Off the Grid: What to wear, part 2

photos by Ingrid Raphael

Last week in Off the Grid style tips, we focused on ways to reflect the flair of Todd Oldham's 1990s fashion designs in new items from our Boutique Style Sponsors. Today we'll cover more offbeat and one-of-a-kind Style Sponsor finds, from genuinely retro scores at a vintage emporium to style enhancers from a surprising source.

Smartypants Vintage

We really enjoyed working with Smartypants again for Off the Grid fashion inspiration—partly because the looks they styled feature pieces from the era of All of Everything, partly because the Short North boutique isn't shy about embracing Todd Oldham's approach to texture (lush) and pattern (lots of it). Above, Wex Education Programs Coordinator Maria Joranko models a combination of bright, abstract-print midi dress and sweater coat in a thick marled knit.

Jessica Burton, a GenWex committee member (and usually one of the best dressed at Wex exhibition preview nights), quadruples down on prints here with soft, season-appropriate layers mixing two kinds of plaid with two types of geo print. The light green coat would look great against the grassy green color scheme in the All of Everything galleries.

If you're more about mixing in some pattern than making a major statement with it, get a look at how these outfits use vibrant solid shades for impact instead. But take note of the leopard in Maria's plaid-and-leather look. Leopard print is everywhere in All of Everything so it definitely won't be out of place at OTG.

Big Lots

The Columbus-based discount retailer has an ever-changing selection of beauty products and accessories, so we stopped into their new Grandview location with OTG style in mind. We found nail colors in trending shimmer shades, eye shadows covering the spectrum from blue to nude, lip tints in berry and bubble gum colors, and an assortment of products to keep your hair in line. We also spotted a satiny pouch for touchup items, bling-y sunglasses for your big arrival, earring sets with sparkly and flowery options, and a duo of My Little Pony bracelets (for best friends who are all about fun accessories). Maybe our favorite score: a watch marked by a '90s mainstay, the Batman logo. 

Are you looking forward to being seen at Off the Grid? Make sure you tag your Instagram party pics with @wexarts and #WEXOTG.