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Farmer’s Market Fashion

Written by Stephanie Patterson in In Style

One of the things I really enjoy about Fayetteville during the summer is the Farmers’ Market. Strolling around the square on a bright sunny Saturday morning, coffee in hand, and taking in the scenery is a very euphoric experience. I love getting caught up in the vast colors of the flowers, the art and the produce. You can get lost in the array of people, sounds, smells and the all-around buzz of the atmosphere.

Instead of getting “lost” in the crowd, I want my style to help add to the ambiance. It takes the right amount of personal touch and homework to accomplish this.

Let’s all face it, waking up early on a Saturday morning is sometimes tough, and the last thing I want to do is think about is putting a look together. My go-to outfit on the weekends during the summer is a cotton sundress. This is a staple for all girls in the South. Every southern belle knows how hot and humid it gets in Arkansas, and the sundress is an easy and comfortable way to look fashionable and stay cool.

One of my favorite dresses is the LA Made high-low tank dress in Blue Blush. Throw on with a skinny belt, some Jeffrey Campbell flip flops and sunglasses

Another dress option is the MM Couture color block maxi. This is an effortlessly classy look for those spicy-hot mornings in Fayetteville.

Not a dress person? One of my favorite “lazy day” outfits is a pair of cropped straight legs, like the Citizens of Humanity Dani,and a flowy Bobi striped tee. Add an Ornamental Things long chain necklace, and you have a cool and stylish look.

Of course a pair of white shorts is always a good summer look. My favorite pair is the Rich & Skinny Hampton Short. They are just the right length, and very flattering on all shapes. Pair these with the Rebecca Taylor Leopard Pullover and the hot pink Dolce Vita Archer sandals, and you have an effortless Saturday morning look.

With any of these outfits you will be the envy of the Farmers’ Market! The only thing missing from these looks: an iced latte and pastry from The Little Bread Company. Happy Weekend!

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Video: Introduction to Fashion-ography series

Written by Liz Harris in In Style, Masons News

Introduction to Fashion-ography

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NWAFW: Until The Glittery End

Written by Courtney Bickel in In Style

A “fashion hangover” is a good way to describe what the fashion crowd of Northwest Arkansas is feeling right about now. Months and months of preparation all paid off this past week that was full of late night parties, fittings and runway shows that exceeded everyone’s expectations. NWA impressed everyone that took part in the events. The class level, organization and overall fun vibe definitely proved that there is more to fashion than meets the eye.

The idea for Fashion Week developed from founder Jade Terminella of Lola Boutique who in previous years sponsored her own event Strut For a Mutt, which raised money for Spay Arkansas and The Fayetteville Animal Shelter. Masons, in previous years has helped the talented producer, Tammy York with her show Rock The Runway. Rock The Runway benefits the Single Parent Scholarship Fund for the University of Arkansas and usually features multiple retailers being the biggest fashion show in the area every year. Jade Terminellea’s new idea for fashion week incorporated all the boutiques in the area to each put on an individual fashion show during the week to benefit a local charity. Rock the Runway then picked Masons to be the featured boutique for their show.

When NWAFW was then set in stone to happen, NWA held a Fashion Week casting call for all prospective models in the area. The stores managers and owners all picked their favorite girls and guys to best represent their boutiques’ aesthetic.The next step in making Fashion Week happen was the ticket sales. The tickets for the event were $25 at the door for general admission, or free Thursday night to students who brought a canned good and their student ID for the Apparel Studies/Shop Local Shows. VIP tickets for the event sold out impressively fast for every night at $50 per night. The VIP tickets gave you access to a seat for the shows, as well as a swag bag.

Monday, March 5^th kicked off NWAFW with Shopping Night Out. Each boutique had individual promotions within their store bringing people in to promote their charity and get people excited for what was yet to come with Fashion Week. Masons had a 20% off your whole purchase from 5-9pm, live music with Mike and Grady, hourly giveaways, refreshments, a photo booth, and swag bags to the first 25 customers. It was a great success and was a lot of fun. Masons also gave away $1 green lunch totes where the proceeds go towards the Single Parent Scholarship Fund.

