Casting Call

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There are some times when I wonder why I don’t live in New York City. I just heard about an event that sounds like something I would totally be doing if I were in the Big Apple right now. What is the event? Well it’s a casting call for Modcloth-the e-tailer is inviting fans to come showcase their unique style at their #FASHIONTRUTH Casting Call for ALL event in New York City on September 3rd. All you have to do is show up in your cutest outfit and you could be featured on ModCloth and across their social platforms. Here are the details:

• When: Wednesday, September 3rd from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM 
• Where: Openhouse, 201 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

  If any of my readers are in New York and go check this out, I hope you’ll report back on how it was! I’ll try not to be too jealous.

Back to school is here! I can’t believe it. You know what else I can’t believe? How backpacks are finally getting the makeover they deserve. When I was in school, backpacks all looked like something you’d use to go hiking, camping, or living in a hostel. Now all the sudden, backpacks have unique colors and trendy patterns and are as much a style statement as a functional student necessity. That’s right, you don’t have to feel like you’re going on an expedition every time you put on your bag. You might even feel…dare I say it? Stylish.

Even if you aren’t in school, there are plenty of reasons to upgrade your old monochromatic khaki backpack to a cool new one that fits your style! I’m going to get one to cart my stuff around at dance events, once I can finally decide which one to buy. Which one is your favorite? Help me pick!

When the color mint exploded in popularity, I couldn’t have been happier. It’s one of my very favorite colors, so I loved the sudden availability of anything and everything mint. It could be said that I went a little overboard, as my outfit sometimes matches my purse which matches my water bottle…all  in some variation on aqua/mint/pale green. But honestly, it’s just such a great color. I wore it when the pup and I took a walk through a small town for a summer photo shoot. He was more interested in sniffing the grass than having his picture taken, as you can tell by the fact that only his tail appears in most of the shots.

Oh yes, another mint item I forgot to mention: bows.

Admiring a small town mural of a grain mill on the river.

This day would definitely not have been complete without posing in front of the prerequisite tractor.

We were both happy at the end of the day!

Shop Mint Classics:

I’m attending a pretty unique event tonight. The Walker, a Minneapolis modern art museum, is hosting an outdoor film festival showing nothing but 70 minutes of online cat videos.

Here’s how the Internet Cat Video Festival started, according to the Walker: “What if there was an evening program dedicated to the Internet phenomenon of cat videos? Would anyone come to watch videos what they could easily view with a few clicks at home or work? How would this solo hobby translate to a public setting?” Well, it was a success, as in 10,000 attendees success.

If you can’t attend the Internet Cat Video Festival in person, you can still join the festivities by streaming it online here and follow it on social media with the #catvidfest hashtag.

Internet Cat Video Festivals call for cat fashions, so here are my suggestions.

For your feet, nothing’s better than these Charlotte Olympia cat flats. They’re very much not inexpensive (actually they are very pricey), but there are tons of knock offs on Etsy and other places around the internet.

You could go the subtle route and accessorize with some cat jewelry.Or go all out in actual cat-themed clothing.

I can’t wait to tell you all about my favorite #CatVidFest videos. Remember to stream it tonight at 7 PM Eastern!

This week’s Featured Fashionista is Malaysian singer Bihzhu. She gives us a taste of her music and fashion, both influenced by her beautiful, tropical island hometown of Penang.

Fashion-wise, Bihzhu loves color and print, quirky items, and a splash of glam. Sounds pretty perfect for a stage performer, right? The singer says that fashion inspiration can strike from anywhere. “Every time I travel, I will trawl the vintage stores. My current favorite is Beacon’s Closet in NYC. Even my parents and my brother love it because there’s something for everyone! Otherwise it’s bazaars and flea markets at home.”

Bihzhu’s blossoming music career keeps her busy. She performed in the musical “Merrily We Roll Along” which was staged for the first time in Asia this past May in Kuala Lumpur. The follow up to her first album is in the works with a hopeful release date of early 2015. In addition to gigs in her home country, Bihzhu’s touring schedule will take her to the Jarasum International Jazz Festival in Korea this October.

Bihzhu gained international attention several years ago with her upbeat, catchy song “The Heart Way,” the 2013 VIMA “Song of the Year” winner and “Vox-Pop Winner” in the Cabaret Song category for the 12th Independent Music Awards. It’s more than worth a listen…or several. Once you start listening to it you won’t be able to stop!

In 2013, Bihzhu gave a TEDx talk about following your dreams and how she became a successful professional musician. It’s inspirational and I recommend it for anyone with a dream, no matter what that dream is.

Bihzhu’s favorite quote is one that you can tell she really lives by: “Creativity, bountifulness, and gratitude go hand in hand.” – Harold Klemp

Steal Her Style!

For more Bihzhu, follow her on twitter, Facebook and Instagram.