Target + Neiman Marcus

With each & every Target collaboration there has been hype & intrigue as to how it will go....we all saw the craziness that came with the Missoni collaboration (unfortunately), but it seems that Target has listened to consumers' demands. The newest collection, in conjunction with Neiman Marcus, didn't cause crazy lines at stores on launch day and there are still products available in stores and online -more than 2 weeks later. Is this because they produced more, limited the number of products each person could purchase, or could it be due to the higher price points?

If you missed the collection or passed over it due to the higher prices, you are in luck - everything in the collection is 50% off as of today (both in stores & online)! I just might have to go back & find a few more pieces to purchase.


For the most part, I personally wasn't totally in love with any of the items this time around, except for the Marc Jacobs "clutches" (pouches). The Altuzarra bar glasses are rather fun - especially for holiday cocktails/entertaining, as are the Jason Wu Christmas ornaments, but I wasn't ready to spend the money on either, but at 50% off, that might make me reconsider!

I'm always excited to see what Target does with each new collaboration....I love that they are making high-end fashion more affordable without completely sacrificing quality.  

Cheers to Target ....I can't wait to see what's next!

Altuzarra Double Old Fashioned Glasses

Jason Wu Ornaments

Marc Jacobs Pouch

Holiday Lists...

With the holidays come oh so many "lists"....

...from "to do" lists, "shopping" lists, "wish" lists, and perhaps "bucket" lists?!  I am a lover of lists.  I love the creating of the list almost as much as I love checking things off the list!

I thought I'd share some of my lists with you....and perhaps inspire you to create some of your own?!!

Thanksgiving & Black Friday

I have been travelling over Thanksgiving for the last 2 years, thus I'm a bit out of the loop with the whole Black Friday shopping....I'm honestly slightly disappointed in how many shops/stores are opening earlier and earlier ON Thanksgiving Day -WHAT??!!  Isn't this a time to be thankful for what you HAVE, not race around & fight crowds to buy even more?

So, first & foremost, 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

I am SO thankful for my wonderful husband and the greatest family & friends anyone could ask for!

This year I will be celebrating up North in Duluth and the only plan I have for Black Friday is hitting up the Smartwool sale for some fabulous wool socks & possibly a pair of slippers or if I'm lucky enough a warm sweater for my hubby.

I just can't imagine dealing with the crazy crowds just to "score some deals" -which are often not even all that great....  My suggestion is to check out what's happening ONLINE, as many sales are starting NOW, and then support your LOCAL boutiques on Small Business Saturday!

There are a TON of "sales" and deals happening, and I completely understand how great it is to SAVE $$ on anything....especially as we approach "the season of giving." Thus, here are a few of the sales that I might checkout at some point in the next few days:

One of my favorite local boutiques, Houndstooth, will be having a FABULOUS sale on Black Friday -one that you really don't want to miss....2 locations, one in Savage & one in Eden Prairie.

Nelle handbags has FREE shipping & 20% off her gorgeous handbags from November 22-26, use code: HOLIDAY

Hot Mama = 15% off EVERYTHING storewide NOW until November 25 (in stores & online)

Shopbop is offering up to 35% off with code: BIGEVENT12

25% off & free ship on everything at Madewell code: TREAT

Get 25% off your purchase at J. Crew with code: COLOR25

J.Crew Factory- 40% off of everything! Plus 15% off when you spend $100 or more!  

Club Monaco has an extra 30% off sale items

Up to 50% off at Nordstrom (Um, hello sale on Equipment blouses!)

Bloomingdales- Up to 50% off and $25 off every $200 you spend

30% off sale items at DVF with code: HOLIDAYSALE

Last Call by Neiman Marcus- extra 40% off everything including clearance!

Steve Madden- 25% off plus free shipping with code: GIVE25

Happy Shopping!  ....and of course, enjoy the time spent with family & friends! 

GIVE THANKS for all you have!

Style

Just thought I'd share some of my favorite quotes & items that I'm loving right now!

LOVE this:

J.Crew does it again...SO in love:

...loving this double initial necklace, AND it's shown in MY initials! Fabulous!

