Twenty SomethingSummer 2014

Twenty Something

Taylor AndersenRestaurant Feature Writer

Cayla LewisPlaza DistrictFeature Writer

Sarah McCubbinThundergUrls.com

Brittney MeltonFeature Writer

Plenty Mercantile

Tonya ZunighaThundergUrls.com

Jacob PeregrinMen’s FashionFeature Writer

Elizabeth DiefenderferFood Feature Writer

CONTRIBUTORSJeanne YoungCopy Editor

Kelsey SelfFashion Director

Co-Creative DirectorStylist

Bethany YoungEditor-in-Chief

Co-Creative DirectorPhotographer

Sarah EthridgeMusic Feature Writer

Meagan OwenFashion Feature Writer

Chad & Melissa CosperVideography & PhotographyDCMGMT Creative, Inc.

Whitney LynnFashion Feature Writer

Emily DavisDecor Feature Writer

Jeff RaganHealth Feature Writer

Lacey RosenwaldFashion Stylist

Michaela WilliamsFashion Feature Writer

CONTRIBUTORSJeanne YoungCopy Editor

Fashion

Summer Swim

Photography: Melissa CosperStyling: Lacey RosenwaldHair & Makeup: Malorie Avaline, Blo.Swimwear: Pearl JunkieClothing and Accessories: 200 Park for HerModel: Brooklynne Young, Brink Models

Summer Swim

FashionDressy, Casual, or Both?

What is your fashion preference? Do you feel the need to constantly dress up or do you like to keep it simple? Do you prefer the ease of a sundress or the luxurious feel of a cocktail dress? Or do you prefer to wear a mix? Whichever way you prefer to dress, each way is fine as long as you feel comfortable in it.

When you dress up, you feel more polished and presentable. There is some-thing different about wearing an evening dress compared to wearing a t-shirt. I have to admit that I am very pleased to see so many Oklahoma women dress-ing up more often, more than what I’ve seen in the past.

There is a difference, however, between being dressy and being overdressed. If you feel like you are “trying too hard” in a certain outfit, you might be doing exactly that. Try balancing out your outfit with a toned down top if you have fancy bottoms or vice versa. To me, the ultimate way to dress up an outfit is to put on a pair of heels!

When you dress casually, you might feel more comfortable. It is just so easy to throw on a t-shirt and a pair of pants and go out the door! Many people dress casually more than they dress up. While I am all about being comfortable, there is, just like being overdressed, a difference between being casual and be-ing too casual. If you feel like you left the house without caring, you probably did. Opt for a casual but stylish outfit like a t-shirt dress to run those errands. Pair it with flats to stay casual and stylish!

What if you don’t fall into the dressy or casual category? What if you like a mixture of.... both? Is it even possible to dress both ways? The answer: yes! I say yes because I spend a lot of time in this category. The easiest approach to mix both ways of dressing can be through your accessories. Love that new maxi dress that you just bought but don’t want to feel overdressed? Pair it with casual sandals. Trying to figure out how to dress up your t-shirt and shorts? Put on a statement necklace. If you ask me, mixing both ways of dressing has the potential to create the most unique outfits!

Dressy. Casual. Both. No matter what category you fit into, what matters most is which one makes you feel the most comfortable. Happy dressing!

Written by Whitney Lynn

Fashion

Photography: Bethany YoungStyling: Kelsey SelfMakeup & Hair: Malorie Avaline, Blo.Clothing: Stella Rae’s BoutiqueModel: Makenzie Muse, Brink Models

Rock your festival fashion all summer! Take a look at different ways to style one of this summer's hottest trends.

Fashion

Swim StyleAthletic

This summer, swim styles are taking a turn for the sporty with suits made

for more than just laying on the beach.

These looks will take you from a pool party to a

surf lesson.

Article by Michaela Williams

CutoutsA swimsuit featuring

cutouts is the perfect way to show

a little or a lot of skin at the pool.

RetroThis trend has been showing its face in

swimsuits for a couple of summers, but this year it’s out in full force with

styles reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe.

Jumpsuit Cover-UpsThis trend isn’t just for

daywear anymore. A jumpsuit can take you

from the pool to cocktails on a patio.

