Style File Friday: Mad Rollin Dolls

Queens of the Damned is this, the second bout of the season, theme.  And yes you do get bonus points for dressing as a vampire.  Seriously there will be a prize awarded for the best vampire costume.  If you have yet to go to a MRD (Mad Rollin Dolls) bout (ie match, game, fight) you are in for a real treat.  The athletes- and yes they really are athletes are greatly entertaining even when the rules seem vague to the laymen.  The fans and crowd are very involved which creates for some of the best people watching in Madison.  If you have already been ordained by a MRD bout then why not bring a friend or two over to the dark side?  It is a truly Madison pastime and it seems the weather will be perfect for being indoors.

The Queens of the Damned Outfit:

Flower Cardigan: $58
Layered Necklace: $24

White Tee: $28
Mavi Denim: $98

~Lauren

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

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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}

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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}

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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}

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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}

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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}

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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}

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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}

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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}

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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}

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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}

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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}

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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}

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

Style File Friday: Family Horticulture Day

A confession: since a young age I have been afflicted with a plant and garden obsession.  It's true.  So I must say for those of you without a similar affliction the word "horticulture" does not do an event of this kind justice. 

Plants and gardens not only have the ability to teach us about life they can change our outlook for the better.  Whether it's growing a few flowers on a patio, a family veg patch or a full blown landscape there are things to be learned a every step and that can be overwhelming.  Do not be discouraged, Family Horticulture Day will certainly be able to get you going on the right path.  Oh and feel free to stop by and check out what's happening in The Goose's Garden.  I think you can sense my affliction now.

Family Horticulture Day Outfit:

Wear-It-Every-Day Dress by Tulle: $68
Cathy's Necklace by Bridget: $28

 Happy Gardening

~Lauren

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

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Style File Friday: National Dance Week Madison

Perhaps you have already been dancing all week long...but if not there are still two days (today and tomorrow) to get your dance on.  This week has been National Dance Week with tons of events and free drop in classes to boot!  Check out their site for more happenings.

In other news: our very own Halley is going to put her Crazy Legs to work tomorrow.  Keep your eyes peeled and cheer her on!  Best of luck to all of our customer participants!

 

Scrapbook Tank: $68

Denim: $70-$88

Crystal and Chain Necklace: $36

Scarf: $24

 

Enjoy getting your groove on!

~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!

Style File Friday: Earth Day Happenings

This is always a day that I think about all the things I could be doing to save the earth, make my community better, and be more involved.  It really is quite the list.  I usually end up feeling overwhelmed and downtrodden by it.  So today I am thinking about all the things I have done and continue to do to make this a better place than I found it.
-Last week I planted our 10 arbor day trees.  It's turning into a yearly thing. (psst... Arbor Day is next Friday)
-I've started recycling all of the shops plastic bags.  Every shirt, pant, accessory comes in plastic= lots o plastic.
-I'm consciously buying more locally made items (no plastic bags involved and lower carbon footprint).

What are some of the earth friendly habits, skills or projects that you've done?

Earth Day/Weekend events happening around town:
-Habitat Restore Celebrates: Habitat Restore: Saturday 12-4pm
-Green Fire: Aldo Leopold & a Land Ethic for Our Time: Arboretum: Saturday 1:30-2:30pm
 -Earth Day Clean Up: Warner Park: Saturday 10:30-12:30pm
-Mad City Chicken's: Pinney Branch Library (Cottage Grove Road): Saturday 2:00-4:00

The Earth Day Outfit:

Open Cardigan: 100% Cotton: $36
Skunk Funk Tropical Tan: 100% Cotton: $65
Denim: Cotton Blend: $86
BKW Crystal Necklace: Locally Made: $35

Peace.

~Lauren

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

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Style File Friday: Dane County Farmer's Market

It's finally warming up.  How I love it when our part of earth swings towards the sun.  As a result of this warm weather everyone is getting out of the house and I have a greater range of events to choose from.  It's verging on the difficult side to choose this week.  Dane County Farmer's Market,  Midwest Horse Fair (a childhood obsession with the animal at times still prevails), Lit Fest, Family Farm Day at the Children's museum...oh Boy!  What will I pick to do?

 You already knew the Dane County Farmer's Market would win this one, hands down.  My family and I will be making the loop.  A bottle of honey, a perennial plant or two and perhaps some asparagus are on my list.

Long Terry Sweatshirt Jacket: $92

I (Heart) Veggies Tee: $32

Denim: $86

Picnic Plaid Scarf: $19

Recycled Plastic Market Tote: $30

 Enjoy the fresh veg!

~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!

Style File Friday: Wisconsin Film Festival

I'll just put it out there... I thought it was spring.  I'm supremely disappointed with the latest snowfall (although it was beautiful wasn't it?).  I want to crawl back into bed and pull the sheets over my head until all this melts and the greener grass returns.  Or I guess I could go hide away in a movie theater all weekend long.  Now that I think about it what a perfect weekend for viewing numerous films.  Thank you crappy weather.  There will be no urges to get my fanny outside, none what so ever.  Find a few films you think you'll enjoy and attend guilt free.  This is not the weekend to get yard work done.

What: Wisconsin Film Festival
When: March 30th-April 3rd
Where: All over town.
Find out more on their website.

Wisconsin Film Festival Outfit:

Yes, you can wear one of the many (tons!) of bright spring dresses in this weather.  Just add a pair of warm leggings, your winter boots (seriously, I have to get mine out, again) and a cardigan because you just never know how warm/cold the theater will be.

Urtsula Dress by Skunk Funk: $89

Skunk Funk Geo Scarf: $26

Looking for spring under the sheets.  I'll let you know if I find it.

~Lauren

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

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Style File Friday: Monroe Street Chocolate Walk

I'll take three, thank you.  Chocolates that is.  I have a major sweet tooth.  And when it comes to good chocolates I'm defenseless.  I LOVE.  Love. Love 'em.  The idea of eating sweets and walking is the perfect match.  Eat = put on the pounds.  Walk = take off the pounds.  What a perfect match.  This should be a lot of fun.  Oh, and did I mention there are a lot of local businesses involved?  Perfect.

What: Sweet treats and local shops benefiting the Vilas Zoo

When: Saturday, March 26.  12-4pm

Where: 1700 to 3500 blocks of Monroe Street

More info: See the Isthmus Daily page

Monroe Street Chocolate Walk

Orange Dog Tee by Skunk Funk: $38
Worn-in Denim: $88
J Jive Necklace: $32
Summer Purse: $60
Scarf: $26

Have fun walking (off the chocolates)!

~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!

Style File Friday: Mad Rollin' Dolls

Oh derby girls.  How I admire thee.  Of course this is coming from a tennis-playing-contact-avoiding-fragile-girl. Yes, fragile.  I'll try not to be too star struck while writing this week's Style File Friday.  You're welcome.

Haven't been to a roller derby bout before?  Well.  Well.  Well.  You certainly should attend at least one in your life time.  Where else can you see dressed up chicas of all shapes and sizes skating their hearts out in the name of team spirit?  Eh, and sometimes revenge.  If nothing else it will bring out the childhood urges in you to put on your skates (yes, you may need to buy a pair) and skate your heart out.  Beware though the falls hurt a lot more now than they did then.

What: Bout #4 All Hail the Queens
When: Saturday at 6pm
Where: Dane County Coliseum at the Alliant Energy Center
More info: Mad Rollin Dolls Website

Mad Rollin' Dolls Outfit:

Locavore Tee (made in Iowa): $24
Skunk Funk Purse: $60
Flap Pocket Denim: $88

Enjoy the (almost) Spring weekend!
~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!