Standard Social | Kansas City | Fashion, Entertainment, Events, Nightlife Lifestyle » Nikki Toll

New Arrival: House of Harlow

Nikki Toll — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:00:24 +0000

New House of Harlow jewelry has just arrived! Come into Standard to see the new rings, cuffs, earrings and pendants in Nicole Richie’s signature tribal style with touches of white and orange for fall.

A Cocktail to Try

Nikki Toll — Mon, 24 May 2010 12:36:21 +0000

The Grapefruit Gimlet from Extra Virgin is my new obsession. A refreshing mix of Hangar Grapefruit Vodka, freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup and garnished with a grapefruit wedge; this delicious concoction has “summer” written all over it. Head out to their fabulous patio in the heart of the crossroads with some girlfriends and enjoy the warm weather that we finally have coming our way!

The Perfect Denim Jacket

Nikki Toll — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:09:11 +0000

This year, April showers brought May flowers, but also chilly weather. Since we’re all ready for our little dresses and shorts, we’re going to need a cute and seasonal-appropriate topper for windy days and cool nights. The perfect solution is a denim jacket. In a beat up wash, the Current/Elliot denim jacket is a stylish and practical addition to your spring wardrobe; to toughen up sweet floral dresses or loosen up a button-up and khakis.

Easy Chic: High Buns

Nikki Toll — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:00:55 +0000

High buns graced spring runways from Marc Jacobs to Lanvin. From messy to sleek, the only consistent trait was the placement: right on top of the head. For the rest of us in the real world, this super easy up-do is great for second-day hair when you want to roll out of bed, but still look super chic.

Loreal: Sublime Bronze

Nikki Toll — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:00:03 +0000

It’s April, tanorexics. Nobody should be totally bronzed, (unless they spent their spring break on a beach, and even by now, that will be a-fadin’.) But everyone is reluctant to break out the shorts and skirts after 6 months of brutal winter. As a full fledged ivory beauty, I never get dark, no matter how many hours I lie in the sun. I balk at tanning beds; you’re actually PAYING for skin cancer. So my solution is a simple one: self tanner. I’ve tried just about everything out there, in the hopes of having my skin and hair not totally match, and the best one that I’ve found, (get excited, because it’s actually affordable, and at your drugstore): Loreal Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer. It creates totally believeable color, along with the bonus of a tint so when you apply it so you can see what you’re doing. With a teeny hint of shimmer, your legs will be skirt ready in no time. I felt like the color built quickly and evenly, and lasted really well.

Young Fabulous and Broke

Nikki Toll — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:25:04 +0000

You’ll look fabulous but certainly not broke in the new delivery we just received from Young, Fabulous and Broke. The silvery-grey Sophia satin jumpsuit can be easily paired with heels for a evening look, but don’t be afraid to rock it during the day with some gladiators or wedges.

Green Piece

Nikki Toll — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:00:09 +0000

A truly fashion-environmentally friendly piece: the kelly green Silk Romper from Haute Hippie. From the drape of the amazing silk fabric to the pop of the color, this is a perfect item for spring. The shorts may appear short, but they are beautifully balanced by the blouson top. Finally, the deep v back is revealing, but in the most flattering and feminine manner. You’ll be sure to stand out in this second to none romper. Wear it now with tights and heels, and recycle it for summer with sandals, heels, wedges…the possibilities are endless. The Earth will thank you.

Step Away From The Juicy Suit

Nikki Toll — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:43:33 +0000

I know, I know. It’s comfortable. It’s easy; you find your navy zip top, and your navy pants, and you put it on, and you go to yoga, and then to the Whole Foods. But, I must tell you, just like every other trend that has crossed our paths, this one has played out. No different from mall bangs or Z Cavaricci jeans, Juicy velour has had it’s moment in the sun, but that moment has passed. Let’s move on to 2010, shall we? You traded your Discman for an Ipod, right? So why would you wear the same outfit that you wore when you were carrying around your Discman, rocking out to the latest N’Sync CD?

What do I wear now, do you ask? What is my worthy replacement? I have the answer, and it is more than worthy replacement: Free City.

I don’t love Free City just because the colors are super fun, or because the adorable, hand-done screen prints, or the gaggle of stars that are sporting these cute, organic sweats; but because they are SO comfortable. Or, perhaps I love them because of the incredible mix-match-ability of the pieces. (Yes, that is a made up word, but appropriate, no?) Throw on the hoodie over a little dress, or push up those sweat pants with a pair of heels. These pieces are not just for the gym, they are made for a little creative self expression. Let me tell you my final, and proabably most important reason for loving Free City: they smell like a little piece of heaven. Like the freshest, most wonderful laundry smell that you can imagine. Does your Juicy smell like heaven? I think not.

Just like Timberlake and the boys have parted ways, so should you and your terry.

