Category Archives: spring

april showers, in style

I have always been a fan of understated (bland) rain gear. Best to blend in, look sophisticated, and all that. But all of these grey April days looking so very beautiful against the bright, happy flowers of spring have made me reconsider. So, last month, I treated myself to my first “bright” umbrella: navy with hot pink hearts from J.Crew (alas, not available online, but well worth a trip to the store). It’s changed my entire outlook on this dreary spring weather.

{Hillary Day trench, $435; Sorel Tivoli rain boots, $115 (or $30 on clearance for the black!); Marc Jacobs umbrella, $24}

Now, I’m traipsing around town with my bold umbrella and a bright, puddle-stomping pair of Sorel rain boots (how could I resist that polka dot lining?)…and, though I may not look sophisticated, I’ve still managed to cling to stylish. And I can tell you it’s done an immeasurable amount of good for my attitude.

While I’m rambling, a word about that lovely trench above. It’s by Hillary Day, a designer based here in Portland, and it’s possibly the most flattering – and utilitarian – trench I’ve ever tried. No buttons to pull uncomfortably when you layer (or sit down), and the fabric is the highest tech thing I’ve seen since the iPad. Hillary’s favorite party trick is to dump a glass of water on one when you walk in the shop. By the time you leave, that water will still be in a puddle on top of the trench. Unreal.

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friday finds (and important information!)

Happy Friday, friends! Though, for me, this won’t be much of a weekend, but rather Phase One of the big move. And to clean out all my piles celebrate, I’m selling off a few excellent pieces on eBay that might be of interest. Feel free to take a look – I’d so love for them to go to a good home!

And speaking of sales, there are some killer ones happening this weekend, both in Portland and farther afield.

* Mabel & Zora, one of my favorite girly Portland boutiques with the sweetest owners you’ll ever meet, is celebrating its 6th anniversary today with a flash sale on their website! Save 20% off all separates (which I think means anything but shoes, jewelry and dresses) from 6 pm to midnight tonight only (4.13) with code 6YEAR.

* My beloved Moulé is having an anniversary too! To celebrate a quarter century in business, you can take 30% off the entire store (that means their amazing jewelry and home collections too, neither of which ever go on sale!). The only catch is that you have to be in PDX – the sale’s in-store only. But if you’re here, it’s not to be missed.

* And on a slightly larger scale, Kate Spade‘s multi-annual friends & family event is going on this weekend. Take 25% off nearly everything (except home, stationery and watches) today and tomorrow with code FFSPR12.

And after all that, phew! We need some pretty pictures, don’t we?

These earrings came across my path as a “Best Bet” on NYMag’s blog a couple of weeks ago, and I’m still thinking about them. Quite possibly the perfect studs, don’t you think? Especially for under $100.

Do you know Hermione de Paula? I didn’t either…but now I’m completely in love. She manages to marry old-school tropical prints with mod digitized formats, and the result is, well, the best Hawaiian shirt you’ll ever find.

I am in a world of trouble. Rachel Comey has finally (finally!) opened an online store. Which means no more obsessive hunting through dozens of online mini-boutiques when I’m desperate for a new pair of ankle boots (hers are the very, very best). They even have my size! It spells danger, my friends…but oh, what lovely danger! Those tan perforated Hitch boots (right) are next on my list.

And speaking of newcomers to the online world, Club Monaco’s online store is finally here! Think Topshop, but a little easier to wear – hems are a little longer, styles are a bit more grown up, and looks aren’t all ripped from some other designer’s atelier. I’m so looking forward to taking advantage – particularly since they’re offering free shipping and free returns through the end of April!

And last but not least, my favorite Pin of the week! What can I say…I have bag storage on the brain. But can you blame me, now that this beauty has come to live with me?

{via design*sponge}

Phew! Okay, that’s it, friends. Have a fantastic weekend…pop by my place if you’re in Portland…and I’ll see you back here next week

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trend to try: printed pants

{Editor’s Note: Our intrepid Trends expert, Ms. Kim Brandt is back to talk about a trend I’m seriously feeling this season: the printed pant. Having just nabbed this pair (from Talbots, of all places), I can hardly wait to see her suggestions for successfully pulling off the look. Sadly, Kim is going to be taking a little hiatus from her post here while she settles in at a fabulous new job, but I’m crossing my fingers she’ll be back soon!}

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We’re getting to the point where y’all are getting to know me a bit. So, I’m sure this post comes as a shock (not)…we’re talking all about prints today.  I am a big fan of the patterned pants trend happening right now. It takes a bit of confidence to pull off, but styled right, it can really work for you. I’m definitely (ahem) bottom heavy, so because of my body type I need to be really careful how I wear this one.