The Wall Above the CouchDecor

In most homes, anchoring your couch against a large wall is the best layout to choose. However, decorating the wall space above the couch can be a toughy. Many people just

have a large blank wall to work with... which can be a daunting task. Here are some of my favorite ways to make use of this space.

Large Scale ArtworkOne of the most popular ways to decorate the space above the couch is to use a large scale piece of artwork. This is a great way to make a big impact. If you go for this in your own home – keep the scale of the art in mind. You definitely want to choose something that

can hold its own over a big piece of furniture.

Images: Elle Décor, Lindsey Coral Harper, Palmer Weiss, Amy Berry Design

MirrorsA statement mirror is a classic choice

for the wall above the couch and the options are endless!

Starburst, antiqued, convex, chinois, federal... the mirror options out there are endless!

Written by Emily Daviswww.mainstreetchic.blogspot.com

SculptureWhy not choose something a bit nontraditional? Find a wall hanging or sculpture you

love, but just be sure to hang it high enough that you won’t bump your head on it!

Think Outside the BoxDon’t love any of the

other options? Hang a rug, wall chandelier, flag,

tapestry, antlers, map… whatever speaks to you.

Ultimately, your home should be a reflection of you

and what you think is great. There are no rules!

Theatre

Experience an acclaimed epic, Broadway’s “under the sea” spectacular, the ultimate comedic quest for the Holly Grail, and a moving classic with Lyric Theatre of Okla-homa this summer! With something for everyone, Lyric’s four productions at the Civic Center Music Hall are not to be missed.

LES MISÉRABLES, heralded as one of the greatest musicals of all time, runs June 24 through 28 and is Lyric’s first production at the Civic Center this summer. “I think it is every director’s dream to tackle this mammoth work in a new way. I’ve assembled a powerhouse cast, creative team, and carefully selected choir to bring this story not only to new visual life, but also to hear it sung on a scale few have heard it before,” says Michael Baron, Lyric’s artistic director and director of LES MISERABLES.

Broadway’s “under the sea” spectacular musical, DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MER-MAID, follows from July 8 through 12. The cast is led by New York-based actresses Emily Skinner and Amanda Lea LaVergne. Skinner was nominated for a Tony Award® for SIDE SHOW, and has most recently been seen on Broadway in BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL. LaVergne, who will play Ariel, has been seen on Broad-way in ANNIE and GREASE. Filled with fairytale charm, soaring melodies, and clever lyrics, this show is perfect for the whole family.

Laugh until you’re in stitches with MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, which runs July 22 through 26. You’ll see the Knights of the Round Table go on the hunt for the Holy Grail as they’re intercepted by killer rabbits, fish slapping, and more. Featur-ing Monte Reigel Wheeler and Matthew Alvin Brown, who worked on Lyric’s most recent production of Richard O’Brien’s THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, the show promises to be totally hilarious.

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, which completes Lyric’s four-show run at the Civic Center, runs August 5 through 9. “This beautiful show is a tribute to the free-spirit-ed life in theatre and romantic liaisons - full of lush waltzes, biting humor, and gor-geous costumes,” says Baron, who will also direct A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. With the classic song “Send in the Clowns”, and a cast full of theatre luminaries such as Tony Award® nominee Dee Hoty, George Dvorsky, and Emily Skinner, this stunning production will sweep you away.

Tickets for all of Lyric’s 2014 shows are now on sale and start at $35! Visit LyricThe-atreOKC.com, call (405) 524-9312 or visit our box office at 1727 NW 16th Street in Oklahoma City to purchase your tickets. See you at the theatre!

With Something for Everyone, Lyric’s Summer Shows Will Wow

Written by Allie Tabberer

Album: Nabuma Rubberband, by Little Dragon

MusicWhat We’re Listening To...