This neutral ombre mani is so fun:

LOVE both of these too:

For more Style Love check out "my STYLE" board HERE on Pinterest!

Fall Fashion: JEWELS

Not only will my daily go-to outfit consist of jeans & boots, it will most likely include several pieces from my favorite local jewelry designer, Jen Scheffler of realiabyjen.

Her work is AMAZING, and I just can't seem to stop adding her pieces to my collection! 

She just recently completed the creation of a GORGEOUS lookbook, in collaboration with many talented people, including myself, as the stylist.
Here are a few shots from the lookbook:

I can't seem to say enough great things about her work....she does everything from custom pieces for moms, brides & bridal parties to taking your vision & making it a reality: just tell her what you like & what you're looking for and she'll design & create it!

She of course has many collections...this lookbook presents her fall 2012 collection, but just click on any of the tabs at the top of her page to peruse what else she offers... from vintage refined to beautiful bling, you're bound to find a piece or two you have to have!

Here's my latest add:

...a FABULOUS statement piece- I can't wait to wear it!

She will also take pieces of your own jewelry collection that you aren't wearing and help you turn them into jewels that you love to wear. Whether it's a vintage family piece, or just items you are tired of as they are....you'd be amazed at what she can do with old clip on earrings and brooches! Send her an email with photos of what you have, what your ideas are, and a little about your sense of style....she'll work with you to create timeless, quality pieces you'll have & wear forever.

If you haven't yet....check out her fantastic website and start accessorizing your wardrobe for fall!

Quality

What does the word "quality" mean to you?

I have been re-examining my wardrobe (even more than usual) since my shopaholic challenge, and I have been really trying to make an effort to only add "quality" pieces that I LOVE to my closet.

I've been shopping all my life and still have nothing to wear.  ~Author Unknown

I don't want this above quote to be a description that fits me & my closet, I want to love every piece I own and have a hard time choosing what I want to wear every morning-not because I don't like any of it or I'm tired of it, but because I love it all, and can't pick just one outfit!!!

By no means does "quality" have to be a designer label or a piece of clothing that costs 100s of dollars, but yet it's that item that you know you won't get tired of, and will last. It may even be one of those pieces that your daughter covets and is so excited that you saved it, as it's now an excellent vintage piece! 

(I only WISH that had happened to me....Mom: you had great style, why oh why didn't you KEEP any of it?!?!)

Although the item doesn't have to be a high priced piece, it can be. This doesn't mean that your entire closet contains expensive name brand items, but you may have some, because as we know, typically the more you spend on something-the better the quality! (No, that's not always the case, but usually!)  Besides....

A bargain is something you can't use at a price you can't resist.  ~Franklin P. Jones

How many times have you purchased something just because it was on sale, only to find it in your closet 6 months later still with the tags on??!!  Hmmm.....guess you didn't really love that one, you just loved the price!

A bargain ain't a bargain unless it's something you need.  ~Sidney Carroll

I think one way to think about trying to buy quality pieces, is thinking of your wardrobe as an investment. You want things to last... you don't want to see the $$ end up in a bag to be donated!  Again, just as saving/investing your money, you don't put all you have into one place at one time, you add/save slowly. So think about your closet in the same way. Slowly begin to weed out the items you don't love and one by one add those quality pieces you will love forever.

One place to invest in is your denim. I am a true believer in the quality of "premium" denim. It really does last, and it FITS & WEARS so much better than the less expensive brands. Now I'm not saying Gap denim is horrible, but I do know that I can only wear my Gap skinnies once or twice before I get that "saggy butt" versus my James, AG, or 7 for All Mankind jeans!  I wear jeans every day, even in the summer, so this is an easy category for me to "invest" in. I don't have to wear "dress pants" to work, I can wear jeans every day, and I pretty much do!!  When investing in a good pair of jeans, make sure you TRY ON lots of different styles, sizes, and brands....you will most definitely be a different size in every brand and style.....and who cares about the size, you want the best pair that makes you look and feel great!