If you’re super tall and lean (read: model), you really don’t need my advice; you can wear anything. But if you’re anything else, this look is all about balance. Particularly if the pant is a skinny style, this look is best worn with a long, loose top, statement jewelry, and heels, though a funky loafer may work if you’re blessed with extra-long gams.

{Images c/o Anthropologie / Madewell / Whitney Eve / Natalia Vodianova, via Style.com}

If you’re especially lower-half-conscious, pair the printed pant with a sleek, loose fitting top, a long jacket, a heavy piece of metallic jewelry (think chunky watch or vintage chain necklace), and heeled booties or gladiator sandals.

{Images c/o Tory Burch, via Style.com / Vanessa Hudgens (we think), via Style / Olivia Palermo, via Mr.Newton}

For those that are blessed up top, pair the print with a shirt that has a bit of defined shape.  A tailored blazer or belted blouse is a great solution. Depending on the cut of the blazer, pair with some great drop earrings and then, as always, heels on the bottom. Be careful not to pick too narrow a heel; it’s all about balancing the shape from head to toe!

{Images c/o Dries Van Noten, via Style.com / Beyoncé, via People / Chanel, via Style.com}

So, tell us: Are you going to be rocking the patterned pant this Spring? ~Kim B.

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sponsored: shine at kohl’s

{Editor’s Note: The following content is sponsored by Kohl’s, and you can read all about the gory details at the end. That said, the content is 100% my opinion, which I’m never shy about sharing.}

Welcome to part two of my Kohl’s shopping adventure! To catch you up from last time, Kohl’s challenged me to pick out an outfit from their spring collections that worked with two of spring’s hottest trends. I am many things, but I’m never one to back down from a shopping challenge. You’ve already heard all about my efforts to embrace bold color, but this time, we’re talking shine! Paillettes, sequins or beads, sparkle is big right now. Sadly, while I admire the dickens out of the look on others, it’s a tricky style for me. Blame my casual lifestyle, but I just feel a little ridiculous walking my dogs in a sequined miniskirt.

Fortunately, there was no shortage of shine to choose from at Kohl’s. With new partnerships with Jennifer Lopez and Rock & Republic, it was actual work to avoid shine in many cases. Naturally, I ran from the rhinestones at breakneck pace, and headed to my safe zone: Chaps.

Sure enough, I found exactly what I was after: a nautical sweater in navy with silver metallic stripes. Just right! To keep the focus on the shine, I added a pair of white straight-leg jeans – a crazy flattering pair, in fact. I’m a huge fan of not spending a ton on white jeans…they’ll only break your heart.

To finish it off (and take the edge off the Nantucket vibe I was rocking thus far), I added a bold, chunky necklace from Simply Vera Vera Wang – pearls, rhinestones and chains, thank you! – to increase my shine factor, and my own silver ballet flats. The final look was still more Upper East Side than hip downtown club, but that’s much more my style. And the whole look was well under $100. Pretty impressive!

My next (and final) Kohl’s installment will be all about wearing white…even if you’re not a supermodel. Don’t miss it!

Disclosure: Bloggers received a gift card on behalf of Kohl’s via Glam Media to complete the trend look. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kohl’s. All trademarks and service marks are owned or licensed by Kohl’s Illinois, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc.
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sunshine on my soles: the best spring sandals so far

I’m jumping the gun, I know, but the sun is finally out today in Portland! Who can say how long it’ll last, but for today, I’m dreaming of a closet filled with pretty new spring sandals. Since I am generally loathe to spend big bucks on summer shoes, you’ll find some pretty fantastic cheap thrills mixed in here (along with one splurge so lovely, it’s the exception that proves the rule).

1. ASOS Field Trip, $29 / 2. Topshop Hunt, $50 / 3. Zara strappy sandal, $50 /
4. ASOS Fearne, $36 / 5. Loeffler Randall Fawn, $295

I think I’ve let all this sunshine go to my head…would you look at all that color?! Truly, though, if you’re going to go bold with color, footwear (and, for that matter, toe polish) is the perfect place to start.

On a related note, an open letter to Zara and ASOS: start offering your pretty, pretty shoes in size 11. Please. You’re killing me!

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sponsored: bold color at kohl’s

Update: Kohl’s has switched things up on their site, but if you’d still like to read all about my Bold Color adventures, you can find a cached version of my post right here.

Editor’s Note: The following content is sponsored by Kohl’s, and you can read all about the gory details at the end. That said, the content is 100% my opinion, as always.

You know I’m always up for a style challenge. So when I got an email from Kohl’s asking me to come over to their store and put together a couple of looks based on the latest trends – for less than $100 – I couldn’t resist. While it wasn’t the easiest thing I’ve ever done (ahem, budgets are not my strong suit), I think I pulled it together in the end:

Not bad, right? Head over to their site and check out all the details, won’t you? (It’s over on the right side of the page, and I’m the fourth blogger down…).

