December 9, 2011

Style File Friday: A Christmas Carol


Plays are great.  Plays with children actors in them are even better.  I'm not talking about the middle school kind of production, as nice as those are, especially when the kid is yours.  I'm talking about the real deal with kids that can act like no ones business.  That's what you are in store for with productions put on by CTM.  Like this weekend's A Christmas Carol.  There will be actors of all ages but for me the kids steal the spotlight.

A Christmas Carol Outfit


Embellished Cardigan: $55
Black Alexa Skinny Denim by Mavi: $98
Belt by ED: $28
Printed Scarf: $24

~Lauren
{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

December 2, 2011

Style File Friday: Young St. Nick


Here at The Purple Goose, despite not having snow on the ground, it really is starting to feel like the holiday season.  We started the giving season even sooner, more about that here and by joining our facebook page.  If however you have yet to feel that holiday spirit, and are searching for a jump start, you should check out this weekend's Young St. Nick production at the Middleton Performing Arts Center.  I certainly wish I didn't already have plans... If you go to the show promise you'll let me know all about it.  Promise?

Young St. Nick Outfit:
Orange isn't a traditional holiday color and that makes it perfect in my eyes.  It's fun, festive and has a touch of sparkly sheen (without being over the top).  Pair with lacy tights, your favorite boots and a cardigan and you are ready for casual to dressy holiday parties and family gatherings.  Since it isn't over the top holiday you'll still be wearing this outfit for the rest of the season and years to come.  Plus that great belt comes with the dress.


Orange Shirt Dress: $50
Belt (included with above dress)
Knit Cardigan: $55
Local Necklace by Bridget: $22

Happy Holidays!
~Lauren

{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

November 16, 2011

Style File Friday: Madison Women's Expo


My husband is a hunter so I always find it laugh-out-loud hilarious that this is the weekend, opening weekend, that Thunder Down Under is in the area.  It's almost like a bunch of the ladies in the state will be without husbands and spending time with their girl friends.  :)  But that isn't the event of the weekend, Madison Women's Expo is.  There are a ton of entertaining, educational and just plain fun events planned.  You really should check out the schedule, grab a  friend and head out of the house.  I'd love to hear what you liked the most!

Madison Women's Expo Outfit


Batwing Cardigan: $54
Purple Goose Button Sleeve Tee: $46
Mavi Skinnies: $78
Leather, wood and bead Necklace: $24

~ Lauren

{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

October 29, 2011

DAIS Fashion Show

The Purple Goose's model Katie S. wearing Skunk Funk.

This past week The Purple Goose, along with other local boutiques, participated in the first ever Dress For DAIS Fashion Show.  It was an incredible night of fashion, fun and friends.  But more amazing was the fact that it was powered 100% by volunteers!  Over $10,000 was raised for the new DAIS shelter.

The photographer, Timothy Hughes, has edited a few photos.  More on the way...

October 28, 2011

Style File Friday: Halloween Frenzy


Too many spooky things to choose from for this weekend?  Here are my top picks; the Historical Society has Halloween Week, there is a Haunted Woods Trail at DCHS, Beakers and Broomsticks is happening at the MCM and the ever a classic Horror In the Dark at Olin Park.  Have a fun and spooky weekend!

Halloween Frenzy Outfit:
This ensemble is is sure to get you comfortably through the unpredictable temps of fall and all the spooks of this weekend!

Rib knit Purple Goose Tee: $36
Knit Coat: $70
Mavi Denim: $98
Peace Necklace: $40

~ Lauren

{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

September 16, 2011

Style File Friday: Food For Thought Festival


This years Food For Thought Festival promises fun for everyone with a potato sack race, organic garden exhibit, chef cooking competition, local food tent, all about apples, a chat about chickens and much more!  This is going to be a day of fun staring this season's produce and will perhaps propel your inspiration for next year's garden.

Food For Thought Outfit:

Grab a pair of dark wash denim, an easy to wear loose tee and a stylish scarf of your choice and you are ready for this late summer transition into fall.  My favorite time of year!  I'm going to get out and enjoy it.


Scarf: $24
Flow Tee: $28
Mavi Denim: $98

~ Lauren

{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

September 2, 2011

Style File Friday: Taste of Madison

Schedules and routines have changed and just because you/the kids have homework doesn't mean you should stay indoors on this lovely weekend.  Get outside enjoy the lovely weather (uh em while we still have it)!  Complemented with free admission and food/beves ranging $1-$4 you can afford to bring the whole family and hangout for hours listening to the live music at Taste of Madison.

Taste of Madison Outfit:

Cascade Shell: $45
Mavi Denim: $98
Tote-It-All: $48
J.Jive Necklace: $32

~ Lauren

{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

August 26, 2011

Style File Friday: Community Gardens Bike Tour

The weather is suppose to be perfect and the gardens are in full swing.  What better time to be out on your bike seeing what the different communities have been growing.  Oh and the Mayor will be biking with the group too!  9th Annual CAC Community Gardens Bike Tour.

