Perfect Peacock

Peacock-inspiration seems to be increasingly more popular these days, and I myself can't get enough! From the fabulous jewel tones of the blue and green to the actual feathers there are numerous ways to incorporate PEACOCK into your wardrobe and/or your home decor.

From scarves, clutches, & other accessories to dresses, skirts & tops the peacock pattern can be applied to so many items....even rugs, wallpaper, and textiles for your home!


ACCESSORIES
One of the first places I fell in love with peacock feathers was on Etsy--of course! I LOVE the clutches by redrubyrose, and she makes several GORGEOUS peacock-inspired styles. These are just a few of her pieces....I plan to order one to use at my wedding, and perhaps choose several other prints/designs for my bridesmaids!!



I am also loving this locket & these earrings, from two more sellers on Etsy! You'd be surprised how many items pop up when you search for "peacock"--try it!!


Here are a few more of the MANY peacock-inspired accessories available:
click on the picture for more information & prices for each item!

*Remember: you DON'T want to wear ALL of these together....pick just one or maybe two pieces that work together with your outfit and you're set!


CLOTHING
Peacock print can be tricky to get "right" when it comes to clothing...you don't want to go over the top! For instance...this dress (pictured right) is a bit much, don't you think??!! WOW!

Here is a better choice for a dress....simple yet unique enough to make a statement...love everything about it, including the price and the name: "Ahead of the Flock Dress" available at ModCloth.com


And just a few more options to add to your closet...not all of them have to be bold & bright, peacock feathers can also add dimension in black & white and even grey tones!
...again, click on the picture to find out more about each item!

HOME
Peacock inspiration can not only be added to your wardrobe, but your style at home as well.
Here's a link to some photos of fabulous & gorgeous bedrooms designed with peacocks in mind.

A few other peacock-inspired home items:
...keeping in mind that it doesn't have to include the actual peacock feather print, it could just include the fabulous jewel color tones seen in those gorgeous feathers!


And just a few more...

What do you think of peacock-inspiration??? I am planning on using peacock feathers as a part of my vintage wedding theme...SO loving it & so excited!!

If you're loving it as much as we are, where will you add peacock feathers in your life.....accessories, clothing, your home, a party or wedding....or perhaps somewhere else??

Why we LOVE...

CARDIGANS!!!

In a fall post, an Ode to Cardigans, we talked about our love of cardigans, and the numerous styles and colors we admittedly own! Now that we are looking to warmer weather, that doesn't mean you have to put your cardis away for 6 months, or can't wear one until the season changes again.

Often SPRING is the time that you need something extra over that pocket tee or lace tank! Yet you don't want your bulky wool or knit cardigan that you wore with your leggings and boots last fall. You need a lighter-weight & versatile style that you can throw over anything!!

Here are a few of my favorites that I've seen so far this Spring:

I LOVE the Splendid cardi that is available @ Nordstrom. I own last year's style in black, with 3/4 sleeves that button, but am loving this long sleeve style just the same! It is such a comfortable cotton, doesn't wrinkle easy, and is great to bring anywhere. I've worn mine many times to travel, and it's been perfect: comfortable, stylish, and easy to pack in a small bag!! I just picked up this year's style in white, but I'm also loving this khaki color too! (pictured above)


Another great spring cardi is the Gap grandpa cardigan. (pictured left) It's available in several colors, is a light weight rayon/nylon mix, and of course, is machine washable--a must for spring/summer clothes! It's only $54.95 BUT with the GLAMOUR40 deal happening until the end of April, you could get this fabulous cardigan for only $32.97!! What a fantastic deal for a piece that you will wear constantly. It can be buttoned or left open, and it's longer, so you can wear it with a variety of shorts, capris, or even with a skirt or dress! Go get yourself one before the deal is over & the colors/sizes are gone!



One more FABULOUS spring cardi is the Ann Taylor LOFT open front cardigan. (pictured right) I am loving this "deep clay" color, but also liking the "wrought iron" -a more neutral choice. Again, this cardigan is light-weight and machine washable, but I love that it doesn't have buttons. It's meant to be worn open. The detailing along the seams is an added unique touch as well! Perfect for spring!! ...And at $49.50 you can't go wrong!!!


