Ferry dock view, Kelley's Island.

A brisk getaway to one of the Lake Erie islands. The simplest of views are often the most picturesque… Beauty + repose.

Ferry dock, Kelley's Island.

Exploring the old ferry docks. Summer has graced the lake with its presence once again after a week-long Fall preview. Endless baby blue skies with random cotton ball puff clouds. Balmy. Time for lounging. Time for indulgent afternoon cocktails.

Getaway state of mind.

Days prior…in a getaway state of mind. So much so that I was left only slightly disheveled after a gigantic hawk descended quickly above my head moments after this photograph was taken.

The Kelly's Island House Inn, vintage attributes.

Vintage attributes I adored while staying at the Inn. By night, a martini bar just steps apart from this quant entranceway offering the most eclectic of playlists…Michael Buble, Gipsy Kings, Amy Winehouse, Stroke 9, The Ramones + Duke Ellington. Coupled with some of the best gourmet dishes I’ve had all season – Diablo shrimp, mussels, Ahi tuna steak with coconut curried black rice, truffle ravioli…Heaven ensued.

Stone Haus, Kelley's Island.

Neighbor to the Inn, a random stone haus captured my attention instantly. Lost in time with a sense of abandonment…textures + tones perfectly balanced with a pop of red. Thoughts of Moroccan kaftans, aviators and Giuseppe Zanotti tobacco leather thong sandals…

Stone Haus, Kelley's Island.

A perfect way to end summer in my book… Hello + goodbye.

~T

*Note: These photo are under the copyright of Midwest Couture. In no way are they to be duplicated or used in any capacity, thank you.

Photo by Dina Agganis.

Photo by Dina Agganis.

“Beauty is unbearable, drives us to despair, offering us for a minute the glimpse of an eternity that we should like to stretch out over the whole time.” ~ Albert Camus

Fashion reflects lifestyle…or at least it should. No matter where I am – walking a beach on Lake Erie, the endless concrete city streets of New York or historic German Village brick roads…beauty in the most random of subjects is reflective within my wardrobe.

Random feather. Photo by Trasi.

A feather once belonging to a Great Blue Heron resting on the shoreline…its silhouette + deep tone I find reminiscent of a classic black Rick Owens dress.

Photo by Dina Agganis.

Threads: Rick Owens black silk-blend dress, Jimmy Choo ‘Nina’ snakeskin 120mm stilettos sandals, Ippolita 18k yellow gold bangles + rings.

Bloom. Photo by Trasi.

Texture + movement are key. Observing the evening breeze blowing gracefully across a patch of furry flower blooms…fleeting moments of time offering unbounded fascination.

Step-up. Photo by Trasi.

A precious aspect of German Village streets…the step-up. Once used by residents to enter + exit horse-drawn carriages. Weathered by the years. Preserved pieces of history I appreciate. A unique combination of textures complimenting my Jimmy Choo ‘Nina’ snakeskin stilettos.

Photo by Dina Agganis. Jimmy Choo 'Nina'

Photo by Dina Agganis.

This impromptu photo-shoot occurred not long after my departure from NYC…in a complete state of shock. Adjusting back to the Midwestern lifestyle + lost after realizing the opportunity I’d returned for was, well, precisely “too good to be true”. Such is life at times… In a self-reflective mode. My thoughts all consuming.

Sail away. Photo by Trasi.

“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning to sail my ship.” ~ Louisa May Alcott

And trying not to crash it into a break-wall…so far, so good.

~T

*Note: These photo are under the copyright of Midwest Couture. In no way are they to be duplicated or used in any capacity, thank you.

Dress-up, Circa 1983

Circa 1983…strutting around the house in an eclectic mix of papa’s cowboy hats + winter down vests when I wasn’t dripping in mom’s pearls amongst other vintage treasures. A little tomboy turned fashionista. A fashionista destined for a career in the arts, yet somehow taking a different path all together…

Summer 2010. Photo by Dina Agganis, Studio Fovero.

Twelve months ago, it was time for drastic change. There is something to be said when you tell people what you do for a living and they laugh. Every time. It was not the reaction that bothered me, it was that I agreed. Every time. A long overdue risk, a freeing decision. The beginning of Midwest Couture…a vital creative outlet while in career transition. A year of the most difficult and heartbreaking decisions. A year of self-discovery and amazing opportunities bringing me to this very moment. No regrets. A celebration.

Thank you to my family for always embracing my creativity – actually relieved to see me returning to the arts vs. analytics. Thank you to my friends for your support, your encouragement and your praise. And thank you to my social media family…how you inspire.