Bike Tour Outfit:

Flow-Ease Dress: $42
Drape Throw-on: $32
Bobble Necklace set: $24
Belt: $19

~ Lauren

{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

August 12, 2011

Style File Friday: Moving Days

The students are arriving!  The students are arriving!  The students are arriving!  And that means many are moving, swapping apartments and leaving their things behind (or perhaps you, a student, are doing it too).  Looking for the perfect chair?  Organizers?  Or perhaps a moped?  Now is the perfect time to scrounge the streets and curbs for all that goodness that gets left behind.  Of course be aware that bed bugs are also making a come back.  Reliving college by visiting the places I once did is great but getting bed bugs again is not on my do-it-again list.  Basically if you need a pair of gloves to feel comfortable taking it home-don't get it.

Much to my husbands delight (did he plan it this way?) I won't be around for all the curb goodies this weekend.  But being the junk lover that I am I'd love to see/hear about what it is you found.

The Moving Days Outfit:

V-neck T: $24
Favorite Denim:$86
J.Jive Necklace: $36


~ Lauren

{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

August 5, 2011

Style File Friday: Wisconsin State Fair

It's going to be just another busy summer weekend. Weddings to attend (two for me this weekend), the State Fair, plays, live music, benefits.... And that's just the way summer should be. Remembering how tiring and jam packed this part the year is can be difficult to do in the middle of the snow covered months (notice I didn't use the "W" word). So this is my little prompt (for myself and I guess you if you need it) to suck it up, smile and enjoy it while you've got it. Oh and there is a beautiful weather forecast to boot!

My favorite part of any fair is the animals.  Where else does one get to see supremely groomed, fed and taken care of animals of all different breeds, types and sizes in one place?  Plus nothing is more cute than a young kid excited about all of the great work they did to get there. 

My second favorite is fair food, especially WI fair food.  One really must plan on eating at least three meals/day at the fair.  There are simply too many choices to have just one food item.  Then stock up on lettuce and fat free dressing on your way home as this will be the meals for the following week. ;)

The Wisconsin State Fair Outfit:

Butterfly Wing Tee: $28
Linen Blend Shorts by It!: $68
To Life Necklace: $15

~ Lauren

{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

July 15, 2011

Style File Friday: Blooming Butterflies


It is that time again!  Butterflies abound at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.  It's an event that makes for great photos as they flutter, land and just plain impress.  You may remember my post last year about my fascination with them.  I'm happy to report I still enjoy their abilities to make me imaginative.  Enjoy!  Also, I'd love to see your photos!

Blooming Butterflies Outfit
A lovely drape tunic dress with jersey knit cowl neck back.  Faux leather belt is detachable for versatility.
Tunic Dress: $44
Locally made J.Jive Necklace: $32

~ Lauren

{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

July 1, 2011

Style File Friday: Rhythm and Booms


Is there really anything else to be doing this Saturday?  I didn't think so.  Plus when you live only two blocks away like myself you simply must have family and friends over to enjoy the day.  It's either that or be gone for the whole weekend.

A strong Madison tradition, splendid weather, lots of food choices and games.  Rhythm and Booms is all of that rolled into one great day of fun!

The Rhythm and Booms Outfit:

Blue and white stripes pair classically with a locally made red button necklace.  You'll be a chic version of the usual 4th of July outfits.  Oh and don't forget to wear your fav pair of broken in denim.

Stripes Tank: $68
Button and Brass Necklace: $30
Boyfriend Denim: $80

Have a fun and safe holiday!
~ Lauren

{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

June 24, 2011

Style File Friday: Capital Lakes DragonFest


I'm wishing I didn't already have plans for this evening... Otherwise I would certainly be heading to Adult Swim at the Children's Museum.  If you do go I'd love to hear all about it.  I hope they have it again so I can attend.  On with SFF...

I'm sure you have seen the rowing teams out on the Madison lakes before.  Stealth, determined and FAST are a few words that come to mind when I see them.  But I have yet to see a Dragon Boat in person and I'm sure it will be an equally fascinating experience.  It should be an exciting day of culture, Bucky sightings, and team spirit!

The DragonFest Outift:


Bow Racer Back Tank: $35
It! Denim: $86
Vintage Button Necklace-Made by Bridget: $30

~ Lauren

{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

June 17, 2011

Style File Friday: Strawberry Festival


Sheesh!  It's getting difficult to pick which event to feature.  This weekend alone there is the Madison Blues Festival, awesome music on the terrace, a great print exhibit opening, the Parade of Homes (is a house really ever finished- I wonder hope) oh and NOT to forget Sunday is Father's Day.  Once again my love of food, especially seasonal food, has helped me in my decision.  That's not to say beer on the terrace sounds like a bad meal, 'cause it sounds great right about now.

The Strawberry Festival it is!  It's strawberries and strawberry treats, people dressed as a strawberry, wine tasting, a 5k/10k run, craft fair, book sale, plant sale....all rolled into one delicious day.