Boldness and consistency have worked well for this group of five. Approaching their 20th anniversary, Little Dragon released their fourth studio album Nabuma Rub-berband May 13. It certainly embodies the unique soulful qualities we have learned to expect based on the foundation this Swedish group of friends have worked hard to build. The band was founded in 1996 after they attended High School together in Gothenburg, Sweden. Yukimi Nagano leads in vocals with a recognizable range and spirit that, paired with catchy beats and quirky rhythms, makes the band as a whole hard to miss. In fact, their band name originated from Nagano’s emotional outbursts within the recording studio. Even though they claim the title to be a tad dramatic, it helps speak truth to the fire behind the band. They made their first album in 2007 and have been loyal to release new material approximately every two years. Little Dragon can be classified as downtempo synth pop with clear R&B dance influence. Singles such as “Twice,” “Ritual Union,” and “Blinking Pigs” have helped previously make their mark as a band, while other collaborations like “Wildfire” with SBTRKT and “Scale it Back,” with DJ Shadow have expanded their influence in the music world. Nabuma Rubberband as a whole has a great element of storytelling, as tracks feed into each other and every quality seems to be perfectly calculated and executed. Drawing influences from Janet Jackson and Prince, this album is danceable, but with a variety of tempos heard through melodies that insinuate a sense of truth and emo-tion. Stand-out tracks: “Only One,” “Killing Me,” “Klapp Klapp,” and “Pretty Girls.”

Written by Sarah Ethridge

What We’re Listening To...Artist: Sylvan Esso

Sylan Esso is an unlikely duo from North Carolina. The pair consists of the sweet dreamy vocals of Amelia Randall Meath offset and balanced by the electronic percussion and production of Nick Sanborn. Their collaboration was somewhat unpredicted because of their opposite backgrounds. Meath belonged to the band Mountain Man, an a capella influenced group from Vermont sounding similar to Fleet Foxes. Sanborn on the other hand originally surfaced as a bassist for a rock band Megafaun and eventually delved into producing. It’s a clever balance of dark and light that is also pretty irresistible since they seem to bring out the best in each other. Their hit “Coffee” is a perfect example of how these opposites attract and is a good representation of their album in general. Meath sounds like an Ingrid Michel-son or Feist, but thanks to Sanborn she proves to have an edge and a daring attitude that is rare when several “cute” voices solely show their softness. The two have only formed one album, which is self-titled. It was released this year and I promise, it’s entertaining, cool, and not boring. Stand out tracks: “Play it Right,” “Hey Mami,” “H.S.K.T.,” and “Uncatena.”

Thunder gUrlsFeature

What’s Up, gUrls?

The past few weeks for the Thunder have been more dramatic than The Bachelor Season 13’s “After the Final Rose” ceremony when Jason broke up with his fiancé Melissa because he was in love with Molly all along.

The NBA Playoffs have kept all Thunder fans biting the shellac off of their freshly manicured nails.

Each round of the playoffs is a “best of seven” series. So. The first team to win four games wins the series and moves on to the next round.

First Round: We played the Memphis Grizzlies. We had to play all seven games before we finally won the series. The games were tough and close, but we managed to tame the Grizz.

Second Round: Next up, we played the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers are always a little tricky for us because they are hard to hate. We love Chris Paul and we all know someone who knows someone who personally knows Blake Griffin and we really like to tell that story every time we play the Clippers. This dramatic series was filled with things like fouls, and bad calls, and other weird stuff that left every dude we know speech-less. But, like, we won, so that’s cool - except Serge hurt his calf pretty bad during the last game and they announced that he would be out for the next round so everyone was pretty bummed.

Also during the second round, Kevin Durant won the Most Valuable Player award for all of the NBA! If that wasn’t ex-citing enough, Kevin gave the speech to end all speeches. If

Thunder gUrlsyou haven’t watched it in its entirety, you HAVE to watch it ASAP! And be prepared to cry! Watch it here

Third Round: Then we played the San Antonio Spurs. We crumbled the first two games, especially since we didn’t have Serge. Coach Scott Brooks told reporters over and over again that Serge “will not be walking through that door” because of his calf injury – so sad! (Important side note: Serge and Keri Hilson were on a break earlier this year, but they are back together!) Then out of the blue, the Thunder announced that SERGE WAS HEALED! Keri tweeted that the miracle was due to “God and ice.” WOW! Serge jumped back in and led the team to

two solid victories. But sadly Serge’s heroic comeback was too little too late. We lost the Western Conference Finals in six games.

