BFF Jack!

Not what you are thinking...I am actually referring to Budget Friendly Fashionable Jack!

If you haven't already been introduced to the fun, fashion line of Jack by BB Dakota, then let me be your guide! This line by BB Dakota was introduced in 2008 in response to the demand for a contemporary and aspirational product at a great price point. Really, what's not to LOVE about that?! This line is very chic yet wearable for women of any age. Lately, almost every time I pull something great off a rack at a local boutique, it ends up being Jack!

Right now, I am obsessed with this grey "leather" bomber jacket that I was basically salivating for when I saw it on a rack during a Runway show - in fact almost everyone who saw it was trying it on and fawning over it!! Here's the best part - it is only $50!!

And who could resist this adorable party dress - perfect for any fall wedding or a cocktail party. You could rock this little tulle number for only $60!!

For those shoppers out there who can afford the high life (can you say jealous?!)...check out Jack's older sister line BB Dakota, which is equally adorable, with a higher price tag. According to the company website, Our look is citified prep, Americana with a quirky, feminine twist. The BB Dakota girl is glamorous, sophisticated, intelligent, at times demure, at times sexy, always feminine and always confident.

Apparently, I am addicted to jackets, as this little gem caught my eye right away. This Military-Inspired coat has an old-world charm and is listed at $110.

And as long as we have a theme here...if I had $237 to spend on anything - it might just be this beautifully draped leather jacket. So pretty over a cocktail dress, or for me, paired with a V-Neck Tee & Jeans!!

Check out the BB Dakota website for more fun! Both lines can be found at most major department stores and many boutiques around the Twin Cities.

Happy Shopping =)

Junk Bonanza...

...SO worth it! I had never been, but am already counting the days until next year's show!!


Yes, you may be thinking...a fashionista loving JUNK??!! But yes..this junk is "high-quality" (just like "premium" denim,right?), and perhaps more on the antique and hand-made scale, which is hard not to love! Who doesn't love purchasing a handmade necklace that you know no one else will ever have but you?!! That couldn't get any better!

And WOW...what an amazing selection of FABULOUS things.... from jewelry, to furniture, to hand-painted Halloween pieces, to vintage suitcases, and purses made from books...there is definitely something for everyone here!!




Tamara, of Sheer Addiction, was there--with a fabulous booth, of course, showcasing all of her wonderful jewelry!! SO in LOVE(still)!




There were ties made into belts (done that myself and love), woolly knit hats, make your own jewelry booths, typewriter key jewelry(seen in several booths), golf club coat hooks, metal pumpkins and critters for your lawn or garden...the list goes on!


I came home with this AMAZING vintage vanity (from The Vintage Pixie)....I have been searching for one for a long time, and this one was beautiful, at at an irresistible price!! I'm SO excited to put my own things on it and use it! Now to just find the perfect bench to accompany it...



The JUNK BONANZA has it's own blog, with more pictures and fun posts from other visitors--check it out here! As I just can't seem to say enough great things nor list all that there was to see....and you MUST put it on your calendar for next year!!

The dates for NEXT YEAR are: SEPTEMBER 15-17, 2011 (and I'm assuming it will be at Canterbury Park again)...I will keep you posted next fall when the dates roll around again!! I will be there!


Meanwhile, check out the Junk Bonanza website for more goods....you can even find links to those who had booths. They often sell their goods online and/or on Etsy!! Happy Junking!

...and HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL!!!

Fall Fashion: Scarves

The SCARF.... A fabulous, versatile, and even practical accessory we see more and more of as the weather turns cooler. Who doesn't love the warmth you instantly feel after wrapping often yards of fabric, or better yet, soft, hand-knit wool, around your neck...it's amazing.

What is also so great about this accessory is the multiple ways of styling and the various colors, fabrics, textures, and styles or types scarves can be found in. There are scarves for any weather and every outfit...quickly adding interest and color to an otherwise basic outfit.
Whether it's a $5 "pashmina" you purchased from a street vendor in NYC or a $450 traditional Burberry plaid....scarves are an effortless accessory to add to any ensemble. Priced from under $10 to over $100, there are so many options out there....

scarves by fireyfashionista

Bop Basics Thick Knit Eternity Scarf, $68
Lucky Brand - Block Print Eternity (Raspberry Pink) - Accessories, $58
Lucky Brand Softest Eternity Scarf, $55
Ad Infinitum Scarf, $48
Muddled Dream Scarf, $48
Catch-And-Release Scarf, $32
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - 1078966704, $8.80
Pins and Needles Floral Bouquet Scarf, $24
Solid Pashmina, $18
Border Tassel Scarf, 16 GBP
Forever21.com - Accessories - Scarves & Gloves - 1080060893, $8.80
Dappled Islet Scarf - Anthropologie.com, $138
Gap Multi stripe scarf, $15
Shop Hallelu

Once you've purchased a scarf, or two, there are several ways to wear, or style a scarf.
There are so many ways, from simple to complex, that there is even a Scarf Tying Guide online! Click here to check out the step-by-step instructions, with pictures!

