No Foolin'

4.1.2012.

That's right, it's the first of April.  Also known as April Fool's Day.  Lucky for you, I'm too lazy to come up with some witty joke to play on you guys.  But I did enjoy Refinery 29's homepage "har har" today!  Take a look at who's on their "cover":

Experience more flashbacks, including news and celebrity shots, here.  Or just be glad you're too young to recall that decade.

This is perfect timing, really, because when I checked the Swatch watch Facebook page today, they were showing off their newest pics, submitted by their loyal fans.  I am so tempted to send them this:

Look, ma, it's a Swatch cast!  I jest, I jest.  Minus a couple watches that are hiding from me at the moment, this is my beloved Swatch collection, none later than 1987 (I think).  Some have been in my possession since the days of dodgeball, pre-algebra, and listening to Prince's Purple Rain cassette.  And a few are eBay acquisitions.  Love 'em all!  I promise I'm not about to torch them (or my arm) - that would be a very bad April Fool's prank, for multiple reasons.

Did you collect the 80's Swatches, too?  Still have any?  Was there one you were "just dying for" but your silly parents wouldn't budge?  Maybe you, um, wore your Swatches around your ankles in high school (like I did)?  Or stuck one of the Pop-Swatches into your Ocean Pacific tee?

Let me know!  In the meantime, I'm going to pull out my old Electric Blue perfume and give it a couple good spritzes :)

Kidding!

Images:

#1 - Refinery29.com

#2 - my own

Wednesday Musings

Ah, the middle of the week.  Thursday is just around the corner, and not far behind that is my favorite time of the week:  5:00 PM on Friday :)

To help tide you over til happy hour commences, here are a few tidbits (of the non-boozy kind):

First up - this email I got from warehouse discount retailer Chickdowntown (which used to be a boutique and has since morphed into something I'm just not that interested in):

I don't know about you, but when in tarnation did size 10 become a plus size?  Our whole battle with body image already has enough arsenal without this numeric reclassification.  Also, given the completely weird sizing that exists today in fashion, I could be a 10.  And I usually wear a 4.  What the heck does that make someone who's a true 10?  As someone who is admittedly not well-versed in the topic, I still don't even think of a size 12 as plus.  And then we could all raise the "What defines a plus-size" flag, anyway.  Mmmmppfff...  not impressed, Chickdowntown.  Not impressed.  Are you as underwhelmed as I am?




Need something to counter the annoying ad above?  Nothing distracts like sparkly stuff, right?  If you live in the Twin Cities, like to shop, and like deals even better...  well, have I got the enabling event for you!  My friend Karin, whose amazing jewelry I drooled over in this post, is having her sample sale this very weekend!  That's right, come on by and check out her gorgeous designs.  Like these:

Here's some serious bling - recycled diamonds.  Sustainable sparkle on sale!  What's not to love here??  (Besides my poor attempt at alliteration):

You know you can't resist!  The sale will be this Saturday and Sunday, 3/31 & 4/1, from noon-5:00 PM.  And, if you're into destination shopping, there will be other lovely artists on the 4th floor of the building, including the gorgeous red purse on my profile pic here, created by BC Designs.  You can find more info here.

**Hey, let's try something:  If you come to the sale after reading this, would you be so awesome as to mention to Karin that you heard about her sale from my blog?  While this does not score you any freebies (hey, her stuff is already marked down ;), it would be fabulous for us to know this post contributed to your visit - many thanks! **



And, to wrap things up, I'll close with ridiculous cuteness.    I like to call it:

"NEIGHBORHOOD KITTEH WELCOMING COMMITTEH!" 

Also known as, random neighbor's super affectionate cat, who was on my doorstep to greet me when I got home from work.  It was somewhat difficult to photograph her, as she kept rubbing up against my legs.  Had she not had tags, I'm pretty sure my husband would be coming home to find a new addition to the family.

Happy Wednesday!  And, if you live in the TC, hope to see you Saturday at Karin's sale!




Images:
Chickdowntown from the Chickdowntown.com email
Karin Jacobson Design courtesy of Karin Jacobson
Welcoming Committee courtesy of my iPhone

Another Welcome Addition

As I reported last December, CB2 landed in our neighborhood, brightening the corner of 31st and Hennepin with its window displays of home décor.  Just a few months later, I'm happy to tell you yet another retailer has joined the party.  Jonathan Adler, a celebrity designer known for his cheery and fun furnishings and accessories, quietly opened his latest retail outpost on Lake Street, between Holmes and Humboldt Avenues.

Yep.  That's two blocks away from our place.  Just like CB2.  Me likey!

Of course, I had to venture in and check out the wares.  The space, like his designs, is bright and colorful.  Packed with all sorts of fun finds, the room feels like the perfect place for a happy hour.  Sipping Kir Royales while relaxing in one of the many fab chairs and couches - sign me up!  In fact, when we stopped in on Saturday afternoon, the friendly salespeople handed us mini-cupcakes!

As usual, you'll get a better idea of the new digs by seeing my photos, so I'll zip it and show you the scene:

The entry lures you right in:

The store is pet-friendly, which is evident not just by some of the items, but also by the cute pooch hiding in the background:

I did a little research on the website and it sounds like JA got his creative start with pottery, some of which you can see below, and many of which are on display throughout the store.

"Whoooo" could go cuckoo in this store and snap up multiple things?

