Fashion's Night Out

Omaha joins a number of fashion forward cities including New York, Milan and London in celebrating the local fashion community by hosting its second annual Fashion's Night Out, Thursday September 8, 5P - 11P!  This year, local boutiques, salons and restaurants will join the fashion community around the world by keeping their doors open late to support local commerce and and all things stylish!  You can find a full list of participating retailers on the Fashion's Night Out Facebook Page but here are a few highlights... 

Old Market
Nouvelle Eve
1102 Howard Street
Enjoy wine and crackers and save 20% on your entire purchase!
7:00 PM

Trocadero
1208 Howard Street
Music from DJ Mello Mic, free makeovers from Fringes Salon, hors d'oeuvres and desserts from Stokes and Bliss Bakery as well as a mini bar provided by Liv Lounge!

Midtown
Post and Nickel
Rockbrook Village - NEW LOCATION
Celebrate in their new space, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. 

Out West
Togs
Shops of Legacy
20% off your entire purchase!

Garment District
Shops of Legacy
Enjoy 15% off entire purchase and special art offers by Omaha artist Kelli Smith.

Football Food

It's my husband's favorite time of year... college football kick-off weekend.  For me this means hours of listening to him yell at the TV like the players can hear him.  But I try to be a good sport since he usually spends his TV time watching things like The Bachelor, House Hunters and Sex in the City reruns with me.  There is one thing I love about football season and that's tailgating, an excuse to put on a baggy sweatshirt or jersey and be gluttonous.  A welcomed change after spending the past few months squeezing into a swimsuit.  People in Nebraska take tailgating VERY seriously.  The city practically shuts down during a Husker game so this year I've decided to step up my tailgating game with a few of these fun football themed eats.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Football Shaped Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Grilled Cheese on Pumpernickel Bread with Mustard Lace Garish

Fun Way to Serve Pigs in a Blanket

Tricky but Worth it! Watermelon.org

 

Mamma Mia

Summer may be coming to an end... tear!  But there are a few more fests left so don't hibernate yet.  Everyone should be Italian at least once a year so celebrate your heritage this weekend at La Festa Italiana with 30 varieties of authentic Italian food and entertainment.  Nothing like a little Italian feast to put you in a food coma.  Pizza, pasta, gelato, fried dough, no food item is more that $5.00.  And don't worry... the opening Husker Game will be available to view at the fest on Saturday so don't let your man use that as an excuse!  September 2 - 4, Roncalli Catholic High School, 116th and Rainwood Road.

Urban Outfitters Bike Shop Tour

Omaha is one of 23 stops along Levi's mobile bike shop tour.  Urban Outfitters and Levi's have collaborated to develop a bike wear line called "511 Commuter" for the urban cyclist.  Pants are designed with the stylish cyclist in mind.  Head down to Urban Outfitters today (Aug. 30th) for FREE tune-ups with experienced mechanics, customized tailoring for pants/jeans, bike bag workshops and free stuff, 4-8PM.

Gotta Love Groupon

Omaha ladies check out today's Omaha Groupon for $25 on a $50 purchase at TOGS in Legacy Court.  Free money to update your Fall wardrobe.  I love this grey dolman sleeve sweater, a perfect piece to transition from summer to fall!http://www.groupon.com/omaha/

Big Fat Greek Weekend

My husband Andy and I spent our honeymoon hopping the Greek Islands and ever since Mediterranean food has been my favorite!  Gyros and tzatsiki sauce, pitas and hummus, saganaki and baklava, just thinking about it makes my mouth water.  If you are feeling hungry this weekend visit Omaha's Greek Fest on 84th and Center.  Hosted by St. Johns Othodox Church, Greek Fest has been an Omaha tradition for over 20 years.  With dancing and entertainment, boutiques and food - there's just enough to make you wanna say OPA!

Desire to Inspire

I realized the other day that it’s been 10 years since I’ve lived in a real house. From dorm rooms to apartments, condos and townhomes, seven moves in seven years has been exhausting but I’m happy to say my century of claustrophobia has come to an end and I’m moving into a big girl house one month from today! I spent my weekend combing the Internet for color palates and design inspiration. This site, Houzz.com is a dream! Like Pinterest, it’s an online tool for cutting and collecting your design inspiration images. You can organize your clippings into ideabooks. Check out the book I’ve started as inspiration for our new master bedroom. I’m working with pale yellow walls and thought a gray and yellow palate would be a sunny yet soothing combination.

