Thread Conscious

May 30, 2011

Media Monday: Fashion Bloggers, Meet Matt Mullenweg

Filed under: Fashion & Technology,Media Mondays — Tags: , , , , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

If you’re a blogger, or an avid blog reader, chances are you’ve interacted with WordPress.  During my travels in California, especially San Francisco, I realized just how much of a technology incubator and hub the area really is. I started wondering if WordPress had a presence in Silicon Valley, and during my research I discovered that WordPress’s co-founder is- wait for it- a Texan!!!

Photo Credit: Businessinsider.com

WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg hails from Houston, another city densely populated with technology companies, and home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Further research revealed that WordPress is just one of several projects under the Automattic, Inc. umbrella, which Matt also founded.  Both Automattic and Matt call San Francisco home.  

Furthermore, he is one of PC World’s Top 50 People on the Web, Inc.com’s 30 under 30, and Business Week’s 25 Most Influential People on the Web.  WordPress is a phenomenal product and achievement, and it’s enabled me to share my love of all things fashion with others.  Matt, sincere thanks for all the work you and your team have done, and continue to do.  You’ve represented Texas well.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

May 23, 2011

Monochromatic Style

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion,Fashionable Book or Film,Trends — Tags: , , , , — Nik @ 9:37 pm

Photo Credit: wwepw.com

I think fashion should be fun, bold, expressive and personal.  Having said that, this sentiment might well be the reason I favor the trend of color-blocking.  Although born of subjectivity, such sartorial exuberance is rarely achieved without the subject looking as though he or she is trying too hard.  Which completely defeats the purpose of color-blocking: celebration.  An unabashed, unapologetic, in-your-face saturation of colors that scream “I AM ALIVE, I AM FUN, and I don’t give a FLYIN’ FLIP what you think about my outfit!” 

But, if you’re not feeling that confrontational, either because you just realized that black, white, brown and beige do not a wardrobe make, or that there’s life beyond matching your belt to your shoes, it’s understandable that color-blocking my seem a bit bizarre to you, and therefore, off-limits.  I get it.  Baby steps.  But I promise you that all articles of clothing don’t have to match.  In fact, “match” is a f-o-u-r letter word in fashion.  I’d like you to instead focus on this concept: coordination. 

Great.  Now that that’s out of the way, I want to share with you another amazing trend: monochromatic looks.  That’s right.  An entire ensemble- in one color.  “But Nik,” you chime, “I thought you just said matching is a f-o-u-r letter word.”  Aha!  Monochromatic looks are not about matching, but coordinating different hues from the same color family.  Plus, if color-blocking seems a little schizophrenic to you, why not first test the fashion waters in a singularity of color?   

Let me assure you monochromatic looks are not boring.  If anything, it’s sartorial irony.  One color, but in a litany of eye-catching shades.  Done right, monochromatic dressing is youthful, without being juvenile, and fashion-forward without causing you stumble on your style journey.  For inspiration, look no further than Glee character Emma Pillsbury.  (Who do you think you’re kidding?  I know you watch the show.)  Emma has inspired an entire blog, devoted to her fashion!  If you decide to take up this trend, may I suggest you start with blue?  I imagine every fashionista has jeans, so blue should be a good jumping off point to test this trend.  Ready to take the plunge?

 Fashionably Yours,

Nik

 

May 12, 2011

California Living Coming to A Close

Filed under: Uncategorized — Nik @ 9:54 am

Hello All:

I have one week remaining before I return to Texas.  California has been wonderful, but there’s no place like Home.  I hope you have enjoyed reading about my fashion finds (and food) in San Francisco and surrounding areas.  Heads up: I’m also in the process of moving, so once I get settled in, my posts should resume their regular schedule.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

May 9, 2011

Weekend in the Bay: Palo Alto, San Francisco & Monterey

Filed under: Art and Culture,Clothing Store,Food/Restaurant Review,Foodie Fridays — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

Dear Fashionistas,

My honey flew in from Texas to visit this weekend and we went on a weekend tour of the Bay.  (Read: We ate at a bunch of restaurants throughout the Bay.)  First up, Palo Alto, then San Francisco, followed by Monterey.  Enjoy!

OSTERIA ITALIAN RESTAURANT- PALO ALTO, CA

 

THANH LONG VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT- SAN FRANCISCO, CA

(Roast Crab and Garlic Noodles- YUM!!!)

 

THE FISH HOPPER & SURROUNDING AREAS- MONTEREY, CA

Just a quick note:  I did stop by an adorable boutique called “slb women’s clothing.”  Unfortunately, we were in a hurry to see as much of Monterey as possible before heading back, so I didn’t have a chance to take pictures of the shop.  I did chat with the lovely Sophia though, who runs the store with her sister.  The boutique’s selection of tops, dresses and accessories were young, yet sophisticated, on trend, yet refreshing.  Sophia herself embodied the spirit of boutique, with her effortless mix of laid back California cool and hippie chic.  If you’re in Monterey, this Cannery Row boutique is a must-see.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

May 2, 2011

Traveling Again!

Filed under: Uncategorized — Nik @ 6:37 am

By the time I go into my first meeting this morning on the West Coast, I’ll have already been up for 8 hours, and most of that time will be spent traveling!  Wishing you all a happy month of May!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik