Weather Vain: Milwaukee, Wisconsin - 77 and Partly Cloudy

There’s something pretty exciting about summer on the Great Lakes—breezes and boat rides and all that jazz. And today in the biggest city in the cheesiest state (sorry, Vermont)? Well, it’s downright lovely—especially if the sun shows up. Here’s what to wear if you’re there. —erica

Clockwise from top left:

+ A greenest-green tank from Otte—it fits like your most basic tee but feels a lot more special. 

+ The so-good ring Silva/Bradshaw made for Of a Kind is as sleek as the Calatrava-designed art museum.

+ With its pops of color, this Lizzie Fortunato clutch is so fresh—pair it with a few apps at Sanford, and you’re set.

+ Rebecca Minkoff glasses—blue like Lake Michigan on the clearest day.

+ Neutral stripes! What’s not to like about this lil’ Chinti and Parker number that you’ll wear at least once a week?

+ Even if you’re not a metallic-lover, the simplicity of these N.D.C. sandals really sells the gold tone.

Oh, yes: There’s more “Weather Vain” to be had. Go on now.

Popomomo

 

As a youngster growing up in Milwaukee, fashion design was literally the last thing on Lizz Wasserman’s mind. “I thought I was going to be a detective…or the president,” she deadpans. She ended up heading toward academia, thanks in large part to her parents who both held advanced architecture degrees from Harvard. But, after a year at University of Wisconsin, she was feeling disillusioned and withdrew in favor of traipsing around the Czech Republic, learning the language and making her own clothes as a hobby.

It wasn’t until she came back to the U.S. and re-immersed herself in the world of books and study groups—majoring in social theory—that she began to think seriously about fashion as, like, a career. If your brain didn’t automatically make the connection between social theory and design—and we feel you—Lizz has an explanation: “Half of my thesis was about how people express themselves through clothing, and it’s definitely my main interest: How people dress and why they want to dress a certain way.”

Once the final paper was polished off, Lizz nailed down a plum job in Philly designing for Free People and then Urban Outfitters, and, in 2009, she was compelled to try her hand at her own collection, which she titled Popomomo (post-postmodern movement, a cheeky nod to her sociology roots). Everything she designs is made from sustainable materials on the West Coast, where she and her husband live surrounded by those talented, artistic groups of friends you thought existed only in the ramblings of Patti Smith. But Lizz is not so caught up in her world to have forgotten about her first real passion, detective work. “I still think about it all the time,” she says. “Whenever I see cops running, I think, ‘Could I do it?’ I think I could!”

popomomo.com

Vim Beget

Lemonade stands and bake sales are how most kids experience that first thrill of selling their own wares. But while other Wisconsin tykes were squeezing citrus or eating cookie dough, a fourth grader named Billy Bartels was at his mother’s craft-fair quilting set-up selling jewelry he designed.

Two decades later, Billy laughs at the memory. “I totally forgot I did that!” he says. After becoming disenchanted with the corporate side of his graphic-design job in Germany three years ago, Billy revisited his old passion. The result? Vim Beget, a name that, as he explains, “sort of translates to ‘life creates,’” drawn from his philosophy that every experience—good or bad—leads so another opportunity that can hopefully be an awesome one.

In his case, that positive outcome is a line of bracelets, necklaces, and wallets that look like they were crafted with the help of Hephaestus—the Greek god of blacksmithing—on Mount Olympus. “I never saw much out there that I could see myself wearing,” he notes. “I definitely try to not hide the fact that the pieces are handmade. I really appreciate a little bit of chaos, edge, and dirtiness.” —anthonia akitunde

Weather Vain: Madison, Wisconsin - 37 with a Chance of Snow

Fall in the Midwest—it’s a thing. But it looks like the fine folks of Madison, Wisconsin, better start warming up their cider because it’s starting to get legit cold. I mean, not too freezing to hit the farmers’ market on the Square for cheese curds or to power through the fourth quarter of a Badgers game, BUT STILL. Here, the ideal look for a day like today. —erica

Clockwise from top left:

+ A fur-trimmed parka from L’Agence appropriate for just about every occasion.

+ A Rag & Bone sweater dress—to be worn with two pairs of tights.

+ A Pallie Jones tote substantial enough for a University Book Store or BOP haul.

+ An appropriately unfussy Folk hat. How charming is that pompom?

+ No. 6 boots with enough traction so you don’t slip and bite it on State Street.

This is a regular feature! Head this way for more location-based outfit ideas.

Interior Inspiration: Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs

Bold statement: The Ace in Palm Springs is my favorite hotel ever. (And my love has nothing to do with the fact that they serve alcoholic sno-cones poolside, though that’s a nice touch.) Built on the site of a former Howard Johnson, the place is totally lacking in pretension, but every element is infused with cool—from the sail bedspreads to the Southwestern rugs to the leather chairs, which are at once worn-in and over-stuffed. In short, the spot achieves the sort of chilled-out sophistication you want in every aspect of your life. —erica

1) A matte black candle holder by the awesome Heath Ceramics (and available at Unison)
2) A polished wool Lindsey Thornburg cloak
3) Roarke’s chiffon-and-chain bracelet in a bright, chlorinated turquoise
4) Normann Copenhagen’s unfussy milk pitcher (that’s available at The Future Perfect)
5) A handmade leather dopp kit from Wisconsin-based Kenton Sorenson

Of a Kind

Chambray shorts—a socially acceptable alternative to denim shorts for dudes—from Apolis Activism (as shot by Context at the Memorial Union Boathouse in Madison, Wisconsin).