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A Florence Family Experience

Another incredible weekend in the books, and one we’ve been looking forward to for a lonnggg time. Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m a devout Florence and the Machine fan and have been since her first album. She used to make the trek to Milwaukee to perform and even started by performing in the humble Rave/Eagles Ballroom, but these days she’s far too popular for any of that. I truly hope her Milwaukee days aren’t behind her, and every year I hold out hope that she’ll be announced as a Summerfest headliner.

Once she announced her US tour dates, it was just a matter of which show we’d end up going to and buying the tickets. My best friend Katie and I have now seen four shows together and I’ve seen five total. The fifth was a crazy trip down to Bonnaroo with Tim, Caitlin, and Sarah (who’s made an appearance or two on the blog). That was their first time seeing her perform and they’ve been hooked. We added a few other first timers to our group for round, including our brother Nick, Katie’s younger sister Sam and Caitlin’s friend Drew.

Here’s where I’ll stop and interject that our average group height was probably around 6’4. Let that sink in for a moment. We had nine of us total and Sarah was the only one under 5’11. I’ll also mention that we had standing floor section “seats.” Guess who weren’t the most popular people attending.

This might be an unpopular post/opinion but I think some people get a little confused on how concerts work, especially the standing section. Everyone logs in and pays the exact same price on Ticketmaster – or if they paid more because they got screwed by a resale price, you get the gist. Then you read the information on the site about pertinent information regarding the concert including what time it starts and what time the doors open, etc.

From there, you can make a series of choices about how your concert experience will go. The first of those being, what time you’ll arrive at said concert. You might factor in who the opening act is, and that’s a fair decision especially if you checked their music out and it didn’t appeal to you.

So let me rewind for a moment and tell you how our experience played out. Being that we all have an immense love for Florence and the Machine, we knew that we had to arrive there before the “show” began, even knowing full well we didn’t want to see the opener. We walked into the floor section and joined the back of the crowd to settle in.

As we waited patiently for her through the opener, other people continue to arrive and obviously it began to fill up. Most people had the appropriate response when arriving and filled in behind others who had arrived there first, while others took the more aggressive approach of trying to fight their way closer. Several people even went so far as to tap our group on the shoulder and ask if they could stand in front of us because their 5’2 girlfriend couldn’t see.

After several times of this happening it became clear that people feel that tall people should stand in the back of the concert. To this I reply: we paid the same amount for the ticket, and in our capitalistic society we controlled what we could control. Do not expect to have a great view of a concert when other people devoted more time to ensuring their view was better. It’s entitled thinking that you should get to walk in and move everyone else out of the way. When you woke up this morning you were aware you were 5’2 and probably at a disadvantage dealing with floor seats regardless.

We love you short and average height people – but get to the concert sooner, or at least don’t take it out on us! We got to the concert and stood in what was the current back of the crowd, and stood three people deep, we didn’t make a wide wall. This is your gentle or probably not so gentle PSA, that there will probably be at least one tall person at the concert you’re attending, and they can’t do anything about their height. They are also there to enjoy the concert.

So, onto the good stuff, the concert attire. There’s always several factors involved with dressing for a concert especially in the Midwest’s with season changes. Knowing the night would be chilly, we knew we had to grab for our leather jackets. Caitlin snagged her Y.A.S. tall leather jacket and layered it over a Rolling Stone’s t-shirt she actually found at American Eagle. She paired it with her distressed denim from Gap and some Converse to keep it comfortable as we knew we’d be standing for hours.

As you can see we pretty much stick to a “concert uniform” especially in colder weather. My version was my Long Tall Sally leather jacket I’ve referenced before, which is cut slightly different than the moto jacket versions we also have, and completely classic. I wore my highwaisted Asos ripped black denim with a leopard print crop top I found from Zara while in New York. I also stuck to the Converse because we’re all for comfort.

That’s all for story time today, let’s hear it in the comments section!

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360 Ways to Enjoy Fall

Y’all the fall fun keeps rolling and we’re just along for the ride! As we mentioned in this post, we had a chance to try out some new to us brands in this last post and ended up making some really fun, yummy drinks. We wanted to share with you how we put together a fun little Moscow mule with 360 Vodka.