Two favorite ways to wear your scarf:

• the "New York Knot"--where you fold the scarf in half, wrap it around your neck, then pull the ends through the loop (pictured)
  
• just wrap the scarf around your neck twice and leave the ends hanging on each side.

Here is one fantastic, "new" way to style your silk scarf, from the blog, Everything Fabulous--this scarf is styled more as a necklace, than a true scarf....but I love the change--so unexpected!!

Another newer "type" of scarf is the infinity scarf, which is just one continuous loop of fabric. These can be looped around your neck multiple times to hug close or loosely looped around as a longer accessory. I have yet to own or wear an infinity scarf yet, but as I searched for affordable scarves, they were popping up everywhere (above in the "scarf collage"-click on the names or the collage to bring you to a page to find out WHERE to get these scarves....all of them are available now!) ...an infinity scarf just might be the next accessory I add to my wardrobe!


They look so amazing, cozy and warm....perfect for the first weeks of fall....which is next Tuesday already! I am SO ready for scarves, tights, and tall boots....amidst the crunching of leaves, bonfires, and cranberry tea simmering on the stove......I LOVE fall!

And remember it is still BOUTIQUE WEEK....check out MSP-StPaul magazine's webpage for details....maybe you can find a great deal on a new scarf for your fall wardrobe!!

Boutique Critique: La Rue Marche

With the start of boutique week, and the 30% off all shoes & clothing, I decided to FINALLY make a trip to Hudson and check out La Rue Marche....it was SO worth the short drive over the river!

What an AMAZING store....i was IN LOVE with the decor--completely vintage with every inch covered with something....from plenty of old high back chairs for the guys to sit and wait in (mine was playing his nintendo on his phone)....to the many beautiful vintage dresses--not for sale, but for eyes to lust after....which fits, as the store's tagline or moto is: A store that speaks of lust, life, and shopping.


This couldn't be more true...it was a store that you could spend hours in, and I almost did....trying on everything from their premium denim, mostly Miss Me and 1921, to their FABULOUS shoes...totally in LOVE with the collection they carry!! From my favorite Seychelles to the fabulous, vintage style of Poetic License. (I left with this fabulous pair!)

As it is boutique week, they are also doing a drawing for a FREE pair of Poetic License shoes! They will draw the winner on Friday, September 17th, and that lucky lady gets to CHOOSE the pair she would like to own! FANTASTIC....here's hoping!


Along with the fabulous shoes, denim, and clothing by BB Dakota, Jack, hype, and so many more... the beautiful, and personally coveted, jewelry by Tamara of Sheer Addiction is carried here! Her studio is just above the store, and over the weekend--with the kick-off of boutique week, she was down in the store working and selling along with the ladies of La Rue Marche. I was so excited to meet her, and she truly is amazing (just like her jewelry)! It was great to chat with her about her jewelry and see many of her pieces in person....and of course, I couldn't leave without one... it was so difficult to choose, but I am loving my choice (pictured here).


If you are looking for fabulous shoes for that fall wedding, a unique necklace to add to your fall wardrobe, a new pair of jeans, or a great fall coat this is the store for you! The drive to Hudson is no more than 45 minutes from the Twin Cities, and you won't be disappointed! I guarantee you will leave with something you are dying to wear!! I know I did!

Today is the final day of the 30% off, but the Poetic License shoe drawing goes all week, and they are always getting in new merchandise. Check it out, and I'm sure you will become a regular visitor... I know I will definitely be going back!!
La Rue Marche, 513 Second Street, Hudson, WI 54016 hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Friday 10-8, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5
You can also check them out online here! (although they don't have nearly the inventory online as they carry in the store!!)

Celebrating our Animalistic Nature

Who doesn't love animals?? Whether people own pets, volunteer at animal shelters, or donate to wild life foundations, they usually don't show it by wearing the cute, furry creatures on their clothing. Although, I might be in the minority, I am not a fan of Animal Print in clothing ~ I think that there are much better ways to showcase your "wild side."