Now we are all left to pout poolside for the remainder of the summer. But keep building your Thunder accessory collection and continue to pin Thunder cupcakes on Pinterest because we will definitely be back next season!

Love,

The Thunder gUrlswww.thundergUrls.com

FoodDining Al Fresco

With the summer months approaching I have found myself looking for any reason to picnic with loved ones. It is the perfect excuse to pack a yummy meal, a mason jar filled with a cool, refresh-ing beverage, and a cozy blanket and enjoy the beautiful creation.

It all started with a Mother’s Day inspired shoot I got to be part of that encouraged doting on mom over a picnic spread. This was most recently followed by an impromptu potluck picnic at the park with friends who I rarely get to see, as well as a couple of backyard picnics for two. The heat will soon be too unbearable and eating beneath the trees will be the last thing on my mind so I’m soaking it up now while it’s still enjoyable.

For this Twenty Something meal I kept things simple. I must have been feeling Sicilian after watching The Godfather days before and opted for a dish from that region that could easily be packed up and would taste delicious hot or cold. Know that the similarities between the Don and me end there.

I had just been given eggplant, which is not a vegetable I regularly have on hand, so I decided to cook with that lovely little guy in mind. The vegetables and herbs simmered while I packed up the rest of my picnic contents, leaving a sweet and sour aroma in the air as the flavors married themselves to each other. For the sandwiches (sandies as I affectionately refer to them), I grilled the bread, rubbed fresh garlic and topped with fresh mozzarella before adding the caponata. It makes for a surprisingly hearty meal, full of flavor.

Feeling non-traditional, I packed the meal in an adorable galvanized tub adorned with rope handles from my sister, who knows me so well, and doubled the tub as our table. How is that for resourceful?! I’m a sucker for “cute-ifying” things; presentation enhances a meal for me. My sister gave me an appreciation for making things beautiful no matter how simple the occasion; even a picnic. That being said, my Weck jars were filled with fruits and cheeses, the sandies were packaged in brown wax bags and a potted succulent ushering in summer all piled in the tub to successfully set our makeshift picnic table.

Sometimes I think breaking away from the mundane in life helps us to appreciate it more; the food we are given, relationships we are blessed with, and even our surroundings become things of gratitude.

So grab your cutest quilt, pack something delicious, and load up the bocce ball set and join me on the lawn!

Picnic spread:Caponata sandies with fresh mozzarella (recipe courtesy of Giada)

Fresh fruit & cheesesFruit water

Talenti Black raspberry and chocolate chip gelato

Elizabeth DiefenderferOwner/baker Cuppies & Joe

Feature

Concept and Styling: Elite Events by Kelsey, Juniper Designs, Bethany Young Photography, Touies Designs

Venue: The Rooftop at Plenty MercantileModels: Jessica Bohne; Chloe and Elizabeth of Brink Models

Wedding Gown: Meg Guess CoutureWedding Party Dress: JJ Kelly

Bridesmaids Dresses: Prim: the Bridesmaids BoutiqueFurniture, China and Draping Rentals: JAM Events and Production

Cakes: Cuppies and JoeStationary: Touies DesignFlowers: Juniper Designs

Wedding Planner: Elite Events by KelseyPhotography: Bethany Young Photography

Production Assistants: Peyton Doss, Kayla QuisenberryHair: Jessica Cline

Make Up: Dakota Gwaltney at The MakeUp Bar

Love is the reason for the wedding season! Our creative team of

Elite Events by Kelsey, Juniper Designs, Bethany Young Photography and Touies Design

has created a colorful rooftop concept for your summer inspiration.

FeatureGatherHost

To gather together, with hearts full, eyes wide, and minds open, is the heart of PLENTY Mercantile. The first conversations about the concept was never just a shop, it included a unique gathering space for private events and community gatherings of our own. The

building we call home (807 North Broadway Avenue) was first restored to open the shop, but with all the necessary accommodations for a future rooftop deck. When PLENTY

opened its doors in November of 2012, we shared our plan for the space with our guests and our guests shared our excitement.

