30 Jeans

So.....how many pairs of jeans do you own?


That's the question that ultimately led to this "shopaholic challenge!"
...when I started to list them, and then tried to write them all down, and then eventually just went through my drawers and counted, I ended up with 30!!  Is 30 pairs of jeans "too many?"  
Is there such a thing as "too many jeans??"  
This quote by the infamous YSL, just sums it up for me completely:


I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes.   ~Yves Saint-Laurent


My only "defense" to this is: I don't have to "dress up" for work. I wear jeans every day, thus I have 30 pairs of jeans & only 3 pairs of "dress pants" -for those occasional events that jeans or a dress won't work for.  But....is 30 still just too many?  I did realize that 5 of those 30 I haven't worn in almost a year, and probably need to take at least 3 & consign them....which could mean that during this "challenge" I might actually be making some money??!!


I know that my body has changed, unfortunately, after passing the age 31 mark, thus my choice in style, fit, and brand of jeans has also changed. I have also worked at a retail store over this past year that specializes in fitting denim, so I have been exposed to more brands and styles than I had tried on in the past, and have found to love so many more than I could have imagined!  Even though you think you have "enough," the next style of AG or James or Joe's comes in and you fall "in love" again!  Am I crazy?


I have also fallen in love with the colored and print denim "trend" that we've seen more and more of over the past year....of those "30 Jeans," 8 of them fall into this category, including: mint, white, cobalt blue, polka dot, floral, and others. Here are links to a few of my current favs for spring/summer.  I do know I will be able to transition almost all of them (except for the white & mint) into fall....just by adding a chunky sweater and boots I can wear many of them year round!


My most recent addition: the floral denim from citizens of humanity....I LOVE them!! There aren't many available on piperlime or at nordstrom.com, but searching ebay can often result in finding a brand new pair for even less than retail price. The link I attached to the photo will bring you to piperlime's wide selection of floral denim (just click on the photo to get to the website)...which does include a NEW version of these same jeans, but with a light blue or a darker tan background = also fabulous!

I also am IN LOVE with MINT this season....I just cannot seem to get enough!  Perhaps it's because it's a shade of green, and we all know green looks fabulous on redheads, or maybe not, who knows??!! And even though I've never been much of a pastel color girl, mint just does it for me! 
I love my mint JCrew crops, especially the zipper detail-so 80s!

Have any of you succumbed to the print/colored denim "trend?"  If so....what are your favorites?


As I continue through this "shopaholic challenge," and examine my wardrobe, I will say that of those 25 pairs of jeans that I do have and wear, I LOVE just about every one of them. I have now established a denim wardrobe that is made up of pairs of jeans that fit me well-both my body and my personality, which is exciting and creates the basis to establishing the perfect "Mara Wardrobe"!!!


I will leave you with this fabulous quote I stumbled upon in my search for my denim quotes & photos. (Rita Kumar is an Indian designer I had never before heard of, but I love her take on denim!)


When women wear denim it (the derriere) must look elegant. It's the second thing every woman looks at in the mirror, but it's the first thing she cares about. She does that half twirl, her back arched and her head craned around. If the jeans are right, the experience is transforming, like putting on a magic cloak.

~ Ritu Kumar

Let it Go!

Speaking of Looking GOOD for LESS....Gap is partnering with Goodwill and offering 30% off your purchase in exchange for clothing donations to Goodwill....how much better can that get??



If you haven't yet, SPRING is the best time to CLEAN OUT that CLOSET!!! Sift through those items you "thought" you might wear again, but still haven't. Remember those jean capris or shorts that you bought because they were on sale and never wore.....take them to Gap and get something you WILL wear, for 30% off!!!

This promotion is running NOW through MAY 29th, and if you have a Gap, Old Navy, or Banana Republic card you get 35% off!! FABULOUS!!!

I am loving the white cropped kick flare jeans (pictured right), which are priced at $59.95, but with this promotion and using my Gap card, they'd only be $38.97!!! Paired with the draped sleeveless top or the flutter sleeve tee and a pair of wedges, they are perfect for that upcoming BBQ!! (The cropped boyfriend jeans in white are another great pair at only $69.95.)

There are also several fabulous dresses (& skirts), perhaps for your upcoming date nite or baby/wedding shower!! OR my favorite, which I happen to be wearing today...the slim crop pants (in black)....SO comfortable and chic & easy to dress up or down--LOVE that!!

Whatever you may "need" or have been lusting after... take a few minutes to clear space in that closet and bring those goods in for a fabulous discount on something new!!

Have fun Spring Cleaning & Looking GOOD for Less!!

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??

Spring Fashion: Save $$ at GAP

Unfortunately, today in MN it is not looking or feeling at all like Spring...a bit more like November (especially since I had to dig out my boots & hat that I had so neatly tucked away!) ...So perhaps it's a great day to head to the MALL, because inside, the stores and merchandise DO remind us that it IS SPRING!!!

With spring, comes fresh floral prints, ballet flats & sandals of all styles, capris, and shorts. With GAP's Spring Collection, you don't need to have their GAP card or a "friends & family" coupon to get 40% off one regular priced item from the new collection!

All you need to do is mention GLAMOUR40 at the checkout, and it's money saved!!

