The 90’s are calling

Being born in 1996, I was alive in the late 90’s, but I don’t really remember enough of the 90’s to consider myself a true 90’s kid. However, I do remember most of the fashion trends from the late 90’s and early 2000’s, and I would just like to announce that they are back (in case you didn’t already know). Literally, the things I wore in kindergarten 15 years ago are cool again. How that happened, I’m still not entirely sure, but I’m also not complaining. As a kindergartener, I rocked the black stretchy choker that was given to me by my 6th grade buddy (it was literally one of my prized possessions). I also rocked denim mini skirts quite frequently, mainly ones of the bedazzled and embroidered variation. While I’m fairly confident that my sense of style has developed to be keener than that of a kindergartener, some habits die hard; especially denim ones. Keep on reading for my 90’s inspired outfit that features the new and improved way to rock denim skirts for Summer 2016.

What’s great about denim skirts, and about denim in general, is how versatile they are. You can pair so many different tops with denim skirts to create different looks and styles that are perfect for various occasions. Most of the denim skirts that are popular right now feature a high waist, and many also are kept closed with snaps going down the front as opposed to the traditional button and zipper combo that is found on jeans. Because of these details, it’s best to highlight the skirt by wearing something that either tucks in to the skirt, or hits at/above the waistline (think crop tops). I paired my denim skirt with a off-white striped crop top and olive colored wedges. Outfit details are below.

Top:

This off-white striped crop top is made of linen, which makes it lightweight and perfect for summer. The open back is also great because it keeps it breezy, and it’s what drew me to the top in the first place. I bought this at Primp, and it is designed by Lush. The top goes great with high-waisted shorts and skirts, and the black and white color scheme makes it easy to pair with a lot of bottoms. I’m really looking forward to wearing the top more throughout the summer because it is so cute and can keep you looking and feeling cool on hot days.

Skirt:

Although the denim skirt trend intrigued me, I wasn’t really sure if I would buy one; that is until I found this one at Free People. I loved how it followed the denim trend but was unique in the sense that it doesn’t button all of the way down in the front, and it has really cool detailing on the back pockets. Also, it was a great price, so I really didn’t have any other option than to buy it. I love the way it has a slight A-line shape to it, and I like that it sits pretty high up around the waist. I may have been hesitant at first, but I cannot wait to rock this skirt all summer long all while paying homage to my kindergarten self.

Jewelry:

Because the hardware of the skirt is so prominent, I really wanted to match my jewelry to the snaps on the skirt. I accessorized with a tarnished gold spiky bracelet from J. Crew that has grey rhinestones surrounding the spikes. The metals matched perfectly, which was exactly what I was going for. I also wore simple stud earrings that are gold with grey rhinestones all over them to match with the bracelet. The earrings are from Silpada, and are one of my go-to pairs of studs, especially because they can be paired with either silver or gold accessories given the rhinestone color.

 

Shoes:

I finished off my outfit by throwing on a pair of olive colored wedges. These are made by Franco Sarto, and I bought them at DSW. I love these wedges because they are insanely comfortable, and also because they go with a lot more than I expected they would when I first bought them. I love how prominent the color is due to the thick band that goes across the toes. I also really like the tan detailing that can be found near the buckle; this really helps tie the shoes in with outfit because the stitching on the skirt is the same color. The wedge itself on these shoes is also great because it has a slight stripe to it, but it doesn’t detract at all (I’m kind of picky about that sort of thing, especially with wedges).

The return of 90’s fashion has got us all saying “hit me baby one more time”, especially because it has been reinvented in a way that is much more modern and wearable. So this summer, make sure all you twenty-somethings embrace the decade you came from, and rock lots of denim (but let’s please leave some of the less desirable trends in the past). Until next time, bye, bye, bye.

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

Pizza that packs a Punch

I want to start by saying that I’ve never met a piece of Margherita pizza that I didn’t like. If I go out for pizza, I’m more than likely to get a Margherita (or something awfully similar to it), which means that I’ve had a lot. And as I share with you my favorite pizza spot in the Twin Cities, I’m not arguing that this is the best pizza ever; it’s just simply my favorite pizza ever. This magical pizza place I’m sharing with you today is known as Punch Pizza.

My friends actually have a running joke that if they ask me where I want to eat, Punch will be one of the first places I suggest (and they are not wrong). Whenever I have out-of-state friends visit me in Minnesota, I think it’s very important that they try Punch. And that’s exactly why I’m sharing this post with you today, because I strongly feel that everyone should experience Punch Pizza at least once in their lifetime.

There are many things that make Punch great, but one of the biggest things for me is how fresh their pizza is. I truly feel that although there are many other restaurants with wood-fired pizza, no one quite does it like Punch. Their catch phrase is 800 degrees for 90 seconds. You can tell that the pizza is wood-fired; not in a weird “my pizza tastes like wood kind of way”, but because it does have a smoky flavor to it. And I’m not really sure why other wood-fired pizzas don’t taste the same to me, but I guess once you’ve tasted greatness everything else is just a little mediocre in comparison.

