Another year older...

There are SO many places out there that give away "freebies" or discounts on your actual birthday or for your entire "birthday month"!  


Here are just a few of the Birthday Bonuses that I know of (most of which I try to cash in on each year--I mean, why not, right??!)

SHOPPING (clothing):  

Hot Mama -sign up (in store) to receive emails (along with earning points towards rewards) and receive an email good for $25 off a $100 or more purchase one time during the month of your birthday

BCBG -make sure your info is in their computer system & receive a postcard good for 20% off your purchases all month long, as many times as you want to shop!

Anthropologie -again, sign up & receive 15% off a purchase (online or in store) during the month of your birthday

Victoria's Secret -sign up for emails, receive $10 off one purchase anytime during your birthday month

GAP -if you have a GapCard (Gap Visa)-receive an email that gives you 25% off on your birthday or within 30 days of your birthday (one time use)

Old Navy -sign up for emails & receive "birthday treat"

Piperlime -sign up for emails & receive an email for $15 off a purchase of $60 or more

Ann Taylor & Ann Taylor LOFT -sign up for emails, receive email for $15 off one purchase during the month of your birthday

DSW -make sure you are a part of their rewards program, $10 coupon to use the month of your birthday

Often times, finding a company's Facebook page is a great way to learn about deals & coupons & even find out about new merchandise before it hits the stores!

COFFEE:

Caribou Coffee -sign up for emails & receive a free drink ON your birthday

Starbucks -get a "rewards card" & you'll receive a free drink or food ON your birthday




FOOD:

Noodles & Co. -sign up for the noodle emails (noodlegrams) & receive one free noodle bowl any day during the month of your birthday

Benihana -sign up & receive a free $30 gift certificate to use during the month of your birthday

*Many restaurants often offer a free dessert for birthdays-all you have to do is just ask!!!




TO DO:
Just about any VFW or location that offers BINGO will allow you to play FREE on your birthday! All you have to do is ask!  =)

$14 or $20 off BINGO at Mystic Lake Casino.

Brunswick Bowling = free game of bowling.



Here are two other blogs/sites with even longer lists of Birthday Freebies to check out: 
site 1, site 2!

....and here's the Star Tribune's list of Free Food on Your Birthday from 2009.

CHEERS to you whenever you turn another year older! 

....here's to hoping it's your best year yet!!!

Summer into Fall: Chambray

Chambray/Denim shirts have returned!  These "80s" style tops are back, but with a bit more "style/shape" & available in so many shades of denim making them more versatile and so easy to wear. I've heard that the denim shirt will be the "new cardi" for fall, which sounds great to me, as I own 3 that I love and I'm always glad to hear that what's in my closet is still "in style," right?!!

The denim shirt has complimented all the colored and printed denim we've seen this spring/summer....it's a perfect piece to add, giving a casual, yet stylish look.

I wouldn't suggest pairing the denim shirt with your regular denim jeans UNLESS you can pull it off as stylishly as this:

The two denims MUST be VERY different in wash colors....you wouldn't want to appear as if you are attempting the "Canadian tuxedo" look!!  I'd highly suggest keeping the bottom the dark wash, as that always gives a more slimming look, and then find a lighter, even distressed washed denim shirt....add heels + accessories & you're ready for a girls' night out or even a casual Friday at work!

It will definitely be a perfect piece to wear as the weather begins to turn cooler in the evenings & we head into Fall weather & fashion!  I do love the look of this "colorblocked" version from JBrand (pictured below), available at Nordstrom.

The Chambray shirt is a staple piece to add to your wardrobe, so if you haven't yet succumbed to purchasing one yet, I highly recommend it!

Here are a few places that have several options of 

chambray/denim shirts:

Madewell

JCrew

Urban Outfitters

Nordstrom

Anthropologie

Happy Shopping!

Dressing for the Holidays

With the holidays approaching you may be dreading the decision of what to wear to all those holiday events.

Do you go out and buy an outfit for each event, buy one new item to wear to all of the events, or can you put together something from the choices in your closet??
Depending on your budget, it is easier than you might think to put together an outfit worthy of any holiday event!


GLITZ & GLAMOUR

A great way to determine what to wear is to think “old Hollywood” when dressing for the holidays. Bring back old time glamour and elegance. Your dress should accentuate your figure & make you FEEL as good as you look! Bring out your fur, stoles, little short jackets, or your tuxedo blazer. A sequined bolero jacket or cardigan, a velvet blazer, or a satin skirt can be the perfect wardrobe essential for holiday dressing.