The next event Masons sponsored was the JOYN fashion show that took place Thursday night at the Shop Local show. Masons dressed all the models for the show while holding a JOYN trunk show at the Joyce store location. The JOYN story started with the owner Mel’s vision to help a little town of northern India build business opportunities by making beautiful handmade home furnishings and accessories with the community. All of the items are hand-woven fabrics in 5 different weights with hand-pressed prints that are block printed. This is all reflected in the quality and beauty in each item. Masons has loved this opportunity to hold this trunk show and help promote its cause. After Thursday night’s show success, we were so excited for our Rock the Runway show on Saturday. Click here for the {JOYN Video} from NWAFW.

It all began Saturday at 5pm when the van was loaded to take everything over to East Square Plaza. Shag Salon and the make-up wizards from MAC filtered in setting up shop for when the models arrived. It soon began and was a frenzy of fun and anticipation for our show that went on at 10:30 that evening. Luckily we had a blast getting ready and the geniuses at Shag and MAC did an amazing job executing our vision of a modern-retro 60’s look.

The show opened with young Sir and Justice Duncan’s speech describing how the Single Parent Scholarship Fund had helped their family. Their mother, LeDeana Duncan received the scholarship through the charity, which helped her complete her education that opened opportunities that have benefited her family. As they wrapped up their speech, our video created by local photographer Jade Howard, began setting the tone for what was yet to come on the runway. Click here for the {Masons Video} from NWAFW.

The opening song for the show ‘Glitter’ by Ghostland Oberservatory set the pace for the models to strut and even dance down the runway. When the show came to it’s end, our last model blew a handful of glitter at the crowd which was a followed by awes and screams of excitement. Tears from adrenaline and happiness came from some Masons employees and we have never been more proud of our amazing store.

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NWAFW: What to Wear

Written by Guest Post in In Style

Hi!

Candy, from candyfudge here, and I’m so excited that this week has finally come! After weeks of Fall/Winter ‘12 previews (New York, London (my fave), Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks), NWAFW is the perfect way to jump back into Spring/Summer styles. And by attending Fashion Week, you’re supporting local charities and local shopping. I can’t explain how special it is that our community is coming together to support great causes in the name of fashion!

If you’re like me, you might still be scrambling to find the perfect outfit. Luckily Masons has trendy and classic pieces to complete your NWAFW wardrobe. Check out some favorite pieces I’ve paired together for this week’s events (you can get any of these pieces at tonight’s Shopping Night Out for 20% off…hello!!!).

Look 1: Matchy Matchy – bold solids with a splash of print (and carry the blazer into Razorback football season). BB Dakota blazer, Joie blouse, Glam palazzo pants

Look 2: Purrrrr…ascot leopard print blouse with color-blocked pleated maxi. Amanda Uprichard blouse, Aryn K maxi skirt

Look 3: This black tie look immediately makes me think of The Glamourai’s Kelly Framel. I’d pair with thin, strappy stilettos. Jeunesse blouse, Central Park West blazer, Dolce Vita pleated shorts

Look 4: Can’t get enough animal print…and what a better way to highlight it with this neon yellow top! BB Dakota leopard dress, Rebecca Taylor neon yellow blouse

Look 5: Two words: effortlessly chic. Central Park West maxi dress, Melie Bianco Clutch

Photo credits: Sarah Boyce Collier, Rob Lambert

xx,

Candy

candyfudge.wordpress.com

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JOYN Handbags: Trunk Show Monday March 5th

Written by Liz Harris in In Style

IMG 1892 300x200 JOYN Handbags: Trunk Show Monday March 5th

Confidence in your fashion choices makes your day to seem flow a little easier, right?? Whenever you put an outfit together and choose your accessories you have usually have a reason behind that decision- whether ease, favorite piece or just has the perfect color contrast to your ensemble. Whatever the reason, you always want to feel good about your choice and of course, look good! That’s how I feel when I pick up any of my JOYN pieces. My favorite cream/gray chevron button clutch always seems to give the gratification I am looking for in a bag. It is my “old comfy” that I always turn to when I can’t decide. On days I need a little color I go for the yellow block button clutch. On the days I need to throw my ipad, laptop, daily planner & a thousand other things in a bag, I choose the over-sized hippie bag to carry those with style.