Another really unique thing about Punch is how they pride their pizzas on being authentic to Italia. As an Instagram follower, I know that Punch travels to Italy every year to find new ways to make their pizzas taste even more authentic. So when they say “Neapolitan Pizza”, they really truly mean it. I think that this is another reason why I’m always drawn to Punch, and why it tastes different than other pizza places.

Of course, just because a pizza is authentic doesn’t ensure that it tastes good. But please believe me when I say that Punch Pizza tastes better than good, it tastes amazing. Punch offers a wide variety of pizzas, salads, and desserts. Their focaccia bread is also to die for. With their pizzas, you can choose one with pre-selected toppings, or you can choose to add toppings of your own in a customized fashion. I guarantee that you cannot go wrong with whatever you choose, but just in case you don’t know where to begin, I’d like to share my favorite pizzas with you.

When I first started going to Punch, I would always get the Margherita Extra pizza. This pizza is one step up from their regular Margherita pizza, as they add their mozzarella di bufala cheese and Mt. Vesuvio tomatoes. And for anyone who loves a good old-fashion Margherita pizza, either of these are great options. But for someone looking for similar toppings with a little bit of flare, I would suggest you try the Mimi.

After the first time I tried the Mimi, my life was forever changed (or at least my order at Punch was forever changed). Pictured below, the Mimi is listed under the Pizza Bianco section of their menu, which means that the pizzas have fresh mozzarella and no crushed tomatoes. While all of the pizzas under this heading are a little different, I would argue that the Mimi exists in a world of its own. The Mimi is a pizza where all of the toppings are added on after the dough is baked. These toppings include grape tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, olive oil, and garlic. I think that because the toppings are added on after, the freshness level is really amped up. And while it’s really hard to get through a whole pizza without losing a piece or two of the toppings, it’s definitely worth it.

Punch Pizza has 9 locations in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, and they are currently adding more locations as well. I would highly recommend Punch to anyone who loves pizza and is looking for new restaurants to try (so basically everyone). And while I would suggest trying the Mimi, you really can’t go wrong with any of their pizzas. Trying their pizza is definitely a punch you will want to take (again and again), and I even saved my last slice for you!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

Black and white and shoulders all over

It’s officially summer, and I could not be happier. There’s nothing better than being tan, happy, and free to spend your days as you wish. I also love summer fashion because you can pretty much wear a sundress everyday and be just fine (they are cute and so easy to wear). I am especially excited for this summer because there are so many adorable trends. What is my favorite summer trend you ask? Off-the-shoulder everything. I’m obsessed, and even though it will likely go out of style eventually, it’s here for now so why not embrace it and bare those shoulders.

It may be just one of my many off-the-shoulder purchases so far this summer, but I absolutely adore this romper. The cotton material is great for summer weather because it is so light-weight and breathable (trust me, I wore it on a 95 degree day). Paired with sandals and a sunhat, this outfit is perfect for almost any summer occasion. Lunch with friends? You bet. Grad parties? Of course! Outdoor concert? Totally. Keep on reading for outfit details.

Romper:

This black and white paisley romper is from my favorite boutique, Primp, and the brand is Everly. As I mentioned, it’s great for warm weather because of how light it is. Although it is light-weight, it is not see-through at all, which is also very important when it comes to wearing white. I love how it’s fitted at the waist, and also how loose the shorts fit. Being 5’9″, I often run in to the problem of rompers being too short for my torso, which causes the shorts ride up; however, this is not a problem with this romper. The elastic in the shoulder area is also great because while the sleeves stay off-the-shoulder as they should, it is not too tight where it would be uncomfortable around your arms and chest. I can’t wait to keep wearing this romper throughout the summer, I know that it will quickly become a closet staple.

Shoes:

These black leather sandals are designed by Franco Sarto. When I’m not wearing my Birks or Jacks, you can probably find me in these. I love them because they can be dressed up or down, and they are also extremely comfortable. I really like the look of the double buckle, and I get a bunch of compliments on them. They also wear well, which is always important for sandals. (Side note: dancers are not meant to be foot models)

Bracelet:

This bracelet is one that I recently picked up from Primp, and I’ve worn it so much in the short time that I’ve had it. Although I tend to accessorize more with gold jewelry, I was in need of silver bracelets, and this one is great. The triangle patterns add just enough detail to enhance the outfit without being distracting. I also love playing around with the softer pattern of the romper and the geometric patten of the bracelet, I think they look great together.

Sunhat:

Practical and stylish, a sunhat is the best way to stay and look cool during the summer. This felt sunhat is from Brandy Melville. I really wanted a sunhat that was simpler, so I enjoy how this one just has a simple knot on it. Since it’s plain black, it’s also really versatile, so you’ll catch me wearing it a bunch over the summer.

I can’t wait to share more of my summer outfits with you as the months go on. I really feel that summer is one of the best times to experiment with all of the fun trends, so go out there and embrace them! Thanks for making this article black and white and read all over (sorry, I couldn’t resist)!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something