Fall Fashion: Kjurek Couture

Saturday's Arctic Studios was alive with the Puerto Rican-based Bomba drums & dancing. The dancers moved their bodies to every beat of the drum, making it a very wild and rich dance. It was the perfect way to start the evening, as you could see the inspiration from Bomba throughout Kimberly Jurek's fall 2010 collection.

It was a BEAUTIFUL show!

The collection consisted of fun, bright prints, in dresses, skirts, tops, and jackets, as well as the debut of a new handbag line--a collaboration of two local talents: Kimberly Jurek & Amanda Christine.

The styling, by Andrea Oseland, was fantastic as well--as she assembled together each piece, often multiple times, showing the various ways to style Kimberly's designs.

We love the print of this skirt paired with the sheer knee high socks-a great look for fall!

Almost every model was wearing a beautiful scarf in teal & magenta prints, draped luxuriously with the clothes. The color palette consisted of strong jewel tones that were complimented by graphic, ethnic-inspired prints that left us feeling inspired and excited about fall fashion!

The handbags are a combination of leather and suede, with lots of fringe and fantastic hardware. A unique yet functional addition to anyone's wardrobe. (I would LOVE to own one myself!!) These will not be available in the typical boutiques where you would find the designs of both Kimberly & Amanda, but instead will be sold independently by the ladies themselves-most likely through a website at some point. (We will keep you updated as to when that happens!)

Her fall collection should be in boutiques next month. A few select pieces have already arrived at some locations. Check out Cliche, Drama, Parc Boutique, or Karma to start adding to your fall wardrobe!

For more details on Kim's collection & take on fashion, check out her interview with l'etoile magazine on the l'etoile magazine blog.

We love the ease of this flowing skirt

and great vest, not to mention the

handbag that we are obsessed with!!

Who could resist this amazing dress?? The fabric was draped amazingly - it has a casual, yet very elegant feel to it, which makes it perfect to wear everywhere!!

*All pictures in this post taken by Shawn Brown.

Local Jewelry Lines we LOVE:
Sheer Addiction
& Realia by Jen

SHEER ADDICTION
I just can't say enough great things about her jewelry....it's all unique, one-of-a kind pieces handmade by Tamara right here in the midwest: Hudson, Wisconsin.



She incorporates mixed metals, beads, pearls, and other unique elements such as pieces from old doors & mirrors, metals from across the globe (most often Paris), vintage ribbons, and more!

Check out her blog or her website to purchase a piece you will love and wear forever!!! You can also find Sheer Addiction on Facebook!

realia by Jen

Jen is another local girl, working out of New Prague, MN. She sells her goods in a few places around the Twin Cities, but has most of it on her website.

Realia byJen is also on Facebook.

Her website is fantastic! She has something for every style, perfect for your wedding or just to add to your collection. She is very willing to work with you to create exactly what you need or want.

She often uses beads from the Czech Republic in most of her jewelry, along with other found objects such as crystals from old chandeliers.


I LOVE LOVE this necklace I bought from her and have gotten many compliments on it!!

Kjurek Couture Fashion Show--Tonight!

We are headed to the kjurek couture 5 year/fall fashion show tonight!
Read a FABULOUS write up on Kimberly's success in the star tribune, and check back here next week for details from the show including pictures of her new fall collection!

FABULOUS new FIND:
a guide to local shops, restaurants, spas and more
all owned or run by Twin Cities WOMEN

CRAVE
The Urban Girl's Manifesto

I have LOVED reading through this since the minute I purchased it! It has a little bit of everything--all about places here in the Twin Cities. It describes and gives contact information, addresses, and websites of boutiques, services, cafes, and restaurants owned by women in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. It even contained two of my very favorite shops in St. Paul: Picky Girl & Karma. I've also read and learned about boutiques I had never heard of and even started a list of all the places I want to check out!
Here's a description, directly from the CRAVE website:

CRAVE Minneapolis is the most unique and stylish guidebook for Minneapolis living. It is a celebration of women entreprenesses that showcases some of the most creative, interesting, and gutsy proprietors throughout our city.

You need this book because:

• You love quality goods
• You expect exceptional service
• You want to be pampered
• You appreciate attention to detail
• You enjoy supporting local, female proprietors
• You have absolutely no time to waste
• You long to get out and explore the city

Let us introduce you to a fabulous new designer, to a miracle-worker masseuse, to a confectionery queen, to the amazing women around town who will help satisfy your next craving.

WHAT DO YOU CRAVE?

Check out CRAVE's website here, the specific Mpls/St. Paul site here, and the blog here.
You can purchase the Minneapolis/St. Paul book in any of the places listed in the book--check out the website for the list!
(It's only $19.95)


There are several other cities that have CRAVE books, so if you have girlfriends in other places-get them one!!