Our family has loved Moscow mules in different variations for many years now. They’re always such a refreshing drink and the super cute copper mugs are always a plus to drink out of. We mixed these as the original to really get the feel of the 360 Vodka, as we’d never tried it before. What we were most excited about was the cap of the bottle, because they have a program where you can request a prepaid envelope and return the cap of the bottle to be reused. They’re attempting to reduce waste and conserve energy and we love companies that are creative in ways to improve their footprint!

The vodka itself made a smooth addition to the mule, which is unsurprising considering it’s distilled six times and filtered six as well. We actually hadn’t heard of 360 Vodka before this, so we were happy to discover a great new brand to look for on the shelves. We had a beautiful day to sit out in the backyard and enjoy the fall weather before it turns nasty, so we took complete advantage. Our Aunt was sweet enough to help us set up a cute little tablescape to enjoy our drinks (Hi Aunt Susan and thank you).

As for the outfits, I was excited to read that burnt orange is one of the new “in colors” – mainly because I bought this shirt earlier in the summer on clearance and was going to wear it anyway. I was browsing Nordstrom Rack and it seemed like the sleeves were plenty long, so I tried it on and was gratified to find out that was not an illusion. I love me a good lace top and this Free People find fit the bill. Obviously Free People doesn’t make tall clothing but they definitely have been a tall friendly retailer. Their clothing is notorious for being oversized and that includes length, for our benefit.

I threw on some mid-rise distressed Express denim with it and my favorite beige booties. Both of these pieces have been big players in my closet that I can count on. Also, the Free People long sleeve is layered over a nude cami, which is definitely an unspoken hero in my closet. Does anyone else still wear camis? I’m all about having them tucked in, to never worry about my buttcrack showing when I sit down.

Caitlin last styled this black bodysuit here, in one of our very first posts! It is a tall girls dream, with the plenty long sleeves and long enough body length. I don’t think either of us believe in too many bodysuits, especially when the price is good too. They are just so sleek and make you look put together, with minimal effort.

She paired it with her highest waist jeans because the cut of the bodysuit is pretty high up. I know some people are rocking that look with your hips peeking out in between your bodysuit and pant line, but it sure ain’t for us. That’s an area we’d like to keep covered thankyouverymuch. She threw on these loafers because obviously we don’t need to go all out when we’re having a drink at home and voila a super cute look.

Tell us, are you interested in bodysuits at all?

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Falling for Five Farms Irish Cream

We have mentioned in the past that one of our happy places is our Lake up north. Our family has been spent a lot of time up there throughout our entire lives and I am personally always filled with nostalgia immediately as the up north air fills my nose. This drive up was better than my friends and I could have imagined. I don’t think we went more than 20 minutes without someone mentioning the beauty of the fall leaves lining the back roads. We even pulled over at point to take it all in and snap a few pictures to share with family back home.

I was extremely excited to have some friends in tow this weekend as we haven’t had the opportunity to head up with friends very often. There has been a series of remodeling/family time, that has thwarted our efforts. We were all bummed that our camping trip got rained out but this was by no means considered less worthy especially since it was cranberry fest. A few of us got up there on Friday afternoon and snagged my grandma to head to one of our favorite local spots – Club 45. They have a pizza called house of Payne and it is out of this world. Once we finished we headed back to meet the rest of the crew, enjoy some craft beers and hit the hay.

I don’t know if its the weather changing or something else but we were all pretty exhausted throughout the weekend but we had a busy day planned and knew we needed to obtain some energy one way or another. So two pots of coffee in we started to move a little quicker. As we got dressed and checked the weather I thought we might want something a little extra to warm us up so I whipped out my Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur and suddenly there was a line formed behind me. This stuff is GOOD. I am not typically a cream in my coffee type of gal but some things are worth pushing your comfort zone for.  

What made it even better is that we I got to enjoy it with my best friend, in my favorite place, overlooking the lake that I love. I love when drinks/scents/songs can take you back to a memory and I think going forward, drinking Five Farms will take me back to one of my many happy places. I digress.