When you think of say, a "crazy cat lady" what might come to mind is an applique sweatshirt with some phrase like "cats leave paw-prints across our hearts" on it, right? Well, believe it or not, there are incredibly chic ways to incorporate your love for animals in your wardrobe!

The KEY is to keep it SIMPLE.

Add ONE Animal item to your outfit - try to stay on the neutral

side with your clothes to really let the item really stand out. Just add a necklace, clutch or earrings that feature your favorite animal.

The bag on the right is from anthropologie and retails for $88. The giraffe-printed silk makes the bag so ladylike and the giraffe cutouts on the leather are so adorable, you can't help but smile when looking at them!

The owl necklace on the left is a fun way to show your animal love, just pair with a V-Neck Pocket Tee & Jeans, and you are good to go! They are such a steal at only $17 on Etsy ~ an AMAZING website full of homemade products.

Another animal accessory that is a personal favorite of mine is feathers. ~ They are delicate & feminine, but with rich bold colors, as shown in these peacock earrings, can take ANY outfit to Another Level! You won't believe the price for this pair, only $3.80 at Forever 21.

Here are a few more of my favorite animal items ~

Forever21.com - Tops - Casual - 2055986647, $14
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - 1081333349, $4.80
Siamese Cat Ring, $14
Forever21.com - Accessories - Hats & Hair - 1081129013, $1.50
Nesting Tote - Anthropologie.com, $168
City Safari Belt, $38


Whether it's just a simple accessory, like those above, animal print can add interest to your outfit. Just remember the rule: keep it SIMPLE. You never want to go overboard and end up wearing leopard print head to toe...we've all seen those horrible pictures in the magazines ~you don't want to be that person!! Start small, with just a simple necklace featuring one of your favorite animals, and then learn to go bolder by pairing hot leopard heels with your favorite little black dress. Whatever it may be, remember to stick with your BRAND, your style. Just because others are wearing it doesn't mean it will work for you!

Fall Fashion: Ode to Cardigans

Cardigans....often the first thought that comes to my mind is the blue (or red) zipper cardigan that Mr. Rogers would put on just before he changed his shoes, tossing each from one hand to the other, as he welcomed us to his neighborhood.


Because of this, I often categorize cardigans I see as "love it/have to have it" or a "Mr. Rogers' cardigan."

My love for these versatile sweaters has grown deep over the years, as has my collection; I can't seem to ever have too many of them! To me, it is no longer the strange (& perhaps unattractive) piece of clothing that you see draped over your Kindergarten teacher's shoulders or desk chair (the same one all year long), but now a consistent piece within my wardrobe! There are just too many out there, no matter what the season, not to love them!

cardigans by fireyfashionista


What more can a girl say about a versatile, functional, practical, and often stylish piece that belongs in every girl's wardrobe. It is one of those ESSENTIALS, and often necessary in multiples. As a couple basic neutral, solid colored cardis are necessary to be thrown on with just about anything, but also a couple fun, print, or even sequined versions to add that spunk to your typical jeans and t-shirt look can be a great addition to your closet. I'm loving this one, from J.Crew. It perhaps is nearing that Mr. Rogers look, but I love it. With the shawl collar and the marled cotton it is neutral enough, but yet still unique. A great piece for a fall shopping outing or Saturday lunch date. J.Crew is a great place to find solid, basics, as well as an occasional fun, sequined cardi that won't break the bank!



Anthropologie is another fantastic place to find unique and fabulous cardigans! Most of the cardigans here are in the $100-$200 price range, but are most often well worth the splurge. Check out these two looks from their fall catalog. I love the fun fur on the neutral colored cardi paired with the amazing plaid skirt (SO want to own). And the simple addition of a cardi with a dress is a perfect ensemble for a fall wedding!



The other fabulous part about cardigans is that they can be SO AFFORDABLE! You can easily find a fantastic cardi under $100, if not under $50! And stores always seem to have most styles in large quantities that many of the basics are often on sale at the end of the season or even at multiple times throughout each season. Urban Outfitters and Ann Taylor LOFT are two great places, both in stores and online, to find affordable cardis for fall.

LOFT cardigans by fireyfashionista

urban cardigans by fireyfashionista


Two final looks to leave you with...








I just couldn't not post them as they include a cardi and the next best thing to a fabulous cardi = a casual BLAZER paired with of course shorts for fall (with tights or boots). LOVE LOVE!