“There’s a brand new talk, but it’s not very clear…Fashion” ~ David Bowie

~T

Beach Boats. Photo by Trasi.

Relaxing on Catawba Island a couple weekends past. Sunshine + a warm summer breeze off the lake. In a complete beachy state of mind. Vintage aluminum boats minus their outboard specials reminding me of old family photographs…

Old B+W photograph.

A time when boats were boats and style + class reined supreme. Love.  Stanley and Francis, my mother’s parents looking all strapping and  très chic. Nanny in a classic black silk tunic and pants. An avid collector of antique jewelry with exquisite taste…coral branch necklaces, lockets, jade bangles, and the most unusual gold statement cocktail rings. Safe to say I come from a long line of fashionistas.

Quartz Treasures. Photo by Trasi.

Quartz treasures hidden within the cliff walls…the tiniest of pieces collected as a young girl.

Beach View. Photo by Trasi.

Dangling off my favorite cliff, windblown hair + sunkissed. Such a view to capture. Thinking about summer style inspiration…

Beach Style Inspiration. Photo by Trasi.

Style notes ~

Aurélie Bidermann 18-karat gold goose feather necklace, Jonathan Kelsey burnished metallic flats, Vita Fede statement ring, Dior nail color in “Bare Chic” and Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in “Black Ink” via Harper’s Bazaar UK, June 2010. Stella McCartney jumpsuit via Net-A-Porter Spring Summer 2008 Notes.

Beach View. Photo by Trasi.

Beach hair + beach chic with a magnificent view.

~ T

*Note: These photo are property of blog author, Trasi of Midwest Couture. In no way are they to be duplicated or used without my permission, thank you.

Catawba Island. Photo by Trasi.

The calm before the storm:

Thunder in the distance. Still air. A changing sky. Nothing quite like summer storms on the lake…observing it all around me. Love. A ferry horn off in the distance mixed with angry bouts of thunder. Final boarding call + last chance to reconsider. Steady raindrops with lightning against pale gray. Still the gale…reminiscent of lake-effect, has not arrived. Then, marine advisory + windsheer reports begin to pour in. Exhilarating. Where are my wellies?

Wellies. Photo by Trasi.

Off to Catawba Point. These are photographs capturing the calm after the storm.

Miller ferry.

Watching the ferry leaving port until only a spec amongst a sea of glass. Thunder still taunts from miles away. Listening to Camille Saint-Saëns. Peaceful.

Catawba beach. Photo by Trasi.

Remnants of sunset in muted pinks + seagulls returning to the sky.

Catawba Pier.

Capturing little moments on the pier…

Catawba beach. Photo by Trasi.

Catawba beach. Photo by Trasi.

Although I am much more of a city girl, these are my roots. My childhood. The moments in life I have learned to appreciate. Now, if only storm-chasing could be done in stilettos…

~T

*Note: These photo are property of blog author, Trasi of Midwest Couture. In no way are they to be duplicated or used without my permission, thank you.

Midwest + NYC. Extraordinary moments captured in time…

Sunset, Catawba Island.

Think Christopher Cross, “Sailing”…lake sunsets I grew up with. They still take my breath away.

Me + Coffee.

Me + Coffee.

Summer mornings…waking to a slight warm breeze coming through the window, fan blowing, the sun peaking in. These are the best mornings. Coffee ensues. Thinking about the past few months…

(Threads: Rick Owens tank, T Alexander Wang slouchy shorts, Chuck T’s, Ippolita bangles and vintage smokey quartz cocktail ring. When in isolation, one can wear the most ridiculous of outfits.)

Maison Martini's, NYC.

April 12th, a celebration with martini’s at Brasserie Maison in Midtown Manhattan. Hello New York…I have arrived.

Lexington Ave.

My new neighborhood…steam rising from the subway, cabs honking in unison, listening to the culture around me. Busy, busy. Taking it in.

Inspiration, Bergdorf Goodman 5th Ave.

The windows of Bergdorf Goodman…inspiration + class. Staring in complete awe. Fashion, fashion.

Louboutin Zeppas in the city.

Being silly. Talking shoes with my fashionista friends…important business. Louboutin Zeppas + a little NYC. Respect must be paid.

Novella, Little Italy.

A trip to SoHo and Little Italy. Dinner + sangrias at Novella. Everyone calls me ‘bella’…loved every minute.

Streets of SoHo.

Random sketches in chalk on the streets of SoHo. I heart New York…

Jimmy Choo, Madison Ave.

The Jimmy Choo boutique on Madison Ave. Heaven. Bliss. I could live there…seriously, I could.