The rest of the weekend was fantastic. We hit the road for Cranberry fest and none of us realized how big of a deal this was in Eagle River, WI. We rolled into town and we were all overwhelmed with the amount of traffic for this tiny Up North town. Once we got into the festival we procured some cranberry beer and began perusing all of the fun craft/vendor booths. We saw so many wonderful homemade goods and food items. The amount of dips we sampled was unreal! Some of us bought dip, cookies, crafts, etc. But I think my roommate won the day with a brand new pair of homemade wool mittens. If you have spent a winter in the Midwest you would understand why this is such a victory. With full stomachs and lots of fun behind us we headed home and hopped in the UTV to head back to my grandmas house to watch the Wisconsin Badgers and enjoy some brats (how Wisconsin of us).

The UTV ride back was a blast, as I took them off roading and it was muddy and quite the adventure! We got back and began speed puzzling and playing other various card games. This weekend really was the ideal laid back weekend filled with so much laughter and memories.

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I just need you to know I am not kidding when I say it made our morning more fun…

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Time to Camouflage your Athleisure

I can’t believe it’s the first week of October and I am leaving for New York tomorrow with my Mom! I have been looking forward to this trip, but really anytime I have an excuse to get back to New York you can count me in. This will be the fourth year in a row that I’ve made the trip in the fall and I’m nowhere near sick of it. There is just an indescribable allure to the city and I find it so exciting but surprisingly not intimidating.

We really don’t have much planned ahead for the weekend but we are meeting up with several friends we know who live in the city and we’re probably going to see Waitress on Broadway. We’ve looked at it every year in the past and we’re finally seeing it this time, can’t wait! I know our New York friends would disagree, but half the fun is conquering the subway system for us. We do SO much more walking than we typically do, so by the time we’re done for the day we have no problem sleeping through the sounds of the city.

Caitlin will be heading camping in the South Central part of the state. There are some wonderful hiking trails where they’re camping that will be perfect to catch some beautiful changing fall colors. Tall people everywhere, don’t sleep on this fold up chair, she takes with her wherever she goes. You will sit up at the appropriate height and not feel like you’re unfolding eight different ways like getting out of a normal sized folding chair.

Growing up as athletes, we are no strangers to a good pair of sweatpants. Anyone who knew me in high school or college can attest to that. The sweatpants of my high school and college years frankly were pretty sloppy and incomparable to today’s athleisure options. You’re telling me that we can now look put together but still be wearing the equivalent to pajamas in comfort level? And all the (tall) women rejoiced!

More and more of my old style sweatpants are disappearing either to be relegated to be worn solely in the comfort of my home or being donated or tossed. There was something to be said for wearing the oversize sweat look when I had my basketball shorts underneath so they would fit and not look bulky, but considering I rarely have basketball shorts on anymore they’re a somewhat antiquated option to choose.

Enter the jogger style, which we’re sure most of you are familiar with by now. Both sweats and joggers have the elastic pulled in ankle look but while the sweats look can be likened more to a harem pant bagginess, the jogger is cut closer to the leg and has a wide bottom cuff that lays flatter. It gives a sleeker look to the leg, instead of looking like a bag lady (even though sometimes we all want to have our days of looking like bag ladies thank you very much).

We’ve got two different options for you, one tall and the other not, but both are Caitlin’s. The pair I’m wearing are from Gap and are RIDICULOUSLY comfortable. There is some witchcraft in the fabric because they are so lightweight and soft. As you can tell for 6’4 they don’t quite reach my ankles, but they aren’t heavy enough weight to matter to me. I wouldn’t only worry about that if they were winter weight material, when I need my ankles covered. We both also own sweatshirts made from this exact material and are obsessed. I even ordered a second one once I had a chance to wear my first one!

Caitlin’s pair are from Express and she was smitten at first sight with them. Obviously the length was a major concern before she ordered them. (Express we are still waiting for you to be more tall inclusive). She figured she would try them out and could always return if they didn’t work. The length isn’t quite long enough to wear as pants, but because of the tight cuff, she can wear them pushed up as capri length. The rips add another layer of fun beyond your average jogger.

As for the t-shirts, Adidas is having a major moment. If you ask me they were just sitting quietly waiting for the right time to surface and now its like people everywhere live to wear their logo plastered across their chest. Caitlin is no exception in loving to throw on a high quality trefoil T to complete her athleisure look. My tank is from Asos’ tall line and is a great high neck tank to layer.

Joggers are another option beyond your basic leggings to grab. Sometimes they’re preferred, especially if you don’t feel like forcing tight leggings on as you’re headed to the movies to gorge yourself on popcorn. OK maybe that’s just us, but joggers are definitely more forgiving than leggings.