The collaborative enthusiasm for a new event space in the area and the surprise requests to book the space urged us to move forward much sooner than anticipated. In May of 2013, design and construction of the rooftop deck commenced. Guests access the deck through what was an existing skylight in the warehouse. Just as the shop, PLENTY principles ap-

plied to the design of this space; as many salvaged or recycled materials were used as pos-sible and construction waste was minimized through scrap salvaging and recycling. The

bar is framed in salvaged barn wood and tin with a vintage metal sink and a Caesar stone and recycled glass bar top. Authentic green station lights line the north brick wall, each

equipped with 20-year light bulbs.

An urban garden occupies the east half of the rooftop. Raised box gardens were chosen to avoid direct heat radiation from the blacktop. This first season, we’ve planted regional

wildflowers, native grasses, heat tolerant, low water plants, and stevia, tomatoes, and many more. Behind the beds are two water-harvesting towers that will gather and funnel rain water to our gardens and landscaping. A chicken coop is assembled and anticipating the

clearance for chickens in the metro area! Also, behind the bar area on the deck is a 20-foot “cocktail garden” - also known as an herb garden. We pull from the bed when hosting our

own gatherings, adding garnishes to h’ordeuvres or cheering up water.

Organic Herb Box Gardening was the first workshop held on the new space. Attendees each received a PLENTY-made wooden box and worked alongside one of our founders (and avid gardener) to plant their own herbs, learning techniques and the reasoning be-hind them. Guests enjoyed refreshments and each other after the workshop. At the core, the simple aim of such gatherings is the assembly of like-minded people where ideas and sentiment free flow - to provide a platform for connections that extend beyond our own

space.

October’s Wine + Chocolate Pairing Workshop featured Katherine Clapner of Dude Sweet Chocolate and Scott Witherby with Premium Brands. This occasion brought together a

wide range guests - I wonder why?

Most recently, we teamed with Cally Johnson and Kerry Marshall of Green Goodies and Greg Walton of Terrace Brewery to create an Urban Picnic. Cally and Kerry prepared

dishes live whilst educating guests on the benefits and realities of responsible food production and preparation. Greg provided a range of home-brew beer from a vintage

kegerator, explaining the characteristics per brew.

The warehouse is also now available to rent, allowing for an indoor/outdoor event. To achieve a similar aesthetic for private bookings, certain complimentary styling pieces are included in the rental levy and additional pieces are available for rent. Each private gath-

ering has been exquisite in its own way. The space has celebrated a range of occasions: graduation, wedding proposals, corporate parties, engagement photo sessions, birthdays,

retirement, and all-in-one wedding and receptions.

Article by Brittney MeltonPlenty Mercantile Owner

BONUS: TIPS FOR ENTERTAINING ON THE FLY

Everyone’s been there - an impromptu gathering at your house, in one hour. Hosting is in my blood and if you’re like me, being unprepared is like poison to it. This situation may not con-cern you in the same way (I envy you); nonetheless, no one should ever fight tips on partying harder.

1 || Serving PiecesInvest in simple, fun, and functional serving pieces. A large white asymmetric bowl can sophisticate even Cheetos. A slate cheese board grants a killer backdrop to an array of small foods. Small pedestal dip bowls add just enough flair to the sour cream and onion dip pulled from the fridge and transplanted from its plastic container. Keep patterns simple, allowing the foods to pop and the lines of the dish to compliment, not complicate your overall look.

2 || EdiblesEveryone likes Cheetos; everyone also appreciates a tasteful spin on snacks. Crackers, inter-esting hard cheeses, smoked hard sausages, and fruit spreads can be effortlessly presented, while remaining a bit healthier and wholesome. Enter, the trusty cheeseboard. Lay out the blocks of cheese and sausages with small knives, unsleeve different crackers in rows, and throw a spoon in the jam spread container (assuming it’s in an adorable glass jar). If you hap-pen to have them, add grapes or sliced pears to the mix. Aim for “effortlessly chic” in the ar-rangement - don’t put too much thought into it and allow the yummies to hold the focus. As long as it’s functional for your guests and the foods aren’t expired (it happens) - you’re golden, host.