Bodega, Flatiron District.

Beautiful.

Bodegas in the city…crisp citrus hues + hints of summer around every corner.

Grafitti.

A stop at Water Street Restaurant & Lounge in Dumbo…dark decor and live jazz. Enjoying cold Hoegaarden beers on draft with a slice of orange + admiring the artwork along the buildings just outside.

Brooklyn Bridge.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge at the close of a fleeting rain storm…sun returning, heat + humidity never surrendering. June 6th, the afternoon before I left NYC. Bittersweet.

Park + 20th, Flatiron.

NYC cab ride.

Cab ride out of Manhattan…gazing out the back window, trying to relax. The city becoming smaller + smaller in the distance. Mixture of emotions. Torn leaving, yet excited to embark on the next adventure.

Peach Bellinis, LIndey's Patio.

June 7th, peach Bellini’s with familiar faces on the best patio in the Midwest. Telling the story of my time in New York. Laughter + smiles.

Brickroad paradise, German Village.

Macarons, Pistacia Vera.

Classic.

Becoming reacquainted with German Village + the Midwest lifestyle. It is not the same…there is an emptiness present. Regardless, these are the things I appreciate and admire.

Catawba Cliffs.

These cliffs and I have history. Back to the beginning…time to regroup. Reflect. Start again.

~T

*Note: These photo are property of blog author, Trasi of Midwest Couture. In no way are they to be duplicated or used without my permission, thank you.

Hermes Vinyard. Photo by Trasi.

Seeking refuge from the humidity and heat, I spent an afternoon revisiting the garden at Hermes Winery…a Midwestern staple, a place to think, drink, and relax. Cool shade under a grape-vine cloaked pavilion. A glass of Chardonnay. Fallen wild blackberries resting on top a rustic, wooden flatbed…little, inspiring traces of summertime. A scenic vineyard just steps away. Tranquility.

Hermes Winery. Photo by Trasi.

LaBrea Bread, Hermes Winery. Photo by Trasi.

Warm, crusty LaBrea bread. Balsamic + oil, sea-salt. Lunch. Why not.

Hermes Winery. Photo by Trasi.

Hermes Vinyard. Photo by Trasi.

Hermes Winery. Photo by Trasi.

Hermes Vineyard. Photo by Trasi.

I first experienced Hermes during early April, just before the official move to New York. The vineyard, once bare in harvest stage, is now thriving. Their garden is in full bloom, burnt-orange day lilies among others blowing lightly in the warm breeze.

Summertime relaxing. Photo by Trasi.

Please read the back history of this amazing winery. A former East-coaster with Midwestern roots and a dream to plant a vineyard someday. A dream that brought him back to a small city on the lake. I arrived in New York City with a dream…ironically leading me back to my roots as well. The first visit to Hermes was to say goodbye. A second visit to say, “hello we meet again”. Fitting…this marked the very day I received an opportunity worth returning for. My dream. Now a reality.

~T

*Note: These photo are property of blog author, Trasi of Midwest Couture. In no way are they to be duplicated or used without my permission, thank you.

Speedboat. Photo by Trasi.

Spending Father’s day weekend on the lake…boating with my papa. The smell of a speedboat. Outboard fuel and oil. Papa yelling, “hang on to your hat!” I miss this…

Cliff View. Photo by Trasi

Summer in bloom. Photo by Trasi.

A late afternoon walk through the Catawba Cliffs…everything is in bloom. Smells heavenly.

Casablanca. Photo by Trasi.

The Casablanca…a Chris Craft, circa 1954. This is when they made boats. Class on the water. The boats I grew up around. Learned to appreciate their beauty. Papa says, “Now that is a boat! Not one of these bathtubs you see on the lake today.” We were in awe…

The Casablanca. Photo by Trasi.

Coffee + Content. Photo by Trasi.

Vintage cocktail ring + 18k Ippolita. Evening coffee. Sunset. Sunburn. Content.

Casablanca. Photo by Trasi.

My fearless Papa’s bold statement before venturing out, “we’re boating until we run out of gas…because that is what the reserve tank is there for!” We cruised into the channel on the reserve tank. I love my papa. He is my world.

Happy Father’s Day ~

~T

*Note: These photo are property of blog author, Trasi of Midwest Couture. In no way are they to be duplicated or used without my permission, thank you.

Court Shop, NYC.

During my time as a New Yorker, I made a point of visiting two equally charming, yet different couture destinations…Court Shop and Curve Boutique. Not only was I excited to glimpse the fashion unique to their brand, but also to experience the decor and idyllic environment…something which only a well executed specialty boutique can offer.