Another place to invest is your shoes. You not only want shoes that are comfortable, but also shoes/boots that will last!  I have become a lover of Frye, and I now own 3 pairs of Frye boots that I absolutely love!  (I definitely didn't buy all 3 at the same time, but rather one pair per year, slowly adding to my wardrobe.) Now these can definitely be harder on the wallet, BUT right now, during all the summer sales, is the best time to buy!  I believe I have purchased all 3 of my Frye boots on sale!  Check out the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, they always have Frye boots marked down!

Now, I'm not telling you to stop shopping at H&M or Kohls or even Target. I just want you to think about the pieces you are purchasing and truly love each item that you add to your closet. Especially with more "trendy" items, it's better to spend less as you play with the trend and determine if it works for you, then you can always find a similar, higher quality piece like it. 

If you need more pointers in investing in your wardrobe, check out some of our earliest posts: here or here, read the style guide books by Nina Garcia, or check out Tim Gunn's book: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style!  If nothing else, he can at least offer some advice in helping you "Make it Work!"

The best wardrobe is one where you have that perfect blend of the inexpensive pieces with the more expensive items.  Have fun, experiment with your style, and don't be afraid to "invest" in those "quality" pieces... You'll find yourself saving more money in the end than you might think!

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!

Success

.....the 30 day challenge has ended successfully!!


I completed 30 days of no shopping, and to be honest, it really wasn't all that bad!
I think that the fact that I did this during the months of June/July made a difference, as there is less product brought into stores during these mid-summer months, and I'm not as much a lover of summer fashion as I am so much more a fall fashion girl: loving denim, boots, and sweaters. So all those tank tops and denim shorts didn't tempt me as much as perhaps new dark denim & boots might do to me in September or October. 
Maybe I'll just have to give that a try?!!





So....what did I learn over these 30 days??
I definitely feel that I'm more satisfied with my wardrobe, jewelry included!  


I did a complete jewelry "clean-out" last week and feel so much better about the pieces I own. It was time to get rid of those cheaper, but fun, pieces that I just don't wear anymore.  Just like with my clothes, I really believe in having a jewelry collection that represents my style and is of high quality. Meaning, the rings and earrings that turn your fingers green and start to hurt your ears after an hour of wearing had to go!  ....and those pieces that were a random buy that I've only worn once or twice (the feather earrings), they are gone too!  But I'm left with all of my favorite pieces that I know I wear and will want to keep for years to come, as perhaps they will eventually become vintage pieces coveted by someone else!!


I did a quick clean-out of my closet and have an appointment at a consignment boutique in August, as the majority of my pieces are fall/winter styles. I did get rid of 6 pairs of jeans, 4 of which I'll be bringing to the consignment shop and 2 that I will donate!  So I'm down to about 24 pairs....but again, that includes crops and prints and colors--all which I wear year round, daily!


Do I currently have my eye on any pieces to purchase?  
Confession: yes!  
But, I am more patient with my shopping now, giving myself time to think about how I'd wear the new pieces and if I can't stop thinking about them after 3-5 days, then perhaps I'll consider a purchase.
I would love to add a new pair of black skinny jeans to my wardrobe, as I know next summer in Europe I will wear them often, as most Europeans don't wear our traditional denim as we do here in the US.  There is also a gorgeous emerald green sweater I have my eye on that would look amazing with the black denim and with the one new purchase I did make thus far,  rust/camel colored skinnies!  But again....I'll hold off for now, and see if anything else I love even more comes along!


I know I still have a few pieces in my wardrobe that I'm perhaps not completely in love with, but I'll continue to weed those out as the summer moves on into fall...I've got lots of time to truly get my wardrobe where I want it to be, there's no rush!!

The quickest way to know a woman 

is to go shopping with her.  

~Marcelene Cox

So again, this has been an exciting, challenging, yet successful 30 days, and I'm glad I did it! I now, more than ever, truly believe that investing in a few QUALITY pieces at a time is a much better way to add to my wardrobe than constantly adding several lower quality pieces that I become tired of after a couple wearings. This "challenge" has not only helped me get my spending under control, but has also gotten me on the road to truly loving my wardrobe-a wardrobe that represents me and who I am style-wise. 

Style Blogs

drawing by Brittany Fuson

One thing I've discovered that both helps & hinders the shopping is reading/following other style/fashion blogs.