3 || Accouterments“Man, she thought of it all” - you know it when you see it. The key is to keep those little extras small, functional, and handy. If you come across paper napkins you love, get them to keep on hand for this very occasion. To help guests remember which drink was theirs, toss recycled paper straws with different patterns in a jar for guests to choose their own. Of course, water is always at the ready; toss mint or lemons into a pitcher of water for an extra kick, both pleas-ing to the eye and the taste buds.

The secret ingredient to a happy crowd is a calm host. If something goes unplanned - it is what it is. Keep guests comfortable by keeping your cool and doing your best to find a solu-tion. Hosts can often get in the zone of picking up or restocking the snacks. Be sure to keep your head up when hosting, aim to mingle while managing the atmosphere.

As a warning, once you own these tricks, you could very well become the “Hostess with the Mostest” and friends will start expecting gathering greatness from you. But hey, if not to en-courage you to be your best, what are friends for?

More excitement and details on the Rooftop at PLENTY? Please, give us a call at 405.888.7470 or write to gather@plentymercantile.com - we’d love to share it with you.

TW || @plentyokcIG || @plentymercantileSITE || plentymercantile.com

Improve Your Influences, Enjoy Your Destiny

INFLUENCES → THOUGHTS → ACTIONS → HABITS → CHARACTER → DESTINY

Influences are everything. Your influences lead to your ideal life. Well, only if you have the right influences. If you have the wrong, well, it’s not a pretty life picture. As you can see, your influences are the inputs that lead to the output of your life. What you put in is critical to what you get out. Bad influences lead to bad thoughts, bad thoughts to bad actions, and so on. This begins the process of how your life story reads.

Without proper management of your influences, you will NOT be able to reach your goal life. However, with proper influences you can experience a truly joyous journey arriving at the life you desire. So what are our influ-ences? Anything that we take in with our eyes or ears. Specifically, who we are around, what we read, and who and what we listen to. The great news is YOU ARE IN CONTROL of what influences you allow in.

Reading this is a tremendously positive influence. Thinking about what you read here, take the actions to fill out and put up, combined with the habit of reading daily, will begin to transform your character and lead you to the destiny you deserve!

However, not all influences are positive. People, specifically friends, can be some of the biggest challenges while trying to get the life you want. Your change threatens them and they react negatively, making you un-comfortable about going forward.

Understand what you can do along the long climb to make it fun and beneficial for you and some friends. Sure, you can succeed alone, but your chances for success, not to mention your happiness, are much higher if you have accountability. People are naturally social and do what they en-joy. By making fun and social, you turn one of your biggest threats into strength.

Lifestyle

GET A CLIMBING GROUP Who will make the climb with you? Who can hold you accountable while motivating, inspiring, and bringing joy to you? Be careful in choosing. Stay away from “weeds” or negative influences that will hold you back.

Alleviate people’s fear of being alone by getting people who want to grow personally and with you towards the same destination. The natural want to be social tends to make us fall off our path or digress because those we associate with aren’t going down the same road. All of us have our own journeys, even when surrounded by others, but when you have someone on the same track but different train it makes life that much better as you can travel along the road to a better you with someone you love. You’ll not only be closer to who you are supposed to be, but help them do the same, and strengthen and deepen your friendship along the journey.

SURROUND WITH SUCCESS Surround yourself with positive, driven, high quality people who will help you make your climb enjoyable and a success. Make a list of people who you think would be a good fit. Explain to them what you’re doing and ask for their support and encouragement.

BE AWARE OF WEEDS Take notice of those trying to hold back your growth. Some may be more subtle then others. Pull all kinds out of your garden.

PAY IT FORWARD Be a positive, driven, high quality influence to others. Help, motivate, and inspire them towards the life of their dreams.

DAILY DREAM DISCIPLINE Read, speak, visualize, feel yourself living your dreams daily. More positive emotion and physiology involved, the sooner your body and life will out-put the awesomeness you desire.

Written by Jeff RaganKize Concepts Inc.

Fashion

Sweet Summer

Photography: Melissa CosperStyling: Lacey RosenwaldHair & Makeup: Malorie Avaline, Blo.Clothing: 200 Park for Her, Liberte, Lacey RosenwaldModel: Noel Delano, Brink Models

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