It would make a FABULOUS gift for anyone!

*It was hard to figure out how to purchase a book for another city to give as a gift, BUT I did! Go to the main CRAVE website and click on "CONTACT" at the top of the screen. This then gives you a page to fill out and a CRAVE location to choose. I explained that I was looking to purchase the Boston book, but couldn't find it online. I received an email within 2 days with a link to a site that sold the book, and even at a "special price!" It never hurts to ask, and I can't wait to send this to my sister in Boston!!

Oh V-Neck Pocket Tee, How do we Love Thee...

Let me count the ways...

• You are incredibly comfy


• You can be so wonderfully affordable


• You are so very versatile

As you can see, we are BIG fans of this exceptional little article of clothing! Not only are they the easiest thing to throw on with a pair of jeans - but they also do a body good!! V-Necks slim down your body's upper half, flatter your face shape & elongate your neck. The V draws the eye upwards to your face - instead of (in my case) to an unsightly middle area.

These amazing little shirts can be found anywhere - but we are partial to the Mossimo line at Target, not only are they inexpensive (did I mention $8??!!) but they use a nice cotton blend for a comfy feel.

Also, a V-Neck Pocket Tee & Jeans is very easy to transition from a day of shopping to a night out on the town! Just add a few sparkly accessories & some kickin' heels and you are good to go!

VNeck Pocket Tee by AlyStyle featuring Sam Edelman shoes

His v-neck t, $29
Tomasina Blazer - Anthropologie.com, $128
Joe's Jeans - Best Friend Kicker in Karrie (Karrie) - Apparel, $182
Sam Edelman York, $200
Blu Bijoux Hematite and Pearl Necklace - Max and Chloe, $60
Kora's Black Adjustable Crystal Studded Pyramid Ring, $37

day to night by fireyfashionista featuring Vigoss jeans

Women's - tees & tanks - V-Neck Pocket Tee - Madewell 1937, $20
Vigoss 'Astor Medium' Bootcut Jeans (Juniors), $38
STEVEN by Steve Madden Women's Partey Open-Toe Pump, $170
Mischa Barton Pyramid Clutch Bag, $59
J. Crew - Crystal Carlyle bracelet (dark charcoal), $98
J. Crew - Crystal Carlyle earrings (crystal), $65

Local Fashion Designer we LOVE:
kjurek couture

Kimberly Jurek is the woman behind this FABULOUS label! She is a fantastic person, and her clothes are beautiful.

From her website:
The result is a fashion forward clothing line that offers a sense of romanticism with a modern spark; creating pieces that are decidedly forward thinking and fresh and also reminiscent of the past. Voted top local designer in Mpls-St.Paul Magazine in 2007, Kimberly Jurek creates unique collections for her boutique clientele. Inspired by her travels and experience, Kimberly produces her clothing in Minneapolis with great attention to quality and originality. In addition, each piece is “locally and greenly” produced, and Kjurek Couture is dedicated to the support and promotion of free trade.

I couldn't say it better!

She works right here in Minneapolis and sells her clothes at several small boutiques around the Twin Cities, such as: Drama, Cliche, Karma, and Parc Boutique.




Boutiques in California, Michigan, South Carolina, Washington DC and Chicago also sell her designs.

I was fortunate enough to visit her in her studio/home, and I wanted to buy everything she had!


Her 5th anniversary/Fall Runway show is coming up this month, July 24th-don't miss it! You can purchase tickets at any of the following boutiques: Cliche, Drama, Karma, Parc Boutique, and Gallery 360. For more details, click on "upcoming events" on her website.

so...now what?

you've cleaned out your closet and it's in need of some work....where should you go & what should you do next?

what BASICS do you need?

• jeans
• favorite tees
• dress pants (if work required)
• basic skirts
• little black (or red?) dress

once you have the basics for a wardrobe, then you can fill in with the fun, unique items and the accessories!


Try not to get too caught up in the trends....make sure you have the basics first. And if you are into a new trend, make sure you know you will wear it at least 3 times before you buy!

Keep this idea from Estella Warren in mind: "It’s hard to go with a trend. As soon as it’s out, everyone picks it up. It’s important to stay true to yourself. Have fun with fashion instead of letting it dictate."

Nina Garcia's books are a great investment if you have no clue as to where to begin or what to shop for. They are just a guide and not a rule book or something you must follow exactly. Her NEW fourth book comes out August 2010: Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion. Consider them a fun tool to use as you start looking at what you have and what things you need to complete your wardrobe. Find Nina's books here!

Always remember, you need to find YOUR STYLE (or your "brand") and stick with it. Keep in mind the words of Coco Chanel, "A girl should be two things, classy and fabulous."


