Mirror, mirror, on the wall, which city is the fairest of them all? Is Milwaukee as stylish and chic as, let’s say, Berlin? I decided to put this theory to the test by contrasting style worn by celebrities and socialites at the opening of Berlin Fashion Week Jan. 20 with fashionable Gallery Night attendees in the Third Ward and at the MAM After Dark Series “Greener” event Jan. 15. As I pored over photographs from both events (The local ones I took myself. I’m what my dad used to call “artistic”), I became keenly aware of the fact that people dress to please themselves, and those who garner attention do so because they want to catch our eye. There is nothing more universal than standing out in a good way. Berlin? Milwaukee? After all, our metropolis does have a proud German heritage, so maybe that’s why we look as equally stylish as our counterparts across the pond. Let’s give a Fashion Seen shout out to those locals who forgo blending in and attract our international fashion attention!
Gallery Night
Kate Blake and Liv Mueller know exactly how to put an ensemble together. Kate wears a statement dress by
local designer Heather Hambrecht, cool boots by United Nude (from the store she owns, SHOO), great handmade cuff and earrings. Simple, strong and chic, the textural draping of the dress doesn’t compete with her body, and the monochromatic tones work well together. A little metallic sheen doesn’t hurt either. Liv, on the other hand, channels glamour of her own with a felt fedora, simple sweater and jeans. The boots look great with the color of the denim and elongate the leg. The statement piece here is the coat in a bright winter white. Love the fur cuffs and collar. Mueller is the owner of Salon Divine on Oakland, where she also has a vintage clothing store. Kudos, ladies!
Alayna Rose, an abstract painter, certainly knows her way around proportion. The long, fur-lined coat plays well off of her form-fitting tunic dress with cutouts. I love the unique belt as well as the cool hat, textured tights and fingerless gloves in olive. She just looks like a million bucks, and that is no abstraction.
These two unidentified ladies in black at the MAM event show that accessories make the look. This 
awesomely cool hat was worn with total confidence. I also like the peek of red under her jacket that ties it all together. On her pal, the large belt and draped cowl neck look spectacular with the pencil skirt. The surprise here is the polka dot shoes! I have to commend them both for the vibrant lip color. It’s fashion perfection.
The photographer gal definitely caught my eye. She understood the power of a single item of color, the goldenrod cords. They were the perfect foil for the simple, white tunic top and gray trapeze coat. She looks fun and funky, too.
Our two preppy guys really look fantastic. I do like men who wear ties well. The slim proportions of their ensembles work well for them, and I like the surprise of the trainers. Glasses are always in when they fit the wearer’s face, as is the 
case here. Thanks for being cool men!
Berlin Fashion Week
The lady with the hat has got layering down pat. By allowing the white to play off the black background of her top, tights, boots and hat, it pops with energy. I don’t know what she’s holding, but it looks like a colorful shawl. I like this Tyrolean meets urban look.
In the group photo, I like that you can’t really place where it was taken. These great-looking young people know how to work simple pieces and put together sophisticated, casual looks. Jeans always make a great 
base for jackets, tops, vests and scarves. My favorite here is the woman in the blue satin dress. It’s not too fussy but still looks glam.
As you can see, good style and fashion don’t have a geographic location or even a price point. It always
starts with a well thought out plan for what looks good and makes you feel fabulous. I promise I will try harder to identify people in my shots in future blogs. Bravo to Milwaukeeans who dress to impress, their viewers and themselves.
Until next time, stay stylish.
Be sure to check out my daily blogs from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC from Feb. 11 through Feb. 18.