A side note about me: One of my summer jobs growing up was at a strawberry patch.  What you picked was weighted and that was how your payment was calculated.  That said while picking you could eat all the strawberries you wanted.  It would mean you weren't paid as much at the end of the shift because those eaten of course didn't make it into your basket.  Three things I learned: 1. You can eat TOO many strawberries.  2. It's worth it unless you have to bike 3 miles home afterwards-which I often did.  3. It was one of the best jobs ever: paid to eat-almost.

So I guess what I am saying is if you plan on running that 5k/10k or taking the Zumba class, eat the strawberries, treats and wine AFTER.  Same goes for the kids, inflatable games first and food later.  You WILL have a fantastic time!*

The Strawberry Festival Outfit:

Dress by Scrapbook (now made in the USA!!!): $68
Bejeweled Necklace/Earring set: $24

See you at the strawberry patch!
~Lauren

{Know of an event I should feature?  E-mail me with the details lauren(at)shopthepurplegoose(dot)com}

Can't get enough of Style File Fridays?  Check out more here!

* Unless you do the daily events in the opposite order as prescribed.

June 3, 2011

2011 Goose's Garden Party Participants

The Complete list of this year's 2011 Goose's Garden Party participants with links to their featured blogpost.

Belts by ED
Bookbolas
Evelyn Torrez: Paper Violet Studio
Found Object Fashion
SL Furniture
Jack and Ella Paper Press
Janet Marie Felted Products
JJive
Mim and Jules
Modish Life

Scrapbugs
Tuniebird
Wise Owl Designs

Janet Marie @ The Goose's Garden Party

Colorful, natural or ohh so luxurious Janet Marie's felted products are a gift that keeps on giving.  Felted soap balls make the perfect lather to entice little ones to clean up as well as pamper those of us that made it a habit years ago.  Her coin purses are patterned, pretty and the utmost touchable.  For the full list of tidbits about the artists at The 2011 Goose's Garden Party click here.

Tuniebird @ The Goose's Garden Party

A sure fire favorite Tuniebird (Tonya) has been exploring the sewing world with one hit after another.  You probably know her best for her much sought after scrunchy headbands.  She also makes the classic tie headbands and colorful wristlets.  Her handbags will be debuting this Saturday at The Goose's Garden Party and I can't wait!

J Jive Jewelry @ The Goose's Garden Party

Earthy yet athletic, modern yet traditional, detailed yet simplistic.  A piece of jewelry by JJive can be paired with nearly any outfit and fit in perfectly.  The beauty in each unique piece is simply splendid.  The pictures really do not do these pieces justice.  A true must see.

Belts by ED @ The Goose's Garden Party

You may already have a collection of your own.  If not, be prepared you may be tempted to start one after seeing these fantastic fabric belts.  The colors and patterns are fresh and modern and there is one to fit every personality.  As a special bonus ED will also have birp cloths available at The Goose's Garden Party.  A sampling of what she creates can been seen on her website, Facebook page, or Etsy store.

June 2, 2011

Found Object Fashion @ The Goose's Garden Party

We all know the three R's but sometimes they are more difficult to follow.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle they say..  Stacy of Found Object Fashion has the perfect eye and skill for the second of those R's, Reuse.  She creates hair bows, cardigans, tees and aprons while being conscious of the earth.  Find out more about her products, process and skills here.

Mim and Jules @ The Goose's Garden Party

Textural, patterned and the utmost useful.  Perfect for the magpie in your life.  In my case that's me.  These are the perfect little things to give and get as gifts.  I can't wait to see the pieces in person.  Oh to have and to hold....Saturday can't come soon enough.  Find out more about Mim and Jules here or visit with the artist on Saturday.

June 1, 2011

Jack and Ella Paper Press @ The Goose's Garden Party

Chic, simple, special and fun.  How better to describe cards that are locally created, printed on recycled card stock and come in a rainbow of colors?  Oh and the little graphics don't even get me started...  You simply must see to believe in the beauty.  And she does custom orders.  Can I get a "YaHoo"?  Take a peek at more an the Jack and Ella Paper Press Etsy store.


Evelyn Torrez @ The Goose's Garden Party

From paintings, jewelry and sewn collages Evelyn Torrez has the skills.  A full breadth of items will be featured.  Too many to quickly post here.  You will just have to stop by The Goose's Garden Party or her Etsy store, Paper Violet Studio to see more.

May 31, 2011

ScrapBugs @ The Goose's Garden Party

Oh so cute.  Pictures simply can't do a hair bow justice.  In a rainbow of colors you are certain to find the perfect one for that little one in your life.  Or perhaps the perfect one for yourself!  More info can be found on the ScarpBugs Etsy site (Artist's note: Most of the items are being held for The Goose's Garden Party and may be available online after the sale).  Oh and they have great little gift tags that make your unique gift all the more special.