This "deal" is on NOW and runs until April 30th. So it's even running long enough that you can go back multiple times and SAVE!!! Click HERE to read the "fine print." *It only applies IN STORE (not online or at any outlets or Factory stores). I just went in and purchased the legging jeans in grey. I own them in both black and the dark denim wash and LOVE THEM!! They are originally $69.50, but with the 40% discount, they were only $41.70--that's a great deal for jeans that I know I will wear a ton!!!

I want to go back to check out their slim crop pants in black (pictured right), as they look fabulous, and give that more dressy feel....perfect for early spring if you can't wear jeans to the office! And at only $49.50 regular price, they are a STEAL with the 40% off making them only $29.70!!! OR maybe it's time to try out the 70s feel of things and purchase a pair of the wide leg jeans...I'm loving the all white pair, or maybe the pair we wrote about last month??!! Whatever it may be, and perhaps more than one item--as it doesn't limit you to how many visits you make, or whether you visit multiple stores.....enjoy the discount!! HAPPY SPRING!!!

Spring Cleaning!!!

Now that it's March, and hopefully SPRING is right around the corner, it's a great time to "clean out" and organize, anything and everything--especially your closet!

Perhaps you are one of those people, like me, who tends to "clean out" your closet several times a year, especially if you take your clothes to a consignment shop to make some extra cash! If you haven't done it, now is the time, and most places are eagerly accepting your spring/summer fashions. My favorite place is Elite Repeat in St. Paul, the owner is fabulous, and I have made so much money there over the years!!

So, you might be thinking: my closet IS organized, what really do I need to get rid of? Take a look at your accessories....how much jewelry do you own that you never see, because you never open that jewelry box??!! Some of us tend to wear the same pieces over and over again, and rarely change it up. Now is the time to reorganize, clean up, and clear out!! Whether you hope to make room for the new pieces you're lusting after or just simplify, now is as good a time as ever!!

Take a look through what you have and what you know you want to keep. Put those pieces in a safe place, for now. Then look at what you rarely wear, or haven't worn in the last year.
Why haven't you worn it? Will you ever wear it?
With jewelry, it's easier to have pieces with sentimental or family value, and often you do want to hold on to those, even if you don't wear them often. Take that fabulous brooch from your great-grandmother and pin it on your wool winter coat. This way, it's always there when you pull out your coat to go out = instant fashion, and you're sure to get endless compliments, I sure do when I wear mine!!!

Also, it's important to think about the investment you've made in your jewelry. Do you really need to keep the pair of earrings you got for $3.00 a few months ago and have only worn a handful of times? Now is the time to think about investing in pieces that will LAST and will never go out of style! If you have a younger niece or friend's daughter who would appreciate the jewelry, pass it on to her--a great way to know that your pieces will still get worn, but allows you to focus on the BEST PIECES in your collection!!!

Once you've determined what you're keeping and what you're not, what should you do with these pieces??!! Here are a few suggestions:

• Are they horribly outdated and/or in bad shape (but not broken)? If so...put them in a bag for Goodwill or another thrift store/donation/charity.
• If they are broken beyond repair, they need to be thrown out....OR can you salvage any PARTS of these to add to something you have or use to create something new?
• If they are still in great shape and are quality pieces that just "aren't you" or you don't wear anymore you have 2 choices: 1. host a "jewelry exchange party" OR 2. bring them to a consignment shop to re-sell and make some $$!! (Check out our first post for more info on consignment shops in the Twin Cities area!)
  

Hosting a jewelry exchange party can be a great excuse to get your girlfriends together for a fun evening. It doesn't take much to put one together, and you don't have to worry about "sizes" of all the girls invited, because jewelry comes in the universal "one size fits all"!!!

Put together a creative evite or send out an email to all your friends. The only requirement is that they show up with at least ONE piece of jewelry: in good condition and not outdated. They are allowed to leave with as many pieces as they want. The "left overs" can then be donated to a women's shelter or other charity. You just need a big enough space and some tables or areas to display the jewelry, a few options for drinks & snacks, and you've got yourself a fun party where everyone gets to leave with something!!

For those broken pieces of jewelry that you still love, but can't bear to throw away, take them apart and re-create something new! Whether it's adding another charm to an existing necklace, or creating a new piece, there are many ways to use jewelry besides just as an accessory: create a frame for a photo or a mirror that is covered in all the pieces of jewelry you still love, but don't wear or have parts that have broken beyond repair. Take apart earrings and make them charms on a bracelet or necklace. There are endless options, just be creative!!

Now, what to do with all the jewelry you have left, that you love and wear, or are going to try to wear more often??!! ORGANIZE IT!!!

There are SO many options these days for organizing and displaying your jewelry. Our post, back in August, showed you how to create a jewelry board or earring holder using basic and affordable materials from the craft store.....easy, simple, and a way to organize AND display your jewels! Here are a few images I've come across lately showing fabulous and unique ways to organize your jewelry:

• An old, vintage tennis racquet to hang earrings (and/or other jewels)--my sister did this and I LOVE it!
• An old, yet clean (& perhaps coated so that it won't rust onto your jewels?) garden rake hung on the back of a door for hanging your necklaces.
• A large frame, with branches attached across to hang necklaces and bracelets from.
• A box, with wooden spools and smaller boxes for all your jewels.

The options are endless...if you're not "crafty" you can find these things often made for you at craft/art fairs, vintage and antique stores, or events like the Junk Bonanza. Otherwise, all it takes is a little patience, a lot of creativity, and a few inexpensive materials, and you've created a functional way to store and display your beautiful & fabulous jewels! So get organizing!!!!