These three cardis are just a couple of the fabulous options out there...depending on your budget, you can find one that fits your needs. Here are just a few more possibilities, and all of them are under $125!

These are SO many options out there for spring/summer cardigans! Where will you find your "perfect cardigan"?? (...or for us, cardiganS!!! -as we both own many!!!) Enjoy the hunt!

Spring Fashion: that 70s look

SO...we blogged earlier, in late winter/early spring about the 70s inspiration we were seeing in the spring fashions....and we are LOVING it!!

wide leg jeans, lace details, wedge heels....love it all!

Just wanted to share some recent finds that we are adding to our own closets!!!!

I LOVE these trouser jeans from Joe's Jeans....got them at Anthropologie for only $141, which seems expensive, especially compared to the $69.50 Gap jeans we blogged about earlier, BUT they are SO worth it! The denim is so light-weight and the lighter wash is totally 70s and so perfect for spring! I can't wait to wear them!

I paired them with a fun flow-y blouse with lace details from Free People, a fabulous floral cuff from realia, vintage tassel earrings, and some wedges! love it all!

Free people top, $128
Joe's cotton pants, $141
Frye wedge heels, $198
Seychelles wedge heels, $98
Gorjana vintage earring, $55
Urban Renewal Vintage gold drop earring, $9.98
New Arrivals - Shoes & Bags - Anthropologie.com, $78

What have you added to your closet that is 70s inspired??

Spring Fashion: Made in the USA

The phrase "made in the USA" is something we sure don't see much of anymore, especially with regards to clothes!

My father used to own a high-end men's clothing store, and part of what he advertised was that all of the things he sold were made right here in the US. In the MEN's clothing business, that is quite a bit easier to do, as you have some fabulous clothing lines such as: Hickey Freeman (suits), Robert Talbot (ties), Bill's Khakis (casual/sportswear), Hart Schaffner Marx (suits), Allen Edmonds (shoes), and many others. Many of these brands can be found at Twill, a FABULOUS men's clothing store here in Edina, MN at the Galleria. I met Scott Dayton, the owner, at a few of the buying trips I made with my dad & he's a great guy!!
Unfortunately, it's much harder to find merchandise that is completely made in the USA in the women's clothing business. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not boycotting any retailer or brand, it's just something that got me thinking...

I completely LOVE many of our local designers here in the Twin Cities, and support them through their fashion shows, trunk shows, here on the blog, and of course own many of their pieces. Some of my favorites include: KJurek, realia by Jen, Sheer Addiction, and of course all of the fabulous artists/designers on Etsy-many of whom are from the US.

I was just curious to see who/what else out there is still made right here in the good ol' US of A. It was a tough search, but I found a few labels that I own and wear that are still made here in the US.

Denim seemed to be the easiest category to still find labels that are made here. Some of these locals are: AG Jeans (love), True Religion, only some of Levi's jeans are still made here, and William Rast jeans are assembled in the US with Mexican fabric. Several shoes are also made here: New Balance-the ONLY athletic shoe made here (Maine & Massachusetts), Red Wing Shoes (of course, right here in MN), and Eastland (Maine).


While searching for information on the products I buy and wear, as well as my typical perusal through other fashion blogs, I came across a FABULOUS new brand...and it's MADE IN THE USA!! LOVE! EmersonMade is the name, and it consists of a husband & wife team working together (of course) ...she designs/styles/creates and he is her business partner/photographer/right hand man.



I am LOVING so many items on their website....I wish I could just order one of everything!! My absolute favorite are the EM LowRiders, in the sunwashed color---FABULOUS, and so fitting with the 70s vibe of Spring fashion!! I'm just always nervous about ordering jeans online from a designer/brand I've never tried on!
I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the Trench dress---SO versatile--easy to dress up or down! (pictured right)

There are so many great pieces....from denim, to dresses, to fantastic skirts. Not only is this a great place for apparel, EmersonMade also makes wonderful accessories--beautiful clutches, great belts, and fabulous flower pins --perfect for a fun new spring addition to that favorite jacket or sweater, or something for a bride, your bridesmaids, or a fun gift for your girls! SO many great items to choose from! I definitely recommend checking out their website and/or "liking" them on Facebook!! It will be worth your time--I promise!