Just remember not to go overboard. You don't want to be dressed in sequins head to toe (just like you wouldn't do with animal print)!

A holiday party is also a time to get away from the typical cocktail dress and wear a pair of wool shorts or tuxedo trousers. Pair them with a sequined cardigan, a shimmery or tuxedo blazer, dark tights and your favorite pair of heels... Add your statement jewelry pieces and an evening clutch and you're ready to go! But if shorts or pants just isn't your style....finding that amazing dress isn't so hard either...

THE DRESS
If your budget has no limit....you can go out and buy any number of items--I wish this was my status--where should you go & what should you get? I LOVE this fun & fabulous icicle shift dress from J.Crew. It is so fun, and unique-you would definitely stand out from the crowd in this!! BUT....it comes at a high price! If you are one who looks fabulous in green, like us redheads, this AMAZING jewel toned jade dress (again, from J.Crew) is a bit more affordable and would assure that you stand out from the crowd.

If you can afford to buy a new dress, but have a limit to what you can spend, there are many options out there. Anthropologie's dance away dress is a new take on the little black dress that can be worn to any type of holiday party. Love the uniqueness of the skirt details--add any fun shoes & clutch and you're set! Anthropologie has several dresses ranging from $130-$400...click here to find the one that's perfect for you!

Can you get a dress for under $100? Of course! This lace scallop dress, from Ann Taylor LOFT, is fabulous. Lace is big this fall/winter, and the black lace is dressy and festive! Add some dark tights, or tall boots, some fun jewelry, and you're ready to walk out the door.
ModCloth is a great website with pages & pages of dresses at very affordable prices, such as the one shoulder mine all mine dress--love it! There are so many more, and with just as interesting "names"...check them out here!

THE ACCESSORIES
If you can't afford to purchase a new dress for the holidays, you can easily work with what's in your closet by adding the right accessories!

Adding some statement jewelry is a great way to add interest to your "go-to" little black dress (LBD). As always, J.Crew is a great place to find fabulous, sparkly, statement jewelry. I love the ribbon (and silk) wrapped crystal bangles, and at only $39.50, it's fairly affordable. The olive moss green would stand out when paired with your LBD. The silk-ribboned multi chain necklace would make a statement, and gives that layered look with only one piece. It's already on sale, and J.Crew is constantly putting out EXTRA 30% or 25% off of sale & free shipping, so buy now and save even more!! Ann Taylor LOFT is again another great place for statement-making jewelry!

Of course, our FAVORITES for AMAZING jewelry, realia by jen (etsy shop for realia) & Sheer Addiction are the perfect place to find that one piece that you can be guaranteed no one will be wearing! We LOVE that!!!

No matter what it is you choose to wear, as long as you FEEL BEAUTIFUL you will have an amazing time. Good luck finding that perfect new holiday dress or the right accessories....so that you SPARKLE & stand out wherever your holiday plans take you!

How many is too many?

4 sandals...2 tennis shoes....6 flats...18 heels/wedges....and 9 tall boots!


39 pairs of SHOES in all....Is that too many??
Can a girl really have too many shoes?

One comment I read by another blogger:
Life is too short, just buy the shoes!

I completely agree!! Shoes are the ONE item that never (or very rarely) changes for a woman. If you've been a size 7.5, you usually still are a size 7.5. No matter what may be changing with your body at any time, your feet stay relatively true to you, making them an easy accessory to purchase!

When it comes to shoes, we all often have our favorite brands, perhaps multiple favorite brands, as well as those "to die for"...."wish I could afford those" brands! When is it a good time to splurge on a pair of shoes and when is buying the less expensive better for your wardrobe AND your bank account??

I have several favorite brands of shoes ... it all depends on the style of shoe.

BOOTS

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Frye. These are one of those brands that are higher priced, BUT are SO worth every penny. These boots are of the highest quality and will never go out of style. AND they are made right here in the US.
From the Frye website: Founded in 1863 by John A. Frye, The Frye Company is the oldest continuously operated shoe company in the United States. ... The Frye brand remains true to its heritage and vintage American roots with finely crafted, fashionable boot, shoe, and handbag designs featuring rich leathers and quality hardware.

