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!

Why we LOVE...

MINT & Lace

....how can you not love this look??!!  I have always been a lover of anything LACE....from lace tops, skirts, to details on chiffon blouses, I can't resist!


Perhaps it's my love of vintage that brings out the love of lace, but whatever it is, I'm a sucker for it!

Mint is a new love of mine, and it's become one of the hottest colors this spring/summer season!  Being a redhead with green eyes, all shades of green are typically colors I love and enjoy wearing, but I'd never been one to venture into the pastel range, until this season! I can't seem to get enough mint, and was told by a good friend that perhaps it's my new "power color" -you know, that color that you just look amazing wearing!!

I wish I had a few more pieces of mint in my wardrobe, but I just can't seem to find the next piece. I am in LOVE with the one mint blouse I picked up from shopsosie.com.(pictured below) It was such a great price, and even has a rather "vintage" vibe to it!

I've also found that I love adding in and using nude pieces to accent the lace, mint, and even denim this spring & summer. It's such a fabulous color, and I love it paired with mint! I think the blouse & cardi up above are fantastic with the nude + mint combo.

Here's to the last 2.5 days of my shopaholic challenge & to enjoying these light, fun summer colors...


Black is Back for Fall 2012....expect to see tons of black and rich, dark colors this fall season!

Summer Fashion: the Blouse

Fun, flirty, floral, lightweight, button sleeves, sheer....the list could go on to describe a basic wardrobe essential: the Blouse.  

The blouse has come a long way from how it was first informally worn back in the mid 1800s giving a more peasantry style, and then later on into the 1900s very practically with a skirt as women entered the workforce.

Not until the 1910s did the more elaborate, or "lingerie blouses" appear with intricate details such as lace, embroidery, or even bows. Since then, we have seen the blouse become a staple in most everyone's wardrobe, whether it be a "work appropriate" top or a fun and flirty date night favorite.

This spring/summer chiffon & silk blouses seem to have shown up everywhere....from the major department stores & retailers to the small boutiques. It seems to have become a summer staple, specifically these light weight chiffon and silk styles, as they are easy, cool pieces that can be layered for work or worn more casually for an evening out.

I have found the number of chiffon tops in my closet has increased a bit this season, as they are easy pieces for me to wear with those 25+ pairs of jeans that I own. They can easily be worn casually with sandals or flats or dressed up with heels. The price-point on most chiffon blouses makes them affordable, ranging from approximately $30-$65+ depending on the brand, style, and specific material. Obviously the 100% silk blouses will be at the much higher end of the price range, but are usually worth the investment.

Here are two of my many chiffon tops.....one I added to my closet this summer, from The Vintage Gypsy, & the other was a purchase from last summer, but I changed up the look & wore it backwards!

I've found that there can often be multiple ways to wear a top, and playing with those options can help make an "older" top that you may be somewhat tired of "new" again!

BTW-today is DAY 26!!  Only 4 more days to go, and I honestly haven't really been tempted to buy, nor do I even have anything on my "wishlist" that I am eager to buy on Day 31!  (well.....maybe one new Blouse??!!  hahaha) Impressed??!!

Here are a few more of my current favorites this season:

(click on the photo to find details about each blouse)

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

Hot, Sticky, Humid Weather....WHAT to Wear??

Lately in MN, we have had some extremely "tropical" weather....with heat indexes well over 100degrees! yikes!! It's not to bad as long as you have air conditioning in any/all places you have to be, say home and/or work. If not, I can't imagine how some people can focus on much, as I am one of the lucky ones with "AC"!!!

Even so, what do you WEAR when temps reach into the 90s and it's so humid that the windows are fogged when you wake up??

Jeans are definitely OUT....as I did attempt this while traveling and it was so horrible. Everything was just sticking to me. So my suggestion is to find the lightest most breathable fabric and style and go with it, even if you are at a baseball game!!

A MAXI DRESS is one of the most popular pieces for this type of weather. I have yet to find one that I love and fits me well enough to purchase, BUT I have seen SO MANY FABULOUS maxi dresses on tons of people these days....they are perfect for this hot & humid weather. Whether you style it casual with flat sandals, or dress it up with a pair of wedges, a fun clutch, and fabulous jewelry, a maxi dress is a great staple for your summer wardrobe. If you don't have one yet, I recommend getting one NOW, as there aren't many left in stores as fall styles are beginning to move in! You may get lucky and even score one on sale!! LOVE that!!!

If you don't want to do the long maxi, or can't because you are petite, there are just as many short summer dresses out there for you! And, just like the maxi, these can be casual or dressed up for a night out! One of my favorite "cheap" summer dresses is this simple kimono sleeve dress from Target. It's only $18 and it's comfortable and so versatile. You can use it as a swimsuit cover-up, wear it casual to run errands with flip flops or dress it up with a wide belt, wedges and fun jewelry!! It comes in a wide range of colors, as well as several fun prints.

Another option is a susana monaco dress. I had not heard of this designer until I began working at Hot Mama, but I have learned to love her! She makes fabulous & simple dresses (& of course other pieces) which are "wash & dry" and easy to travel with. I have fallen in love with her dresses, especially the pocket tube dress (pictured below left in black). Her pieces run a little more than the bargain Target dress, BUT I believe them to be worth it. I own the pocket dress in Navy and love it!! Again, if you want an investment piece, that won't go out of style and will last longer than your bargain dress, check out susana monaco's dresses. (She does have several maxi dresses as well!)