Ready for Red?

Nikki Toll — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:09:13 +0000

So you’re going to try out the red lip trend for this season? Good for you! But buyer beware, you must have a white backdrop for your red lip! There’s nothing that brings more attention to dingy teeth than a pop color. An inexpensive and easy way to whiten teeth: Crest Whitestrips. Do not go for the alternative generic drugstore brands; shell out the extra money and go for the real deal. The Premium variety work the fastest; in one week as opposed to two; however the standard will work just fine as well. Another tip: go for a blue based red as opposed to a yellow; as a blue will make teeth automatically look brighter.

Britney Spears Grammy Ensemble

Nikki Toll — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:15:48 +0000

A million Britney puns come to mind when looking at her 2010 Grammy ensemble: Oops, She Did it Again! Or: That Outfit is Toxic, and my personal favorite: 1-2-3, Cover up, Britney! She was unable to recreate the “sheer” magic with Dolce and Gabanna that was achieved in 2001 with her racy-lacy Grammy get-up. Instead of exciting and daring, this fishnet and corset disaster is ill fitting and unflattering. Maybe next year, Brit.

Winter Blues Clues

Nikki Toll — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:30:48 +0000

I am a sun-lover. I despise being cold. I have no idea why I live in the Midwest. When the days begin to grow shorter, darker, and colder, my anxiety reaches a fever pitch. Winter is here. For six long months, I will languish in agony without my beloved sunshine and warm weather. It makes me cranky, lazy, and strangely, hungry? I decided to look into my maladies, to find if they held any merit:
Seasonal Affective Disorder is defined as a “form of depression that occurs in relation to the seasons, most commonly beginning in winter.” SAD, as it’s commonly referred to, (how appropriate) is characterized by the following symptoms:

Afternoon slumps with decreased energy and concentration
Carbohydrate cravings
Decreased interest in work or other activities
Depression that starts in fall or winter
Increased appetite with weight gain
Increased sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness
Lack of energy
Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
Social withdrawal

Decreased concentration? Lack of energy? Craving carbs? To me, this just sounds like a regular Monday afternoon. I have always charmingly referred to my expanding winter-white love handles as my insulation for the cold weather. And who wants to go out when it’s 20 below? As if dealing with cold weather, dry skin, and static-y hair wasn’t enough; we can be depressed just because of the season change.

It is also found that, like most forms of depression, SAD occurs more frequently in women than in men, as do most other magical gender-based qualities, like childbirth and slow metabolism. SAD is not to be confused with Cabin Fever, or Winter Blahs, (both obviously technical terms), as SAD is a true, diagnosed form of depression. If you truly feel that you may be experiencing the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder, consult your physician. Most of us, however, are just suffering from the plain old Winter Blahs.

Luckily, there are some simple solutions for those of us with the blues. Number one: exercise. Yes, exercise. Yet another medical reason that we must work out. As if watching Jillian Michaels on the Biggest Loser shaming the nation for eating Taco Bell as she gagged down a nacho (that I would have hoovered an entire plate of with no remorse) wasn’t horrid enough to send me running for the treadmill, I suppose that my mood and sanity should be. Secondly, fresh air and light can revive our frozen spirits. Come out of hibernation and you’ll find yourself feeling better. The increased isolation that seems so comforting for us due to the weather is actually more harmful than good. It is also suggested that wearing a “feel good” color, such as pink, red (a big color for spring!), orange or yellow can immediately give you a warmer feel. If you’re a die-hard grey/black wearer, such as myself (gotta hide those love handles somehow) it is also suggested that you paint a wall in your home in one of the warm hues to instantly brighten you life.

Now that I’ve ridden myself of all excuses of hiding under my blanket, complaining of the weather and my mood, I’m off to don a yellow sweater, because I’m not about to swear off the carbs. One thing at a time.

Frei Brothers: Pinot Noir

Nikki Toll — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:37 +0000

I’m always on the lookout for a great mid-priced bottle of wine. I wouldn’t consider myself any sort of a connoisseur, however, I have consumed my fair share of wine. At a recent get together with some girlfriends at the Classic Cup here on the Plaza, an owner of the restaurant stopped by our table and suggested the Frei Brothers Pinot Noir. He was kind enough to give us a little education on the product. The Pinot Noir, we were told, captures all the crushed berry, cherry and rose aromas and flavors of the Russian River Valley. The wine is smooth and medium to full-bodied, with elegant tannins framed by creamy vanilla and a hint of oak. The winery was purchased by the Gallo company, but the wine itself has maintained the integrity of the original product. In addition to the Pinot Noir, they also make a chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, sauvignon blanc, and syrah, but in his opinion, the Pinot Noir was the best. I simply thought that it was a delicious addition to the Cup’s warm chocolate fudge cake.