Master Bedroom Inspiration

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More»

Browse Accessories And Decor on Houzz- For Example:

Clocks · Fireplace Accessories · Decals · Waste Baskets · Home Fragrance · Vases · Pillows · Indoor Pots And Planters ·

Feeling Crafty?

I love these DIY coasters!  Super simple and absolutely adorable.  The perfect hostess gift or party favor for your next soiree. 

What you need:

• 4x4 Tiles (.16 cents at Home Depot)
• Assorted Scrap Book Paper
• Mod Podge Adhesive
• Clear Spray Paint
• Felt Pads

Cut the assorted paper into 4x4 squares and adhere to the tile with Mod Podge.  Spray a coat of clear spray paint and attach felt pads.  Easy right?

GAGA for MAHA

In the mood for some musica this weekend?  MAHA, the region's premiere indie music festival, kicks off this Saturday at 12:30P at Aksarben Village.  The line-up features a Guided By Voices reunion marking their third to last appearance ever, rap-reggae-rock artist Matisyahu and Omaha's Cursive, $30.

Be sure to stop by Scout's mobile shop - Lil Scoutie.  The folks from Esoteric Velvet will be on hand celebrating their 100-day anniversary with sweets and treats.  Visitors will also have a chance to win VIP tix to Omaha Fashion Week!

To see the full line-up or buy tickets visit MahaMusicFestival.com

Splash Mob

Get your bikini and super soaker ready!  1,911 Omahans are attending so far and the numbers keep growing.  The first ever Omaha Splash Mob is planned for this weekend in the Old Market on the corner of 11^th and Howard.  This massive water fight is planned to start at 12:00 so go incognito and keep all water guns, goggles, swim fins, nose plugs and bikinis out of sight until the clock strikes twelve! Oh – and don’t forget to put your cell phone in a zip lock baggie just in case. 

Balloon Platoon

There’s something magical about seeing a hot air balloon in the sky at sunset.  Be sure to look West this weekend to catch a glimpse of the Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival, balloons launching from 204^th and Q at 7P and glowing around 9P, August 12th and 13th.  If you feel like joining in the fun, the Food and Wine Experience will begin at 6P including a vast selection of vino and apps, $12!

Brace Yourself

As a former Brace Face, I swore I'd never want to wear those little rubber-bands again.  I'll never forget the day I got them off, three years of metal mouth was enough for me!  Think again... New York orthodontists and jewelry designer Lulu Frost have collaborated to make braces cool again.  These fun, durable bracelets are crafted out of authentic orthodontic materials and are the latest craze in middle schools across the country.  Check'em out http://www.bracedlets.com/.

Fossil Find

I always feel better splurging on a piece that can transition from season to season.  Last night I was hunting for the perfect summer party ensemble and came across this beautiful embroidered skirt.  Call me crazy but I thought Fossil only sold watches... apparently not!


Pair this skirt with a coral tank and sandals or with an olive sweater and boots when the leaves start changing.  Either way you're sure to get your money's worth!  Be sure to check out Fossil's Fall Collection at Oakview Mall or Fossil.com.

Fashion Forward

Where has the summer gone?  I can't believe it's already August! And that means Omaha Fashion Week is just around the corner, got your tickets yet?  This year's line-up includes 40+ designers from the Midwest and beyond.  A few to watch...

Eliana Smith Fall 2011 Collection

Eliana Smith

Originally from Argentina, Eliana works with unique textiles to put a spin on classic silhouettes with intricate detailing.  I love this sophisticated and flirty silk skirt.
elianasmithdesigns.com

Jennie Mason

Graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, Jennie’s line radioactive heart, is an edgy mix of hand printed fabrics, industrial zippers and florescent shades that are sure to get noticed.
www.radioactiveheart.com 

Megan Hunt Fall 2010 Line

Megan Hunt

Otherwise known as Princess Lasertron, this bridal designer/blogger has expanded her collection to include whimsical dresses with a pinch of fifties flare. 
www.princesslasertron.com 

Omaha Fashion Week

August 22-27^th 
Nomad Lounge
1013 Jones Street

Doors open at 6P shows start at 8P

General, Reserved or VIP Seating, $25 - $120
omahafashionweek.com
 

Sensational Weekend

Looking to experience something new this weekend?  Here are a few suggestions to stimulate your senses!

Listen: Saddle Creek Shop Grand Opening

Located on North 14^th Street, the SHOP provides a destination for avid Saddle Creek Records fans to score souvenirs, and their favorite band’s T-shirts and vinyls.  The grand opening will feature in-store performances by Orenda Fink and The Mynabirds from noon to 6PM, Saturday July 23rd.