PS--Check out their "photos" tab at the top of the website--SO much fun!!!


So now that I've thrown out the "Made in the USA" topic....how many of you will go home and check the tags of your favorite pieces....how many items of yours are made right here in the US??

Spring Fashion: DIY

Lately, I have seen TONS of FABULOUS DIY "fashion" products being made out there and wanted to share some of these ideas. Whether you are on a tight budget, or you didn't quite get as big of a tax refund as you had hoped to have for that spring shopping spree, making something new or improving an item you already own can be inexpensive and fun!

This is probably my favorite of what I have seen lately....making a sunglasses case into a mini clutch! LOVE IT!!! You often get a "free" one with the purchase of a pair of shades, and you may not need it or always use it. So it sits in a drawer or the bottom of a box taking up space.


This idea comes from another blog, HonestlyWTF ...check out the steps and finished product she made. A "minaudière" as she calls it is a small ornamental case for a woman's cosmetics, jewelry, or personal items that is often carried as a handbag. =Perfect for spring and your absolute essentials: money, ID, cell phone, and favorite lipstick or gloss! (see DVF's version, pictured above)

Her version of this mini clutch takes a few more tools such as a drill, drill bit, and a bolt cutter. It turned out fabulous (pictured left), but if you don't have the tools, or the patience for taking it quite this far, I can think of other items to add to a sunglasses case that could look just as great! Whether you choose to cover it completely in fabric, or lace, add some buttons or even better, a vintage brooch or pin, and then add a drawer pull or even ribbon as a handle.....no matter what you choose, it will be a functional & affordable new clutch just in time for spring! *I found black sunglasses cases at the Fossil outlet store for only $6.99...just in case you don't have any empty ones lying around!

Another fun accessory is this ruffle necklace (pictured right). Depending on your sewing skills (& a sewing machine is necessary), this may be a bit more challenging, but a fabulous final piece--for yourself or perhaps to give as a gift!! Check out the blog, Creature Comforts, for the step by step tutorial. You can make it personal by choosing your own ribbon and embellishments! So FUN!! A great way to spruce up your spring wardrobe! Also, check out Creature Comforts links to other fashion & style DIY projects!!


There are also SEVERAL ways to "WEAR" a man's necktie...instead of around your neck!! I LOVE both of these....the necklace (pictured below right) and the cuff. *I've seen different styles of the cuff bracelet. This one (pictured left) is 2 ties with snaps, I've also seen single ties with buttons. SO great!

I have several, as my father used to own a men's clothing store, and I have worn them often as a sash/belt and received tons of compliments! I also LOVE this clutch....I've considered trying to make one myself, but might just have to breakdown and purchase instead!!



And of course, if you haven't checked out the blog, New Dress a Day, do so now, as she is the QUEEN of DIY fashion!

This fashionista gave up "traditional clothes shopping" for a YEAR and took on the task of CREATING each new piece she wore. Here's more about her & her project from her blog: Instead, the only shopping that I’ll be able to do is that of pieces that have been used and worn already. So long to mall trips and hello to sifting through piles of vintage pieces at flea markets and at neighborhood garage sales. Each day for the entire year, I’m going to introduce a new piece into my existing wardrobe that I’ve found from these places. On top of this, I’m giving myself a budget of $1 a day. She finished with her 365 days of creating, and is not taking "donations" from her readers and continuing the work....you can send in a piece and she will make it into something more fashionable....so clever & impressive. Definitely worth checking out her blog....if nothing else, it's super fun to see the before & after pictures!!


Don't forget, if you don't have the creative inspiration or the time & energy to make your own, you can always support those that make their own products and sell them on one of our favorite websites, ETSY!!


Perhaps some of these projects will inspire you to try these ideas at home, or find another DIY project...if you do find yourself creating something new, PLEASE SHARE it with us....we'd love to hear what you are creating! ....and you just might surprise yourself!!

If nothing else, these websites & blogs are fun to peruse, read, and see the creativeness of others out there ....the transformations of objects that may not at first appear to be much, but have now become someone's treasure!

more LACE Love...