JOYN Handbags: Trunk Show Monday March 5th

So, all the colors & designs are fabulous that any fashionista would adore but the meaning behind that beautiful clutch and textiles are what captured my heart about a year ago. The precious hands that craft these bags are what make them so amazing. Each piece of fabric used for all JOYN’s textiles is hand woven in Northern India by women who have illness and this fabric gives them purpose to live. The fabric is then blocked printed by local artisans who have been in the blocking printing industry for 30 plus years and have the art down to a T. Each piece is then hand stitched to perfection. I can sew decently, a trait my grandmother taught me as a kid, but I can only dream of being this talented with a needle and thread. The whole process involves multiple people in this community and gives them a chance to provide for their families. Last summer, The Street Smart Cooperative was founded, where JOYN can emp

In an area where poverty is everywhere you turn, JOYN is trying to make a difference and change people’s lives for the better. Show these indiviuals love, compassion, hope and most of all JOY. God has truly blessed me with the opportunity to help with JOYN and these amazing individuals. We are all truly blessed and are going to buy beautiful home furnishings and accessories. Why not get a piece that is truly going to make a difference in someone’s life & yours too. So the next time you need the perfect day bag, evening clutch for a date with your hunny, or new placemats that bare table- choose a JOYN piece and feel GREAT because you look good with it and you helped change someone’s life.loyee “street kids”. They receive vocational training and our hope is to increase their training skills and time, as well as offer English and Computer skills training.

img1 201x300 JOYN Handbags: Trunk Show Monday March 5th

We invite you to JOYN us in our effort to connect producers in the developing world with western markets. Like our Facebook page. Follow our Twitter. Tell your friends. And definitely buy something!

This March we are so happy to be involved with Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week March 5-10th. JOYN will be featured in a trunk show on Monday March 5, at Mason’s on Joyce and Thursday March 8th strutting down the runway. We hope to see you there!!! Get your tickets now at www.nwafw.com.

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Here Comes The Sun

Written by Courtney Bickel in Happening Now, Masons News, New Merchandise!

In light of the coming Spring 2012 Season, we here at Masons thought it would be a great idea to start off with a photo shoot!

When it came to styling the shoot, we found inspiration in some of the trends that are being seen for Spring 2012 such as, florals, pastels, colored denim, and great shoes!

As far as location, we loved the idea of keeping everything clean and simple. And with that idea in mind, we found the perfect location to feature some great pieces in a simplistic but chic way.

Keeping it retro, we styled the hair and makeup in a classic but up to date fashion, with a great cat eye and a natural, wind tossed look for the hair.

The neutral palette of the location allowed the colors of the clothing pop!!

This is just a small taste of spring at Masons!

The best is yet to come!

Joie,

C+C

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NWA Fashion Week 2012

Written by Liz Harris in In Style

Masons is so excited about the upcoming first annual Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week. We have always known that NWA was a fashionable place to live but now all the boutiques have come together to show the trends and support our charities all at the same time.

Masons has partnered with Rock the Runway for Education to present their show. Rock the Runway has supported the Single Parent Scholarship for several years now. Here are a few facts about where your money will go when buying a ticket to our show:

Mission : To help single parents become self-sufficient through post-secondary education.

Established in 1984, SPSF NWA is a private nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to helping single parents accomplish their educational goals and create a better future for their children.
We offer scholarships to help single parents pay for the costs of their education and related living expenses
More than $250,000 in scholarships is awarded each year.
SPSF NWA receives no government funding. Scholarships are funded entirely by donations from individuals, local businesses, civic and community groups, churches, and private foundations.
Contributions from all segments of the local community are vital to our continued ability to end poverty for single parent families in Northwest Arkansas.

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Cold Roses

Written by masons in Happening Now, Masons News

Valentines day is not always all about chocolates and hearts, although chocolates are nice! At Masons we thought of a more abstract approach for our Valentines window displays, Roses! Entitled “Cold Roses”, we really liked the idea of working the cold harshness of the winter and the warm, vibrant color of red. Through countless meeting and sketches and “Love Games”, sorry Lady Gaga I had to do it, we came up with a more artistic way of celebrating Valentines Day with our customers and the rest of NWA.