Taste: Girls Night at Soaring Wings

The forecast calls for a hot and beautiful weekend so round up your besties for a night of wine and dancing at Soaring Wings, Saturday, July 23^rd 7 – 9:30, $5.00 per person. 

Touch: Oil and Acrylic Painting Class

Get in touch with your artistic side at the Hot Shops Art Center this Saturday.  Jean Mason will be hosting a two-hour Oil and Acrylic Painting class.  Students will learn introductory color selection, paint application and composition skills, 10AM $35.00

Scouting

Last week I had a few friends in town and took them for some yummy slices at Pitch Pizzeria (be sure to try the Marsala pizza if you haven’t already… figs, goat cheese pears and truffle oil = delicious!)  After our feast we stopped next door at Scout: Dry Goods and Trade.  I’m usually not a big fan of digging through second hand clothing but Scout does all the sorting for you.  Their unique selection of clothing and accessories is hand selected and jam packed with name brand items you’re sure to love!  I walked out with three J Crew tops (one which still had the tags on) for $40 bucks, can’t beat that! This Thursday, Friday, Saturday buy one pair of shoes get the second pair half off so get Scouting!

The Next New Thing

If you like to be the first of your friends to latch onto the latest craze listen up!  Silk scarves are huge for fall and these clever chicks have designed a scarf that not only looks beautiful but stays in place around your pretty little face with a magnetic closure.  Made from 100% silk, each scarf is original just like the women who wear them.  Cairo is still in the launching phase but you can be one of the first to own their works of art by pledging $150 to help them launch their ecommerce site.  Check out their Kickstarter video to learn more.  And stay tuned to their website www.cairocairo.com as I'm sure they will be available online soon!

Night Rider

The 2nd Annual Owl Ride is this Saturday, July 16th - Omaha's nighttime urban cycling adventure. The perfect event for the nocturnal, coined the largest annual night bike ride between Chicago and Denver!  Get a starlit tour of Omaha along the 16-mile route that circles through Downtown, Midtown, Dundee, Aksarben, Field Club and the Old Market.  Several stops along the way will be offering sips and snacks including Pitch, Midtown Crossing, Jones Bros Cupcakes and the Field House.  The ride starts at the Lewis and Clark Landing, 11PM $35 per rider.  Be sure to bring your bike light!

"O Fest" Out West

Festivals are one of my favorite things about summer.  There is just something about listening to a live cover band and drinking beer in a parking lot that makes me smile.  Be sure to check out O Fest this weekend at Shops of Legacy featuring eats from Omaha’s top restaurants, live music, a huge variety of craft beers and shopping discounts at local retailers.  Open Friday, July 15, from 5P – 11P, Saturday, 11A – 11P and Sunday, 11A – 8P.  I love this look, perfect for a festival on a hot day, found at The Giving Tree in Shops of Legacy.

Paddle Party

It’s gonna be a hot one this weekend so you’ll either want to be in the comfort of your heavily air-conditioned home or in the water!  Nebraska Outdoor Adventures is a group of outdoor enthusiasts who make it easy and affordable to actively participate in a wide-variety of recreational activities.  This year NOA has launched a kayaking program at Lake Cunningham Marina.  An eight-week membership will give you access to kayaks and paddleboards 7 days a week.  Or if you are just looking for a day trip head to the Wine and Cheese Sunset Paddle this Saturday, July 16^th.  Paddle around the lake and enjoy the sunset, all skill levels welcome, $40 per person.

Outdoor Fitness Park

One of the best things about summer is ditching the treadmill and breaking a sweat outside.  And now you can work your core in the great outdoors! The Elmwood Fitness Park opened last week with eight pieces of equipment including a rowing machine, sit-up bench, double leg press, stretching bars, two elliptical machines and shoulder press machine all outside in the park.  Equipment is waterproof and will remain in the park year round at 67th and Pacific.  So work that behind in the sunshine! 

Absolutely Charming!

Every stylista knows that accessories can make an outfit.  Add the perfect belt and necklace to a plain white tee and you can look like a million bucks.  On a recent trip to Austin, TX my friend introduced me to Charming Charlie an accessory queen’s paradise!  Think Francesca’s Collection meets Forever 21 – with 8,000 square feet of accessories from bracelets and belts to handbags and scarves.  I walked in for a pair of sunglasses and walked out with just about everything else.  So I was super excited to hear a Charming Charlie just opened here in Omaha at Shadow Lake Towne Center!