Court Shop, NYC.

Court Shop, NYC.

Court Shop, NYC.

Located on the edge of Little Italy…where everyone greets you as ‘bella’, is Court Shop, at 178 Mulberry St. A perfect mixture of vintage inspired clothing and accessories with a Brit punk quality. A pair of soft, faded gray cut-offs caught my eye immediately along with their unique collection of silver cross necklaces, combat boots, and oversized clutches (resembling my go-to McQueen version).

Court Shop, NYC.

Court Shop, NYC.

Love love loved the weathered, antique furnishings…accents blending effortlessly with the fashion.

Curve Boutique, SoHo.

Curve Boutique…I could live there, immersed in a sea of couture. Located in SoHo at 83 Mercer St., Curve’s sharp, mimimalistic interior compliments everything from the stunning Jasmine Di Milo corset dresses to staple knits offered in a array of ethereal textures. City chic meets captivating edge…tastefully studded leather, intricate fishnet, and phenomenal chain statement pieces. Simply amazing.

Jasmine Di Milo via Curve Boutique, SoHo.

Edgy inspiration via Curve Boutique, SoHo.

Two exceptionally inspirational NYC fashion havens…each offering something a little different all with classic style + taste.

~T

Brooklyn Bridge. Photo by Trasi.

It is like a tug-of-war…moments where New York pulls at my heart, beckons my return…and the next, the Midwest steals it away…

Since April, I had been living life as a New Yorker. Only two months…yet long enough to adapt. Discover. Become hungry for more. The city captures your heart while steadily testing your patience…volatile moments of exhilaration bound with a constant need to push forward. I opened myself to the experience…inhale + exhale, taking in each new day. New York was good to me…

Bryant Park Hotel. Photo by Trasi.

The transition back to the Midwest this week proves difficult to capture with words… Since returning, it has been a mixture of variant thoughts and emotions. As a means of conveying this adventure, it is best I share photography captured from my last weekend in New York accompanied by the randomness of past and present reflections.

Bryant Park…how I sometimes spent a lazy weekend afternoon in NYC. Submersed in fashion magazine heaven, cappuccino in hand and a Le Pain Quotidien chocolate croissant nearby…gazing up towards the magnificent Bryant Park Hotel every few minutes. Steps away from luxury.

Bryant Park Hotel. Photo by Trasi.

Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Trasi.

Brooklyn Bridge Park…I could live here. The calm one cannot find in Midtown Manhattan. Quaint gas lamps, a garden in bloom…an instant reminder of a little sanctuary tucked away back in the Midwest I know all too well. Except for the bridge, now this proves challenging for comparison.

Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Trasi.

Upon returning to Columbus…walked my former brick road neighborhood, visiting that very sanctuary, in 5″ Jimmy Choo’s, remembering every path of least resistance. A woman walking by me laughed, saying, “stilettos in German Village don’t exactly mix.” Years of practice + lessons learned ending in broken heels…trust me, I know what I’m doing.

Disconnected. Shock. Lost. Those were my initial feelings…not what I had anticipated. Standing outside my favorite Starbucks in a daze, wearing a black Theory business dress, Yigal Azrouel corset belt, and skyscraper Choo’s, thinking, smiling…there I go sticking out again in Columbus. Contemplating…why am I drinking Starbucks? Isn’t there an Aromas off 3rd…oh, a different 3rd St.

Brooklyn Bridge. Photo by Trasi.

Just moments after a brief rainfall Sunday afternoon, the sky clearing, I felt compelled to shoot additional photos of the Brooklyn Bridge…springtime thunderstorms on my mind. Missing the lake-effect weather. Fascinating. Invigorating. Home.

Visiting the lake on Tuesday…incredibly tranquil, calm. Slight chill in the air. Overcast. Rain beginning to fall. Inspirational for compiling thoughts + emotions. Writing. Also excellent napping weather.

Brooklyn Bridge. Photo by Trasi.

Brooklyn Bridge. Photo by Trasi.

I left New York to continue chasing my passion…ironically, leading me back to the Midwest. A rare opportunity of a lifetime has presented itself. Taking another risk with no regrets. Exactly where I should be right now.

During the cab ride exiting Manhattan…time to fly, goodbye New York. You have made a considerable impression in a short amount of time. I’m leaving you a more humbled, poised and wiser woman…hungry and inspired to keep the dream alive. Inhale + exhale.

~T

*Note: These photo are property of blog author, Trasi of Midwest Couture. In no way are they to be duplicated or used without my permission, thank you.