We began our venture with creating these beautiful and creative roses out of red poster board! Aren’t they awesome!?

Next, we gathered a few branches that we could bind together to create our version of some sort of bouquet.

After we got the limbs just perfect, it was time to install!

I know it’s a dangerous job, but somebody’s got to do it!

6 Cold Roses

After a few hours of work, the windows were complete! Everyone should come by and check it out! And tell us what you think!

A few days later, we headed over to our mall location! Here are a few pictures of our mall window, complete with another paper dress made of red roses!

Written by: Clay Sasfai

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A Little “Bird” Told Me…

Written by masons in Happening Now, Trends

Who said flowers are the only colorful print for springtime? Well, who ever said this forgot to tell designers like Marc Jacobs and Carolina Herrera, because for their spring 2012 collections “BIRDS” are the newest and brightest prints for spring.

Working with the bright, highly vibrant and sometimes pastel colors for spring, designers have taken many approaches to the new print and have showcased the print in both a very literal and abstract way.

Here Carolina Herrera has taken a literal approach to her prints but done so in a very modest way. The dispersion of the actual birds are done ever so subtle and draw the eye with the use of bright colors and the gradual multiplication of the pattern.

The Spring 2012 Marc by Marc Jacobs collection also showed some ornithological features. Jacobs took more of an abstract approach when incorporating birds into his new collection. At first glance, flower petals, but then after a closer look you can see that the print is in fact birds.

Other designers are embracing the bird trend as well. Because you know what they say, “birds of a feather, flock together!”

Written By: Clay Sasfai

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Pretty in Pastel

Written by masons in Happening Now, Trends

Pastels for spring? Probably sounds about as innovative as spring florals or nautical inspiration, right? Well, they sort of are novel for me. I personally haven’t worn pastels in about 10 years. They simply didn’t jive with my grown-up wardrobe. Just a bit too….sweet – colors reserved for babies and Easter Sunday. Definitely not cool or edgy (not that I could legitimately claim to be either of these 2 things – but we all strive, don’t we?). So for the most part, I passed on all things ballet shoe pink, powder blue or celery green. As a lady that doesn’t lunch, nor live on the Main Line, I also never caught the Lilly Pulitzer bug that hit a few years back. While I appreciated the textiles and patterns, I didn’t have the urge to wear them. A bit too much saccharin for my taste – I would have felt down-right silly.

Well, after spending the past couple of weeks hunched over my computer screen drooling over the Spring 2012 runway photos, I can’t help but reboot my thought process and take another look at beautiful pastels with a new eye. Somehow this year, the calming colors have electricity. Like the end of a good cleanse – this spring’s pastels make me feel a bit buzzy. What’s changed? Possibly how the designers approached using this soft pallette. Some used the Fall/Winter color blocking trend and spun it into a diffused version for warmer weather.

Layering them in a “more is more” way, and then combining them with modern silhouettes like drop waist Daisy Buchanan dresses or flowy wide leg pants. It all makes me wish we could fast forward to April. Further evidence that this trend isn’t reserved for the Royal family, is Prada’s Spring line. Arguably the toughest designer girl out there, Miuccia, did almost an entire show in pastels! Of course she had her edgy Prada take on it, but still! Feminine dresses with tons of pleats and pastels reigned supreme. It’s clear that girly girls won’t be the only ones joining in on this trend.

We have some beautiful pastels trickling into Masons and I for one, am on board. The most exciting ones that can be worn (RIGHT NOW!!) are the celebrity favorite ‘it blouses’ by Equipment and the deliciously creamy silk Joie poet blouses. These tops and others come in a variety of prints and pastels: from sea foam greens to soft blushes and pinks, and more arrive every day. They look amazing with a great pair of jeans and your favorite boots. It’s fun to have the hope of spring peeking out in the winter months. Stop by and see this new trend in all it’s glowy newness. No better way to beat the mid winter blues!

Written by: Christin Archambault

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