I've found that reading what others are wearing and loving, and often pinning their styles on Pinterest, helps me keep "a record" of what I love about others' styles, as well as adding to that "virtual closet" of mine.....but it has also helped with finding those pieces that I love, and can't stop thinking about 3 days later, and then find myself adding to my "real" closet!!


What I love about many Style Bloggers is that they will tell you what EXACTLY they are wearing, most often with a link to where you can get it!  LOVE that!!!  I always hate seeing a pin or a blog post with a fabulous piece, but no clue as to what it is or where it's from--so frustrating!!


I've always somewhat wanted to create more of my own "style blog," but I never seem to have the time, or the right place/space to take those photos of my "outfit of the day." I know my husband would take some fabulous photos, as I've noticed that many bloggers' photographers are their significant others, but again, WHEN is there time?!  If I didn't have a full time job, and many other daily tasks to do, perhaps it could happen...


But for now, I'll continue to enjoy reading and perusing those style blogs of others, always inspired and excited to see what new pieces they are wearing and styling!


Here is a list of my Current Favs: (the "favorites" list on my browser is SO much longer, so this is just a brief list of those that I try to read most often!)


Atlantic-Pacific
Sincerely, Jules
This Time Tomorrow
CouldIHaveThat
Cheetah is the New Black
J's Everyday Fashion

Paris

Paris is always a good idea. 
~Audrey Hepburn


With Day 21 coming to a close, and one more week left in my "shopaholic challenge," I am excited in looking ahead to a year from now, and planning a trip to Europe, most specifically, Paris!!!
After taking 7 years of French, and never being able to actually use the language, I am finally heading to the one European city I have longed to visit.  


Nothing is yet set in stone, and more than likely we will visit a few other cities, possibly London, Venice, Florence, and Rome, but again, we haven't solidified our itinerary yet....

We are looking at spending perhaps a total of 14 days exploring a small section of Europe, with 4-5 of those days in the "city of love," PARIS!  I am more than excited, and find that this trip is yet another reason to keep my spending at bay.....not only to be able to afford this trip, but also just thinking of the SHOPPING in EUROPE!!!  HELLO??!!  What is not to LOVE about that idea??!!!!  ooh la la

I have no clue what to expect when it comes to Europe-from the people to the shopping. The only other places outside of the US I have traveled (besides Mexico & Canada) have been New Zealand, Australia, and Bali.....which I believe to be quite different from Europe?!
Have any of you been to Europe, or more specifically Paris?  What have been your favorite places to shop? Have you found things to be more expensive than here in the US?


I'd love to hear your suggestions for places to make sure we visit, whether it's to shop or just to sightsee!!  We have plenty of time, so I can do all the "research" necessary to feel somewhat prepared for this trip.....but any advice from you "fashionista" readers is always welcome!!!


I will keep you posted on our plans and what I learn as I research for this huge trip....I am more than excited & can't wait to share what we experience and perhaps even purchase while in Europe!  
Bonne nuit & Au revoir... for now!

Successful Junking

If you didn't make it to downtown Duluth this past weekend for the first annual Duluth Junk Hunt, you missed out!  It was a complete success!  The space was filled with junk of every kind....from larger pieces of furniture, home decor, fabulous planters (with flowers already planted for you) made from old mailboxes, to gorgeous jewelry, clothing and more!

All the vendors restocked after Friday, bringing in more fabulous antiques, furniture, and vintage items for day 2.

We can't wait for next year....and there's even talk about having TWO Junk Hunts....perhaps one in the Spring and then another in the Fall!  Keep watching the Duluth Junk Hunt's website and make sure you  "like" the Junk Hunt's facebook page to keep up on information and details for next year's hunt.....you won't want to miss it!

Junk Hunt

The first annual Duluth Junk Hunt 
will be held this Friday & Saturday from 9-5!  


I am SO excited for this event. It is planned & modeled after the Twin Cities' Junk Bonanza that happens every fall at Canterbury Park (which I LOVE).


There are over 10 vendors that will be selling all things vintage, antique, re-purposed, shabby-chic, retro, jewelry, and more!!! There will also be coffee, scones, ice cream, and other treats available to snack on while you peruse the "junk"!

