogspot.com/2017/08/moonshadow-our-trip-to-path-of-totality.html ). Here are some of my sock/stocking inspiration photos I have found via Pinterest-

Long Prairie Style Dresses: You know what I'm talking about; very 70s looking and could even be a skirt and top instead of a dress. I love, love, love this for fall with some knee high boots and maybe a big scarf around your shoulders. I'm not really sure what it is but the fall weather really brings out the like medieval styled...70s fashion loving(? think Biba in a way) part of me. You know what I'm saying? This can either look very Donovan and enchanting, or super Jackie from That 70s Show and stylish. You'll see what I mean in the photos, but NEVER forget--- A hat or some kind of kick ass jewelry is very important for this look, IMO. I'd feel naked without it!

Houndstooth: Its cute on a coat, on a skirt, on a dress, and definitely on pants! It could be the mod in me but houndstooth is a go to print for me, especially in the colder season. If you want to look put together but also rock n roll follow the cool chick pictured below in the houndstooth skirt and cool go go boots. I love this print with turtlenecks and I think part of that is because it seems super beatnik ish which I think is such a cool look! Plus, with the whole back to school part of fall, this print looks very neat and put together. 

Well thats the big three I'd say! Of course there's more really cool styles for fall, but I'll continue sharing them throughout the season in my other posts. I'm sure someone else is with me in the full out fall mood... I can't be alone here! Anyway, talk to you all later!

Dev xx

1960s Androgynous Fashion

What do the rail thin models of the sixties and sparkling glam rockers have in common?

They all could really pull off a good androgynous look. Androgyny in fashion dates back to the 1800s, though it may not have been streetwear at the time, with some woman's rights activists sporting trousers---which was quite scandalous. Then the roaring twenties had introduced new, wild flapper styles (some of which included pants for women!) and a short bobbed haircut. Jump ahead to 1966: When Yves Saint Laurent designed his first dinner jacket for women, only 80 years after the tuxedo jacket had been made in 1886. I love the androgynous looks of the sixties! I think that its so bold and can either look very youthful and innocent, or professional and put together. I don't mention men a lot in this only because I really want to focus on the 60s, and I feel like men were becoming more androgynous in their style with longer hair, the patterns, and colors but it wasn't quite there until the 70s. Anyway, that is kind of a post all in itself. So when I was reading up on this topic I was not surprised to see that the 1920s had their share of androgyny in fashion. The 1960s are like the 20s with a mod or psychedelic twist. The fashion trends of the sixties made a bold jump from the ultra feminine styles of the fifties over to a more childish look that was very "boyish" at times. Women took the leap; chopping off long locks to achieve a short pixie cut and ditching their hourglass silhouette dresses for more boxy shapes (drop waist, A-line, shift). When picturing this style theres one person who pops into my head: Twiggy, of course! With her tiny frame, short & neat hair, and bold makeup she wasn't afraid to take it all a step further by pulling off a magnificent androgynous look. I love it; she transforms from an adorable little doll to this powerful figure when she put on a pantsuit and it is brilliant!

So yes, Twiggy is a genius and gorgeous but it wasn't just Twiggy who took part in this trend; many celebrities of the sixties are pictured in pantsuits, or other androgynous styled outfits. Which leads me to my next point--- you don't have to wear a full pantsuit to achieve this look or even chop your hair off (more power to you though!). It can be done with button up shirts, the right fit of pants, and other accessories! I love to take my black shorts that zip on the side (from H&M like $12, mates!) and a button up shirt with some cute tights, my maryjanes, and a scarf around my neck...ohh a hat too to get that "boyish charm" look while still having my own twist on it. I think that H&M is really good for this style, i don't know but i'm planning this look in my head and almost all the items are from H&M. I mean the prices aren't bad and they have some cute stuff if it isn't written on with some random phrase or word. Point is, there are lots of ways to get this look, some more subtle than others, but it's all up to you and it can easily be done without true vintage! I'll pop some inspiration photos below, one of my own as well! 

Stay Groovy! & let me know if you want the 1970s male androgyny post!

Dev xx