Oh, and prepare yourselves…there’s a second installment of this experiment coming in a week or two. Start getting excited!

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Disclosure: Bloggers received a gift card on behalf of Kohl’s via Glam Media to complete the trend look. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kohl’s. All trademarks and service marks are owned or licensed by Kohl’s Illinois, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc.

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trend to try: the head scarf

{Editor’s Note: A big welcome back to our intrepid Trends Columnist, Ms. Kimberly Brandt! I have always wanted to be that girl that could effortlessly wear a head scarf, but have known in my heart it just wasn’t my look. Kim, as usual, is making me rethink that. Perhaps I’ll dust off one of my vintage silk scarves this weekend…}

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Head scarves are all over the place right now.  There are about a million different ways to rock them, and I’m telling you, just about anyone can pull one off.  Seriously.  It’s really the perfect accessory to throw on while on vacation or after a yoga class.  They are fun, and a tiny bit flirty, but hide messy hair.  What more could a girl ask for?  Keep in mind this trend has been around off and on since the 30’s, so you’re not reinventing the wheel…just upping your style ante a bit.

Personally, my favorite way to wear a head scarf is like a super-wide headband with an off center bow or knot.  The trick to pulling this look off is to have a lot of hair.  Seriously.  The bigger and messier, the better.  I like to leave mine tousled and wavy (sometimes I don’t even brush it!), or piled on top of my head in a messy bun.  No fear if you don’t have a lot of hair!!  We have options for you too!

{Image credits: Valentine / Keiko / ban.do / molto}

If you’re more daring, the classic turban is a perfect way to hide away all of your hair.  This is a great option for those of you with a short ‘do.  Since I have just the opposite issue (too much hair!) I like to twist in the turban and then braid my hair loosely and pull it to the side.  100 Layer Cake and Framboise Fashion both have great tutorials on how to tie up one of these on your own!

{Image credits: Urban Outfitters / Hanneli/Karla’s Closet / Karen Walker}

Or maybe, if you’re like me, and a bit clumsy with all the twisting and knotting it takes to create a turban, you can cheat a little, and opt for one of these easy knitted pieces.

Free People/Late Afternoon/ASOS

A few final tips to get you on the road to this trend:

  • Keep the hair messy.  Pretty, but messy – looking too “done” kills the spontaneity of this style.
  • Keep the outfit easy and breezy.  Lots of attention is going straight to your head (err, literally) so keep everything else simple.
  • If you have bangs or shorter hair, pull a few pieces in front of the scarf.  If not, pull the scarf down low, so it hits just a bit above the brow line.
  • And above all, don’t overthink it!  A little imperfection never hurt anyone, and a too-perfect scarf just doesn’t work.

Happy scarf-tying!!  ~ Kim B.

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smc leap day giveaway: brooklyn industries

{Editor’s Note: Sorry, this contest is closed, friends…but head over here to catch up on the latest SMC fun!}

Happy Leap Day, friends! It’s a day for seizing the moment, for doing something unexpected and exciting, for…getting a free dress!

Yep, my friends at Brooklyn Industries reached out to see if you’d be interested in winning one of the pretty, pretty dresses from their new spring line…now how could I turn that down? In the end, though, since spring is still a distant light on my horizon, I picked a style that will wear just as well now as it will when I finally, finally turn off the Dyson space heater in my living room.

My pick? The Aeigis – a classic shirtdress made of lighter-than-air cotton. Trust me when I tell you that the photos don’t do this versatile beauty justice. It’s as easy and carefree as they come, but with just enough structure to keep you feeling pulled together. Plus, it’s a virtual blank canvas when it comes to styling.

Brooklyn Industries Aeigis Dress / Jacket / Sweater / Boots / Bag / Sandals / Sunglasses

Right now, with the weather being so gross in my part of the world, I’d probably add a tank dress underneath (for warmth and length), as well as a pair of grey tights. Then, I’d top it with a chunky Aran wool sweater and my trusty Loeffler Randall rain booties. Of course, you could always swap a chic leather moto jacket for the sweater, and add a slightly badder boot.

And when spring finally gets here? It’ll be just you and this sweet, breezy dress, bare-legged, with only a pair of K.Jacques sandals and a tiny little shoulder bag to weigh you down.

To win your very own Aeigis (yes, any color, any size), just leave a comment here sometime between now and Friday, 3/2. I’ll announce the winner Friday afternoon, so they can spend the weekend being excited about their score! As always, share on Facebook, Twitter, or heck, just about anywhere, and score a bonus entry for each share. Just come back and leave an extra comment letting me know where you spilled the beans!

Good luck, everyone!

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