Items are reasonably priced and categorized by color for those of us who tend to get overwhelmed in large retail locations with 7,000 pairs of earrings to choose from. Check it out!

Lemon Days

It’s that time of year when you wonder if you should be buying anything more for your summer wardrobe as Fall is just around the corner (boo hoo).  But a good sale is always an excuse to buy something out of season!  This weekend is Lemon Days at Regency Court, 25 – 75% off throughout the mall.  And who can’t use a new summer look from Francesca’s or Anthropologie, after all there are still 77 days of summer left!  I love this Spinning Light Dress from Anthro - on sale for $89.95.

All That Jazz!

In the mood for a picnic in the park and the smooth sounds of Latin Jazz?  Jazz on the Green kicks off tonight, at Turner Park in Midtown Crossing and will continue every Thursday night through August 11^th.  Venue opens at 5PM, if you want to snag a front row seat, concert begins at 7PM.  Blankets, chairs and outside food and drink are welcome!  If you are looking for a yummy snack to pack order takeout from Taste in Rockbrook Plaza, the Hummus is to die for!

And if you haven’t had enough Dixieland and Swing for one weekend, head to the Riverfront Jazz and Blues Festival, July 8^th and 9^th.  The venue has moved to the Orpheum due to flooding but the music is sure to be just as jazzy!  Music begins at 4PM, $38 per day.

Trash to Treasure

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is Garage Sale hunting.  There’s something fulfilling about digging through someone’s trash to find your treasure.   Sometimes all it takes is a fresh coat of paint to create a one-of-a-kind piece that will add character and charm to your home.  And why run all over town when you can visit the 500+ Family Indoor Garage Sale in LaVista (July 6th – 17th)!  All proceeds go to charity with new items arriving daily.  Just be sure to come prepared with plenty of change, small bills, a tape measurer and tote for collecting and carrying your finds!

There are so many fun ways to reuse items you find at a Garage Sale here are a few ideas I love!  Check out more on my Pinterest board http://pinterest.com/prairiegirloma/new-uses-for-old-things.

Patriotic Prairie Girl

Fourth of July is my favorite holiday of the year!  Sundresses, BBQ, frozen cocktails and fireworks, what more could a girl ask for!  Here are this weekend's must see and do events...

Friday
Cheap Trick - Pack your cooler and gear up for some power pop at Memorial Park.  You are guaranteed a better view this year as the stage will be on Dodge facing North so snag a spot on the hill and get ready to "Surrender".  Parking available on UNO's campus starting at 4PM, concert 7P - 10P.

Saturday
Fireworks at Ameritrade Park - Check out the largest firework display in the Midwest featuring twice as many fireworks as last year!  Stake your spot on Mike Fahey Street by 10PM or attend the Home Run Derby inside the stadium with Fireworks to follow 7:30 PM ($12 Admission).

Sunday
Acoustic Sunday Concert Series - Head out to Soaring Wings Vineyard for an afternoon of sipping and songs.  Acoustic guitar player Tim Koehn will be performing from 2P - 4P in the gazebo area.  Bring a lawn chair and a cheese plate to pair!

Red, White and Blue... Menu

Whether you are hosting or attending a 4^th of July feast… it’s always fun to have a little red, white and blue on the menu.  Here are a few easy treats to make this weekend – a patriotic confection that is sure to grab their attention!

Star Spangled Strawberries

Pretzel Sparklers

Beach Bagtastic

Heading to the lake this 4th of July weekend?  Make sure your bag is packed with all of summer's essential staples!  A wide brim hat (Target), sunglasses (Urban Outfitter) and 50+ sunscreen will keep your face looking fresh in your fifties.  A bottle of water and Clean and Clear blotting sheets will keep you cool and shine free.  And don’t forget your iPad in case you want to rock out our read up!  Have fun bathing beauties!

Beach Bag Essentials by PrairieGirlOMA featuring a striped tote

J Crew striped tote
$300 - jcrew.com

Bow hat
$13 - target.com

Urban Renewal Vintage vintage oversized sunglasses
$325 - urbanoutfitters.com

Amazon.com: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid...
$24 - amazon.com

Firecracker

Independence day is on its way, which means family reunions, barbecues, picnics, concerts, pool parties and late night fireworks.  What better way to show you’re proud to be an American than the perfect red, white and blue ensemble! These three looks are sure to make you a patriotic prairie girl - all found at an Omaha store near you!

Firecracker by PrairieGirlOMA featuring denim shorts

(Hat - Von Maur, Sperry's and Wrap Belt - Dillard's, Toms Wedges - Roots and Wings)