One final piece that can be worn when it's unbearably hot out is a jumpsuit or romper. Again, I have yet to find one that fits me well and I love, but I know there's one out there with my name on it!! Again, Target has a fabulous tube-top style jumpsuit, in several colors, and of course, at a great price ($19.99), but only available online--which of course, makes me crazy trying to decide what size to order! But, still, could be a cheap and wearable version of this fun style!


I really LOVE a halter style top, so I would love to find one reasonably priced in that style, and preferably in black (easier to "dress up"), but I keep stumbling upon great strapless/tube top style jumpsuits instead, such as the two pictured here (above left & below right). So...maybe that's the style I just need to purchase??!!




Hopefully the heat/humidity won't last too long, although I really don't want to complain, as I would take this over -40 below zero any day!! ....And living in MN, we all know those extremely cold days are always a part of our winters!!

So....enjoy the heat, and the chance to wear a piece that maybe you normally wouldn't!! It sure has made me re-think my summer wardrobe (mainly consisting of jeans rolled up with a v-neck tee or tank).....try something new & different, it's actually rather exciting!!

Shopping South of the Cities

Looking for a fun way to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon?? Well, get a group of your gals together & take a little road trip South!! Not quite as far as Mexico...just southern MN to Prior Lake & Northfield. We took a nice little trip to see 2 boutiques,
Rosie Posie & Sisters Ugly.

Rosie Posie

Located at 6880 Boudin St, Prior Lake, MN


Although they do have clothing & jewelry - the best part of this shop is the home decor & accessories. They have a very french chic vibe, and this totally translates into the home decor -- from beautiful candlestick holders to vintage perfume bottles to fabulous frames. We both ended up breaking down and purchasing items -- the best find was a set of 6 vintage Paris maps in shadow-box frames -- and they were on sale!!


Check out their website - which has a GREAT slide show of pictures & descriptions of what you can find in the store: http://www.rosieposie.net/index.php?splash=1


It's definitely a place to find unique items for your home, especially if you love a vintage vibe!!! So worth the drive south!

Sisters Ugly


Located at 220 Division St South, Northfield, MN


Good brands - smaller selection, but good amount for the size of the store. A few of the brands we saw -- Kensie, Joe's Jeans, Fluxus (VERY CUTE) & Knitted Dove. Also really great jewelry assortment - both small, dainty items as well as bigger statement pieces. Here is an outfit they put together on their facebook page -- includes Skinny Dish Jeans, Franco Sarto Wedge and Kensie white vest.


They also just expanded across the hall with a small Shoe Store.


Check out their website -- http://sistersugly.com/ -- and/or find them on facebook.



While in Northfield, there are several shops - including Antiques - so plan to take your time & walk around. Might we also suggest some ice cream at the cute little candy shop??!!
Here is a great website that gives TONS of information about downtown Northfield -- http://visitingnorthfield.com/ -- definitely a great place to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon!

Summer Shoes...

Often, as the weather gets warmer, the issue of what to wear on your feet comes up more often than you might imagine!



With BBQs, weddings, parties, fairs, etc...there are SO many different shoes that work better for certain events or locations. You don't want to be sinking into the soft ground in your best stilettos at the next wedding or event you attend!

By the way....who wouldn't LOVE this shoe collection (pictured above)....it belongs to Jenna Lyons of JCrew, and I am completely & totally jealous!!



SO....what to wear when?
The important fact to think about is what type of venue is your event at? Will you be indoors or outdoors? Evening or Daytime? Casual or Dressy?


If your event is INDOORS & DRESSY/EVENING, you can wear basically anything that fits with your outfit. The one type of shoe you can add in as an option, with the warmer weather, is an open-toe style. This gives a more "summery" look than your typical closed toe heel. It is also often thought to look a bit more casual, so if it is a black tie event, stick with your favorite pumps! I love my Enzo Angiolini black open-toe pumps, perfect to wear with anything & very comfortable! This is the same style in a fun gold metallic color! (pictured above right)

If the event is OUTDOORS & DRESSY/EVENING, you don't want to be caught wearing stiletto heels...as you will be constantly sinking into the ground, and may even ruin or at least muddy up the heel of your shoes! No one wants that! The best shoe for an outdoor event is a wedge. This way you still feel "dressed up" with the height, but won't be sinking into the grass or wobbling across unsteady terrain. Here are a few of my favorite wedges of the season:
(click on the photo to find more info on any/all of the shoes)

I also LOVE my Seychelles Hawk wedges, SO fabulous!!! And only $89.95 at DSW!!


If your event is much more CASUAL, and OUTDOORS or INDOORS, you have SO many options! You can do a simple sandal or a flat. A very popular and comfortable flat are those made by TOMS. The great thing about TOMS is that for every pair that is sold they donate a pair shoes to someone who needs them! Here are a few of my favorite colors & styles:
(again, click on the picture to see details on each pair)

Target, DSW, and many other places have many casual and some even dressier flat sandals that can be worn to just about any event: work party, BBQ, shower, or just a girls' night around a fire. Here are just a FEW of the MANY styles available out there now:
(click for more info)

As you are shopping for shoes for your events, or just to update your summer wardrobe, always keep in mind your style and what fits your "brand." Just because a style of shoes is new & trendy, doesn't mean that you need to have a pair. If you don't like the look of a wedge heel, opt for a fancy sandal or simple flat instead.

There are ALWAYS so many choices, just choose what fits YOUR STYLE and what you LOVE!! Happy SHOE SHOPPING!!!