Tell us below, do you prefer joggers or leggings? What is your go to lounge wear?

And as usual when we’ve got them-your dose of Real Reel below

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Faux or Real, That is the Question

Whew, we’ve been welcomed to Fall with lots of rain and brisk temperatures. Leather jacket season is upon us, y’all. There is no denying it any longer. To be honest, who even wants to deny it. Just speaking for ourselves, but nothing ups your cool factor more than throwing on a leather jacket to finish an outfit.

We’ve been resisting the pull of Fall because our temps held out and graced us with warmth. While all other style bloggers have integrated their cool weather wardrobes you’re left looking at us and wondering when it’s going to happen. That day has arrived, and I’m woefully huddled under a blanket at home as I type this.

Caitlin spent the weekend at her alma mater in La Crosse, which does a huge Oktoberfest celebration every year. She packed well for the cooler temperatures and she got into the spirit of the festival with this fun hat. Beware on sizing if you’re considering a purchase, but rejoice all big heads because this hat is for us!

Tim and I celebrated his Dad and Stepmom’s anniversary by scarfing down giants steaks. It was a fun night with family and standing around a giant grill in a restaurant cooking your own steak to perfection. Has anyone heard of Prime Quarter? I hadn’t before this last weekend but my husband has had some great memories of celebrations there, including his bachelor party.

We also finally sat down and watched Season 7 of Game of Thrones in one sitting. Let me just tell you, it was a great night. Very interesting watching the show diverge from the books, but I did just see this book pop up on Amazon to preorder and got super excited. It makes even more sense with how the show left off on why this book took precedence over Martin finishing his next in the series.

Onto the reason we’re here: tall leather jackets. We all know they are a hot topic, because the leather jacket is a stalwart piece in most women’s closets. As a tall women growing up, I admired all the variations I saw on shorter friends and resigned myself to eventually finding my unicorn jacket.

Enter my husband, who was then my boyfriend. He bought me the most beautiful real leather jacket from Long Tall Sally. The arms were the perfect length, as was the body, and I didn’t have to sacrifice the fit to get the length which was the ultimate luxury. Suffice to say, he was a keeper and that jacket has seen me through six years and hasn’t shown any wear or that it will go out of style.

Some women might be thinking, I can’t afford to buy that expensive of a leather jacket. It truly is an investment piece that will serve your closet in countless ways. If you’d rather save, there are many other options at our favorite, Asos. The two options we’re wearing are from Asos.

Since I received my real leather jacket I’ve been able to fill in other faux leather options that are a bit more trendy but will still be keepers for a long time to come. This grey jacket, which unfortunately is from Asos own line and if you’re browsing in the future considering one of their jackets, the sleeves have been a great consistent length for me at 6’4.

I have to talk about these jeans for a second. I snagged these on a KILLER sale for $36 which is unheard of at Madewell. I figured I’d give them a fair shot, after trying to ask several different associates in several different stores what their tall and taller inseams were without getting an answer. GREAT NEWS tall women. These jeans are a new must in your life. The inseam has to be 36, because they fit my leg length perfectly and they are so dang comfortable, while still having a control panel to keep you sucked in. Wait on a coupon if you must, but definitely give Madewell jeans a try and do it soon. They are high quality and true to size!

Caitlin’s jacket is from Y.A.S. via Asos and is real leather. According to the site it’s completely leather but the underside of the sleeves has a panel of soft fabric, but once she received it she realized it was a welcome deviation. It is a buttery fabric, and almost looks suede like and feels delicious. For sizing reference, I tried the jacket on as well and found the fit to translate well for up to 6’4.

Her jeans are from Gap and like we’ve mentioned before have really made a comeback in quality and updated options. If you’re in between sizes for this pair, she would recommend sizing up. The high waist is so good, I feel like neither of us will ever give them up now!

Y’all know we can’t live without our Mei Li bags right now and the leather on leather is the ultimate topper. We’ve both been getting compliments on our bags from friends and family, because they can tell the bag is high quality by how well the structure holds. If you haven’t checked out Mei Li yet, they’re a startup quality handbag company.

Tell us, do you have any leather jackets? If so, any favorite brands to share? If not, tell us why!

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