Envision Artopia Spring 2012

This is what you call playful vintage. Whimsical and girly, almost doll-like. I spotted this one-of-a-kind vintage dress at Dainty Daisies in downtown Appleton. I love the subtle print and pink trim. And you know how much I'm enjoying exaggerated everything, so these funky shoulders are no exception. As much as I dig harkening back to the olden days, I brought this ensemble to the here & now with a little color blocking & pops of neon.

dress: dainty daisies, heels: lulus, necklace: a bag lady, belt: pac sun, lip hue: coral crush by american beauty

Saturday night was Envision Artopia, spring edition. The extravaganza was as packed and lively as the fall Envision event I attended. But the style on the R-way had a lighter, brighter feel to match the season. The styles tended to be far more RTW than avant garde, so anybody could slip into one of these outfits and trot down Mainstreet with just enough pizzazz to catch some eyes but not too much to make people run red lights from excessive gawking. Nobody wants that to happen. That is daaaangerous, people.

Images via Corey Tenold Photography

Please note the neon piping, vintage headscarf, peplum exaggerated hip. So chic.

Images via Corey Tenold Photography

And what a treat was this edgier collection by soon-to-be University of Minnesota grads & London-bound designers Sara Lopez & Lizzie Hillman. I melted over the structured silhouettes, color blocking, and inventive shapes (including a top with a circle neck that left the whole room speechless in what seemed to be a bit of confusion, bahaha how fun! Oh dear, have I left you curious? You can check out the dramatic look here).

image via CityPages

Here I am at the event with Cassidy. Those darn wristbands. At least this time it works with my color scheme :)