Marlen
A Midwest vintage style blogger that shows her readers how to pull off that iconic Chicago style of mixing sweet vintage with high fashion. I'm a writer first, blogger second, and cupcake fiend third. It's nice to meet you! :)
Blog: http://messagesonanapkin.blogspot.com/
MY BLOGS
- Messages on a Napkin http://messagesonanapkin.blogspot.com/
LATEST ARTICLES ( 141 )
-
Finding Out How To Make Minimalist Styling Interesting
I'm still trying to navigate this whole "less is more" concept - and while I still very much want to dive head first into poppy, lemony colors and dizzy pattern... Read more
Posted on 07 October 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
A Case For Why You Should Style Beanies This Fall (Especially If You Think You...
So confession: I went into a frenzy today and switched out my summer clothes for my fall clothes. The reason for this abrupt change? Read more
Posted on 04 October 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
The Tip That Just Might Make You Try Minimalism
It's no secret my style had a transformation this year. Where before I wanted to look like I had pies cooling on the windowsill with my full skirts and gingham... Read more
Posted on 26 September 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
What to Wear to a...
Sometimes you just can't find the will (or the creativity) to scrounge up lunch at home. Instead of making a hodge-podge meal of leftovers, slip on a denim... Read more
Posted on 21 September 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
How We Wore It: 7 Ways To Style The Grunge Trend
Ever seen a trend, liked it, but weren't necessarily sure if you could style it in a "you" kind of way? "How We Wore It" will show you how different women brave... Read more
Posted on 13 September 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
Layering 101: 7 Ways To Layer Towards The End of Summer
While we're torn between wanting to keep those citrusy clementine hues and watermelon shades close to our chest and wanting to pull the knits over our heads,... Read more
Posted on 08 September 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
How To Give Your Wardrobe A Makeover On a Non-Existent Budget
Sometimes you can splurge on a mini wardrobe overhaul, and sometimes you can't justify it. But there's nothing quite like that itch between your shoulders when... Read more
Posted on 04 September 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
How We Wore It: 8 Ways To Style Embroidery
Ever seen a trend, liked it, but weren't necessarily sure if you could style it in a "you" kind of way? "How We Wore It" will show you how different women brave... Read more
Posted on 30 August 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
The Shopping Tip That Will Change Your Wardrobe's Life
When out shopping for wardrobe staples it can get super easy to get sidetracked. A popsicle colored dress here, some lets-vacation-at-that-Hamptons shorts there... Read more
Posted on 27 August 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
How To Take Your Vintage Dresses to New Heights
Vintage dresses usually fall into two schools of thought: 1) You think of Doris-Day-like figures in gingham dresses canning jam and college girls in berets... Read more
Posted on 25 August 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
The 4 Rules For Wearing All White This Summer
Going completely monochrome can be a tricky trend to pull off. First of all, you don't want to look like a walking popsicle, and secondly it can feel a tad lazy. Read more
Posted on 18 August 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
Layering 101: 7 Unexpected Ways To Layer During the Summer
Just because you have popsicles in your freezer and crop tops in your closet doesn't mean the layering needs to be put on pause. Read more
Posted on 17 August 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
The Right Way to Wear Sheer This Summer
Sheer can be a tricky number to pull off, and if you're not brave at heart with your closet you might be tempted to ignore it all together. Read more
Posted on 10 August 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
Make This Tweak To Your Summer Wardrobe Game
August, to me, means two things: 1) Baby girl needs to roll up her sleeves and nab one last summer love before the leaves start turning gold and 2) This is the... Read more
Posted on 06 August 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
3 Ways to Think Outside the Box with 3 Summer Staples
Remember back when it was chilly and still spring, back when you'd stand in front of your kitchen window with a hot cup of tea, willing the last of the frost... Read more
Posted on 29 June 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
Don't Like Layers? Experiment with Colors!
I've got summer styling on the mind, and more specifically, different ways we can play with pieces and not melt within two minutes of walking to the bus. It's... Read more
Posted on 05 June 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
3 Outfits That Prove Yes, You Can Be Chic in a Heat Wave
Summertime can be a tricky time when it comes to being creative with your outfits. The sun puts on its sunglasses, the pool noodles make their way onto your... Read more
Posted on 21 May 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
What to Wear to a...
It's a balmy, summer night out, so grab your honey and join in on your neighborhood's Wine Walk to beat the heat in your apartment. Read more
Posted on 18 May 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
How We Wore It: 8 Ways to Style a Pinafore
Ever seen a trend, liked it, but weren't necessarily sure if you could style it in a "you" kind of way? "How We Wore It" will show you how different women brave... Read more
Posted on 13 May 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE -
Solved: How to Wear Summer Pieces When It's Still Too Cold
It's jumpsuit season!...Kinda. I'm in this weird suspicious relationship with Spring where I don't know if she deserves my trust yet or not. Read more
Posted on 12 May 2015 FASHION, LIFESTYLE