Once you have an idea of what basics you need....it's time to FIND THEM!

....for some of us, that can be the problem: WHERE to go?
Where you shop is usually determined by your budget....is it tight or do you have some freedom?

Tight Budget recommendations:

• Nordstrom Rack
• Ann Taylor LOFT (sale section)
• H&M
• Forever 21 & For Love 21 (great for accessories!)
• Target (great basics, like the pocket v-neck tee *personal favorite -we live in these!)
• consignment stores or discount stores such as Off 5th (Sax outlet), Opitz outlet, MODE, Marshalls, & TJ Maxx--these places require patience and a lot of digging, but you can often come out with some steals!
• Outlet Malls--North Branch or Albertville

**As it's the end of July, there are MANY sales going on, and extra sales on top of sales, as stores & boutiques are making room for their fall merchandise....it's a great time to shop!
This past weekend, both of us just bought fabulous boot cut jeans, in a nice medium-dark wash at Banana Republic for only $11.99!! They still had a good size selection at the Southdale store and some but not as many sizes at the MOA. They are perfect for Friday casual days at work or Saturday date night with a tank top & heels!!

Not-so-Tight Budget recommendations:

• Nordstrom (get a Visa card and earn points towards store gift certificates & shop the huge sales they have--the Half Yearly -usually May & Nov. and Anniversary -usually July)
• JCrew
• Anthropologie
• Banana Republic
• Hot Mama
  
• smaller unique boutiques: Picky Girl, Karma, Stephanie's, Cliche, & Parc Boutique
  

Our personal favorite is NORDSTROM...they have everything a girl needs!
This year's ANNIVERSARY SALE starts Friday, July 16th! (shop early before things sell out!!)
*I would recommend a bra fitting, up on the 3rd floor (@ MOA)....everything looks and feels better with a good bra underneath. And you don't have to buy it all there--find out your size and then head to Nordstrom Rack for some fabulous deals!
JCrew & Anthropologie are two close seconds--I usually watch them both for sales before I splurge...but sometimes a girl just can't resist!

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Need a FRESH START?

Time to clean out that closet…

get rid of the old and make room for the new!

First, think: “what is my brand" - how do I describe myself and how I dress?

• Elegant & Refined
• Trendy yet Timeless
• Classic & Conservative
• Hip & Eclectic

When you examine each piece in your closet, ask if it fits your brand. Also, ask yourself these important questions:

“Have I worn this in the last year?”
If the answer is NO—then it needs to go.

“Does it still have the tag on it for a reason?”
Is this something you bought just because it was on sale or such a great deal you couldn’t pass it up but yet still haven’t worn---if so, you won’t ever wear it, so take it out!

“Am I only holding onto this for sentimental reasons?”
Some clothes just have those ties to a certain event, or year, or person in your life, but that doesn’t mean you need to hold onto it—that’s what pictures and scrapbooks are for, not your closet!! Say good-bye!

Then take some time to review the discarded items - can you take any of it to a consignment store to be sold and loved by someone else?

There are 2 main types of consignment stores out there: one will give you money when your clothing sells, the other gives you money for your clothing up front. The advantage of the first type is that they usually price their items higher & you get a higher % per item. The advantage of the second type is of course - $$ in your pocket when you walk out the door, but usually a lower % per item.

Here are a few GREAT consignment stores in the Twin Cities area:

MONEY WHEN ITEM SELLS
Elite Repeat, St. Paul -- personal favorite!!
http://eliterepeatstpaul.com/
*accepts up-to-date clothing in good condition, not more than 3 years old

My Sister’s Closet, St. Paul
http://www.mysistersclosetmn.com/
*accepts both current & vintage clothing in good condition

Nu Look Consignment, Minneapolis
http://nulookconsignment.com/index.html
*FAMILY consignment store—takes women’s, men’s, children’s and maternity clothing in good condition

MONEY UP FRONT
Everyday People, Dinkytown, Uptown, & St. Paul
http://www.everydaypeopleclothing.com/
*accepts both current and vintage clothing in good condition

Buffalo Exchange, Minneapolis (Uptown)
http://www.buffaloexchange.com/
*prices are lower here, so you won’t get at much for your items, but any $$ is worth it sometimes

Of course, there are also Plato’s closets and Turn-Style stores in many locations around the Twin Cities—they also pay you on the spot, but again, prices on clothes are lower than at the more upscale stores like Elite Repeat & My Sister’s Closet, so your cash back will be less.

If you can't SELL all of your clothes...consider having a clothing swap/exchange with a few girlfriends. Make invitations, have appetizers and cocktails, and meet at someone's house with a lot of space. Create some "dressing rooms" for the ladies to try things on, and exchange what you don't wear anymore for something "new" from a friend!

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