How cool is that?!! So why not splurge? I recommend watching for sales, as many large department stores carry Fryes. I have purchased both of my pairs at Nordstrom, during their Anniversary Sale, and saved at least $100 on each pair!! LOVE that!! I own both the Jane Stitch in redwood (pictured right) and the Jane Tall Cuff in taupe (over-the knee-pictured above left). As they are more of the cowboy boot style, they do take some "breaking in"...but then they are FABULOUS!! I can wear both of mine for hours without pain or blisters!!

I think with tall boots you just have to try and find the best fit and style for you, which isn't always the same for everyone. ALDO was great for awhile with their selection, but I was rather bored with their tall boots this fall. Seychelles is a FABULOUS line of oh SO comfortable shoes--and they have varied tall boot styles also. Miz Mooz is another great line for comfortable tall boots in fun and unique styles. Target had an amazing selection of boots this year--particularly the tan pair with the red zipper up the back for only $34.99. AMAZING!!
It can be a struggle to find that pair that you LOVE, but it's worth the wait. I have learned not to settle for a pair that I like...it's much more fun to have a pair you are in love with, as you will definitely wear them more and get your money's worth!

Heels

Stilettos....wedges...open-toed...platforms...Mary Janes....kitten...chunky... so many styles....so much to choose from!

I couldn't resist this fabulous drawing done by Andy Warhol....I would LOVE to have this hanging in my bedroom...or perhaps in a future walk in closet or dressing room!!
This can often be a "tricky" category, as how do you know when to splurge on a pair and when too much is too much!? You need to look at the practicality of the pair of heels, the season in which you would wear them, the comfort, and how much you love them. It is easy to fall in love with a fabulous pair of shoes, only to purchase them, on your credit card of course, and later realize that you have worn them just once since that day you were dying for them.

Every girl needs a basic black and a basic brown heel that can be paired with anything...whether it's the office or a night out with the girls. A black heel is a definite must. This is one shoe that will never go out of style and is worth spending a bit more on, as you want it to last and be comfortable! I love my Enzo Anglioni open-toed heels for spring/summer and into fall, and my Mary Jane style Steve Madden's for winter. There are SO many different basic black heels out there...just start looking and trying on.



*If you're not one that can do any length of time in heels, try a wedge shoe/boot or a wider heel, avoid the stiletto style. The wider the heel base, or a complete wedge heel, the more your weight is distributed over the shoe making it more comfortable.

Once you have the basics in your wardrobe, it's time for the fun, more daring styles and colors to be added. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new Seychelles, from Anthropologie (pictured left). They are a fabulous turquoise color and are SO comfortable. ALL Seychelles are incredibly comfortable....I own at least 3 pair, and would consider more (of course). They are also very affordable. I LOVE the Hawk (which I also own) and the Ring in the New Year....oh, and the Kiss at Midnight too (a great basic Mary Jane style)--SO fun!!!

Anthropologie consistently has unique and fun shoes--in all styles! Yet, the price tags are often what makes me ask-"do I really need these?" So I often add them to my "wish list" in hopes that they will still have my size when they do go on sale!!! I LOVE these Needlepoint Platforms (pictured right), but the price versus the practicality don't quite match up for me...yet!

Poetic License, Miz Mooz, Jeffrey Campbell, Fergie, and Boutique 9 are a few other fabulous lines with both fun and practical styles of shoes. There are just so many to list. DSW is a great place to find good deals on shoes--especially if you're lucky enough to find your size in the Clearance section!!

Just think of your shoes as an extra accessory--they can make a statement just like a fabulous necklace or amazing clutch. Pairing a fun color shoe, like red, with an all black outfit instantly makes your shoes the statement piece! Have fun searching for that perfect black boot, but don't be afraid to add a fun statement pair or two to your wardrobe! Stay true to your style and make your feet (and you) happy!!

Are you Afraid of the Big, Bad Blazer??

So, I have to admit, there was a time when I was a little intimidated by Blazers - thinking they were only to be worn with suits and seemed oh so stuffy! Alas, the fashion world has provided so many wonderful, wearable options that I am no longer afraid!! Plus, as the weather is turning colder, there is no better time to try them on for size.


As I see it, there are 3 Main Types* of Blazers:

1. Structured, Corporate Blazers



2. Drapey, Evening Blazers



3. Comfy, Casual Blazers

*Note: Even though a blazer could fall into the "Casual" category, I still think you could add a Pencil skirt & some heels and make it Corporate. This is true for all types of blazers ~ that's what makes them so great!!