I will be there selling realia by Jen, so stop by & see me....I'd be glad to help you find a new "bauble" to add to your jewelry wardrobe!!  She has such fabulous pieces, from her refined vintage collection to her current Spring gaijin collection, which is to die for (see a few photos below)!!

Come out & shop "vintage" this Friday & Saturday, 9-5, at the Encounter: 201 E. 1st Street, downtown Duluth. Check out the website for specific vendor lists or if you need more details!
It will be an event you don't want to miss!!!

Target's Designer Collaboration Collection Available Sunday!!!

As mentioned previously, Target's GO-International 5th Anniversary is here & to celebrate, they are bringing back 34 dresses from 17 of the past favorite designers. Here is a list of all the designers being featured in this limited edition dress collection:

• Luella Bartley
• Tara Jarmon
• Paul & Joe (by Sophie Albou)
• Behnaz Sarafpour
• Proenza Schouler (by Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez)
• Libertine (by Johnson Hartig)
• Alice Temperley
• Erin Fetherston
• Jovovich-Hawk (by Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk)
• Rogan (by Rogan Gregory)
• Richard Chai
• Jonathan Saunders
• Thakoon (by Thakoon Panichgul)
• Tracy Feith
• Rodarte (by Laura and Kate Mulleavy)
• Zac Posen
• Tucker (by Gaby Basora)

After much anticipation of which dresses would be featured, they have finally released the collection!! This will hit stores & online this Sunday, March 13th until April 10th --- so be sure to grab one before they are gone!! (Might I suggest checking your local Target on Saturday evening, as some stores have been known to put merchandise out "early"!!!)

Without further ado...here they are!! Enjoy!!

From Left to Right: Rodarte Slip Dress in Peach $44.99, Behnaz Sarafpour Silk Georgette Lace Dress in Ivory $44.99, Proenza Schouler Bustier Dress in Purple $44.99, Jovovich-Hawk Floral Dress in Multicolor $39.99

From Left to Right: Jonathan Saunders Colorblock Dress with Belt in Dot Print $34.99, Rogan Leopard-Print Shift Dress in Black/White $39.99, Rodarte Lace-Print Dress in Black/Tan $39.99, Erin Fetherston Layered Dress in Black $44.99

From Left to Right: TuckerRuffle-Back Dress in Navy $39.99, Tara Jarmon Colorblock Dress in Royal Blue $29.99, Erin Fetherston Chiffon Dress in Bunny Print $39.99, Thakoon Printed Tie-Waist Dress in Black/White $39.99

From Left to Right: Luella Bartley Gathered Dress in Green/Navy Tartan $44.99, Libertine Striped Tunic in Green/Blue $24.99, Zac Posen Dress in Polka-Dot Print $39.99, Proenza Schouler Palm-Print Gauze Dress in Purple/Pink $39.99

From Left to Right: Richard Chai Tuxedo Dress in Navy $44.99, Thakoon Colorblock Shift Dress in Green/Blue $39.99, Luella Bartley Strapless Empire Dress in Hot Pink $39.99, Tracy Feith Dress in Hibiscus Print $39.99

From Left to Right: Jovovich-Hawk Lurex Mini Dress in Blue/Gold $34.99, Alice Temperley Voile Ruffle-Front Dress in Black $34.99, Tucker Button-Front Dress in Floral Print $34.99, Tracy Feith Strappy Dress in White $39.99

From Left to Right: Paul & Joe Button-Front Dress in Black $24.99, Thakoon Gathered Dress in Cyber Floral $39.99, Richard Chai Sweetheart Dress in Black $39.99, Libertine Woven Dress with Lace Trim in Black $29.99

From Left to Right: Tucker Signature Dress in Floral Print $39.99, Zac Posen Wrap Dress in Pink $44.99, Jovovich-Hawk Chiffon Dot Print Dress in Black/Tan $39.99, Alice Temperley Swiss Dot Chiffon Dress in Black $39.99

From Left to Right: Alice Temperley Crepe Dress in Black $44.99, Libertine Crepe Dress in Black $44.99