Fashion according to NEXT

Over the past three years, I think I've proven to all my readers that I like to shop. And I like expensive clothing items that are ridiculously out of my reach, but one day I will have them, clicking my heels three times.

Along with a group of other cool Cleveland bloggers, I was invited to NEXT Beachwood in Beachwood mall for a $200 shopping spree. For those of you who visit the mall regularly, it's on the second floor by Nordstrom's entrance. I always park at Nordstrom because of the covered parking so I normally walk past it. I have stopped in on a few occasions to glance around and check out the clothing, but I've never purchased anything from there.



I walked away with a cropped, leather jacket, the softest, baggy T-shirt by Alternative Apparel and an Ark & Co. T-strap nude tank top with copper sequins covering it. I fell in love with the jacket and walked around the store in it the entire time. At one point, everyone thought it was actually my jacket.

On the heels of New York Fashion Week, I wanted to pick the head buyer's brain on what to expect for this coming season. Meet Ahryn Tolley who has been with NEXT for the last nine years. To keep up with the ever-changing world that is women's fashion, she shared that she's constantly bringing in fresh pieces into the store. So basically, if you see something you like, you better grab it right away.


Ahryn is on the left in the dress that I desperately want with Tracy to her right from NEXT


What trends are you seeing emerging for these upcoming seasons?
Prints: florals and stripes
Tops: oversized tees, cropped tops
Bottoms:leggings and textured hosiery
Dresses continue to be a trend in the marketplace, but I am noticing the comeback of the skirt.

Name your three top brands right now you carry and why?
-Ark & Co.- It has a great designer look, from quality to design, at at reasonable price. We have done well with this brands dresses.
-Alternative Apparel- Great tees and knit tops, that are great as a basic piece yet sexy enough to be dressed up with accessories, and worn for a night out on the town.
-Nudie denim- Quality denim that is supposed to be worn in to fit and age with the individual.

What are some key pieces every girl should have in their closet?
- black blazer, black slacks, and that "little black dress"
- great pair of jeans
- great sundress
- pair of comfortable heels in black and brown
- dressy tank top that can be worn with both jeans and slacks

For the life of me, I don't think I can do florals or cropped tops because like one flowery mess or I feel like Mr. T. I never EVER thought I would wear skinny jeans but somehow I managed to find more than one pair that fits over my calves. So, maybe there is hope with me and floral prints after all.

So, what styles will you or will you not be wearing this spring and summer?

Disclosure: I was given a $200 gift card to shop at NEXT for this review.

At the Ro k

"You smell like alcohol," says the BF when I got home last night.

Give me a break. I had only had two beers in a 4-hour span with these peeps at the Rock Bottom Brewery. Since Taawd is secretly a woman, he celebrates his birthday all week long...just like some of the girls (like me) do! The BF passed on the festivities to watch Transformers for the 300th time to see Megan Fox - should I be concerned? Probably not, but have you seen her on the cover of GQ?

Here's what I learned:

Taawd likes celebrating 36 way more than 35.
Alexa showed up from what sounded like a great party with a few co-workers, including Connie of the dum-dum challenge. (yes, that one!)
Narm won't french the waitress - no matter how much Alexa tries to bring back frenching.

"I'm going to bring frenching back," says Alexa. Watch out Clevelanders, here she comes.

Real world meet up

If it weren't for Alexa, none of us (semi famous) peeps would've gotten together Saturday night. That means, there wouldn't have been any meeting Everest, talking with the Chef or his Widow, stuffing ourselves full of pizza, fries and some apps/desserts compliments of the chef, causing a scene with the young girls from the PD, laughing hysterically over relationship stories, or meeting Nom and friends on the rooftop for cornhole and beer drinking. Taawd and Mel - you missed the amazing impromptu flip cup game that happened.

Here's what I've learned after meeting these bloggers/ now real world friends -
-Mel will never cut her hair again.
-You can't see inside Tawwd's place from Route 2 (although I think he wants us too)
-We all agreed that we are now more than ever obsessed with Bar Cento, the atmosphere, the food and Magic Hat #9
-The BF shared his love for Abby Ham over and over. This is a whole other post in itself.
-Alexa wants a 8x10 signed glossy of Carl Monday
-Yes, I was embarrassed when he told the PD girls we are semi-famous (We aren't! OK, maybe Mel is. Yes, hello - she was in the 25th anniversary of Cleveland magazine! That is major.)

And yes, I will hang out with each and everyone you again!

***And, we also met out Suzanne of Life on Mars.