As we get more and more into Spring, and stores are putting out more and more of their spring merchandise, I am continuing to see LACE everywhere! ...and I'm still LOVING it!

Here are just a few of my avorite lace items I've found recently....this first set of items, ALL are under $100, and most under $50! *One of my favorites (though not "new" to me) are the Hanky Panky boy shorts....SO sexy yet SO comfortable--LOVE them!!
(click on the photo to see details & prices for each item)

Here are a few more of my current LACE FAVORITES:

JCREW: Lady Lace Popover, LOVE LOVE LOVE this.....wish it was a bit more affordable! ($198)


TARGET: nude lace tights, purchased & can't wait to wear them! ($10)


URBAN OUTFITTERS: Crochet Scarf...own & LOVE ($28)


and...I just had to add these, as they are FABULOUS, but SO expensive...darn JCrew!!!

JCREW: Lacet Ballet Flats --so unique, love love love! ($325)


What LACE items are you LOVING.....or have you already purchased for Spring??

Do your CLOTHES tell a STORY?

If the outfit you are wearing right now were to tell a story, what would it say?


I have often thought about this, as people have commented on different outfits and/or pieces of my wardrobe....what do I say each day with what I wear? Do I want to say something? Does it have to say something about how I feel or who I am as a person? Such an interesting idea to think about...

This is also one of the questions at the end of a fabulous book I just read, The Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean. My sister passed it on to me while on vacation, and I finished it in one day! It was a fun and interesting read--keeping my attention from the first page right up until the last. I definitely recommend it! Here's a short synopsis:

Dora has always taken the path of least resistance. She went to the college that offered her a scholarship, is majoring in "vagueness studies," and wears whatever shows the least dirt. She falls into a job at the college coffee shop, and a crush on her flirty boss, Gary. Just when she's about to test Gary's feelings, Mimi, the grandmother who raised her, suffers a stroke. Dora rushes back home to Forsyth, NC, and finds herself running her grandmother's vintage clothing store. The store has always been a fixture in Dora's life; though she grew up more of a jeans-and-sweatshirt kind of girl, before she even knew how to write, Mimi taught her that a vintage 1920s dress could lift a woman's spirit. Surrounded by regal gowns, sexy sheaths, and Jackie-esque suits from decades gone by, Dora makes a curious discovery: Mimi had been secretly writing down and giving away stories about the dresses in her shop.

Erin wrote this book after she had been writing stories about dresses within her blog, A Dress A Day.
In an interview she gave, she explains, The idea at the beginning was to come up with a coherent narrative that would link the Secret Lives of Dresses stories from the blog (which tell a story from the perspective of, what else, a dress). But as I worked on the narrative it went from being just an excuse to string a bunch of stories together to being a story in its own right. Voila: novel.

Her Secret Lives of Dresses stories within her blog are SO fun to read.....and SO clever!

This just completely got me excited about owning a clothing store/boutique again! LOVED IT!!! I would LOVE to own any kind of boutique....a vintage shop, a unique local women's boutique, or even a shoe store--but adding that twist, that every (or at least most) of the items in it came with it's own "story" is completely FABULOUS!

I also found a few other books, about dresses with stories, Dreaming of Dior and Dreaming of Chanel by Charlotte Smith. The blog, Dreaming of Dior, has more info about the history behind the writing of the book, but here's a little bit about the first one:

Dreaming of Dior, a new book published by Harper Collins, traces the fashion adventures of author Charlotte Smith who inherited the amazing Darnell Collection from her godmother, Doris Darnell. The 5000 pieces in the collection, dating from 1790 to 1995, have all had adventures of their own, some poignant, some inspiring, but all fascinating with each dress telling a story of its owner's life. The stunning illustrations of Grant Cowan brings the stories to life in a book that is both beautiful and informative.

There are so many books out there about fashion, just as we wrote about Nina Garcia's "what to wear" books in our so....now what? post. There is anything & everything out there about fashion & style....from style guides to picture books, and they are all fun to read, even if you have just a small interest in fashion.


They may even inspire you to write your own, or at least think about what you wear and what is says about you....
what story are you telling when you walk out the door?



Some dresses are worn by only one person,
and so that’s the kind of person they like.
-The Secret Lives of Dresses, Erin McKean