Structured, Corporate Blazers

These blazers are often made up of suiting fabric, such as wool, tweed or houndstooth. You can buy them as a suit with matching pants, skirt, etc. OR they can also be great pieces to wear individually. You don't have to save them for just interviews!! The great thing about a structured blazer is that it will give you SHAPE.

Every woman wants that hour-glass figure, and blazers help to identify the waist and bring your eye in ~ which will in turn make you appear SLIMMER!! My Go-To store for suits in general is J.Crew - they have lots of options from heavy to lighter-weight wools, and even though the price is a little high, they will last forever.

This Super 120s Peplum Blazer (J.Crew) is great, because it shows that there are other styles besides the normal 2-3 button lapel blazer. It is made of a merino wool and is very lightweight. Even though it is a little bit flirty, it can still provide the professional look with matching pants & button up shirt. Although, I have to say, I LOVE the way it is styled here with a knit tee & slouchy, pleated pants ~ tres chic!

Drapey, Evening Blazers

These can be made up in quite a few different fabrics, most likely a heavy silk, satin or even lace as pictured here. These blazers can add that extra little sophistication to an evening out - whether over a cocktail dress, with a silk top & dress pants, or with a flirty skirt. These can also be used in the office or in addition to your casual look & will still be fantastic.

This Moonlight Blazer from Anthropologie can be yours for only $128 and is beautifully constructed with 3/4 sleeves and a slight gathering along the sleeves. I would recommend pairing this cute little blazer with a silk tank & satin pants ~ for a feminine version of the tuxedo. Be sure to add some jewels to bring a little sparkle to your night out!

Comfy, Casual Blazers

Often made up of sweaters, heavy knits, or other casual fabrics. These are best to be worn with denim and a casual top. I would recommend a V-Neck Pocket Tee, Skinny Jeans & Flat Boots - as that is normally my Go-To Outfit in life.

This Sweater Blazer by LOFT is TO DIE for - only $98 - the description on-line for this item was just too perfect to not include, so here it is: Part yacht club, part vintage varsity, this wool blazer is bound to make you feel like a scholar in style. As styled here, a silk top, jeans & minimal accessories helps to let the MA-JOR Blazer stand out.

Go out there and EXPERIMENT with Blazers ~ you won't regret it!!!

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!

Fall Fashion: what we're LOVING

CAMEL... a FABULOUS, yet often forgotten, neutral color that can be paired with just about anything!

I am loving the amount of camel (in various shades) that is popping up in the fall fashions....khaki and anything utilitarian/military inspired was big for summer and we can see that style continuing as we get closer to cooler weather.

Camel is a very versatile and neutral color for everyone's wardrobe...it can be paired with black, brown, navy, white, and prints. Whether it is a basic camel/khaki trench coat, like the amazing one below from Anthropologie, a simple camel wool skirt, or a fun yet functional camel handbag, anyone can work a lot or just a little camel into their attire. *The handbag pictured below is just now finally available online, and is made locally by NELLE, check out her other pieces in her new HAROLD line as well as her fabulous clutches and accessories here.

In J.Crew's fall fashion photo shoot we see a lot of the color camel, as well as fur and the typical fabulous jewelry J.Crew has been known for lately. This is all thanks to Jenna Lyons, the creative director--now recently named President of J.Crew. Her fresh ideas and love of high end fashion has definitely given a new sparkle to what used to be a store that we thought was rather drab, and somewhat "too old" for us in our 20's. I have definitely become more and more of a fan of their clothing and jewelry in the last few years!!

How to wear CAMEL?? there are SO many ways...

• wool camel skirt: white blouse, dark colored tights, dark brown heels, and lots of fabulous layered jewelry
• camel blazer/jacket: silk tank or simple v-neck pocket tee, your favorite DARK jeans, and a pair of heels (any color--they don't have to be camel!)
• traditional camel wool coat: the most neutral color fall & winter coat to wear over any color dress or skirt
  
• camel corduroys: instead of the traditional dress pants for work, change it up--pair a fun, print blouse with camel cords and either heels or flats and you're set
  
• camel accessories: instead of the same black belt and shoes, change it up--wear a camel belt and heels with your black dress or suit-it's a great contrasting color to add some interest to a simple outfit

How do you plan to work CAMEL into your fall wardrobe??
Let us know....or share your favorite fall color!

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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