While perusing everything, we ran into our friend, Ini.  He's probably the most stylish (and style-setting) guy I know, and a total sweetheart.  He also owned the late and much-loved Ivy boutique.  I can only hope he'll return to the retail world someday soon.  Damn, I miss that store!  Here, Ini (left) and my DH take a break from shopping.  Two handsome men in some equally handsome chairs:

Speaking of handsome, I'm already coveting this great couch:

Here's a snap of the couch from the website.  And look, Minneapolis store - now open!  Indeed it is!

I'll take the cream chair and ottoman while I'm at it:

As you can see, Jonathan Adler's newest location is a spot where I could part with a good chunk of change.  His designs are fresh and different from the other stores around here, and it adds to the great mix of businesses.  What's nice is you can buy just one piece, yet still change up your dining table/shelves/odd corner in the bedroom completely with that sole purchase.  Or, heh, you can go wild and get that couch.  And chair.  And ottoman.  And...

Welcome to the neighborhood, and thanks for the enabling :)

**P.S.   In the very small event that JA is himself reading this little post, you've got to answer a question for me...  are you actually a Rush fan (your "About" section on the website details your choice of shirt while doing summer camp pottery)?  Because this Rush fan would love to know.

No Really, Is It March?

I'm not sure about the rest of the country, but Daylight Savings Time not only stole an hour from those of us in the Upper Midwest - it also took away most of March, April and May.  A week ago, I was still wearing my down coat, wellies and my work uniform of a sweater and wool pencil skirt.  Then - BAM - all of a sudden, the temperatures were pushing into the high 60's, then 70's, and finally topping out at 80 degrees yesterday.  The last few days have included al fresco dining, pulling out clothes I haven't seen since last September, and a few mentions of, "Ohmigosh, it's *hot* outside!"

Yesterday, by the way, was good old St. Patrick's Day.  My memories (while somewhat fuzzy) of my Irish revelry, usually included a scarf and gloves.  This year, it was shorts, a Guinness t-shirt, and sunblock.

The entire global warming debate aside, being jolted from winter straight into summer presents a completely different issue:  what the heck are we supposed to wear during this bizarre week of "wummer?"  We Northerners are embracing the unexpected heat and humidity with a very wary eye.  Everyone knows we typically get snowed upon in March.  And a few flakes in April and May aren't unusual, either.  So...  it's not like I can do a happy dance and shove all my wool, cashmere and down into a box and be done with it.  Nu-uh.  I'm wondering when the cold snap will arrive (even if "cold" means highs in the 50's) and I'll be digging through those boxes again.

Additionally, some people are getting a little too happy about the weather.  I see flip-flops, muscle tees, and other beach attire cruising around the streets lately.  One extreme to the other.  Or, you'll see said flip-flops worn with a gauzy skirt, chunky sweater and a scarf and coat.  Your top half thinks it's still late February; your bottom plunked itself into June.

The Chicago Tribune even ran a story about people's fashion confusion (and shopping sprees) during this "heat wave."  My friend, the one who relocated and is living out of a suitcase while getting settled and searching for a new home, is going out of her mind because her smart packing skills didn't anticipate 80 degrees in March.  Granted, this does give her an excuse to, um, go shopping.

I think the mild winter has been a general phenomenon for a lot of the country this season.  How have you been dressing?  Is it all about layers?  Pulled out your favorite summer outfits this week?  Seen any bizarre fashion mash-ups?

Today's forecast is 77 and sunny, and we all know snow could be on the horizon, so I'm off to soak up this lovely June, er I mean March, day.  I'll leave you with this closing image of what used to be a sizeable snowbank, now a cold mess hanging on for dear life during these relatively sultry nights.  It serves as a reminder that, while the bulk of winter is indeed over, we may well get a final visit from winter.  So I'm keeping my coat and wellies within reach.

Images:  my own

Star Wars Style

I feel like my life is currently punctuated by the rash of fashion collaborations that keep cropping up and spreading like wearable chicken pox.  Without the itching and calamine lotion.  I mean it.  After all the Missoni for Target madness, I swore I'd give their Jason Wu line the silent treatment.  As we all know, that was super effective.  I caved to my friends' relentless picture posting and praising of the scarf/dress/bag that they'd scored.  I even ended up getting a top from the Versace/H&M collection.  And that was definitely something I'd originally kicked off my radar.

Now, for the past week, everyone's been going bats**t for the Marni/H&M launch.  And...  yeah...  like a sweet sneeze of style, my friends have passed their excitement of this collab right along to me.  It's interesting.  Similar to Missoni and Versace, Marni is an Italian fashion house which prefers to camp out in stores like Barney's and Net-A-Porter.  I see the clothing pop up on flash sales from time to time and, while I admire the styles, it always seemed a little boxy to me.  I just felt like their cuts would not flatter my weird frame.  Considering the hefty price tags, I suppose that's just as well.

But now, darn it all, H&M had to come along and team up with these folks.  My fashion friends whipped themselves up into a frenzy, and those lucky enough to live near the select H&M stores carrying the line (What?  No Mall of America?  Come on, now...) offered to shop for the unlucky ones.  "Meh, I dunno," was my initial response when asked if I wanted anything.  "The fabrics always look stiff.  I don't want to look like someone pasted shapes on me."

Then the lookbook was trotted out.  And I looked.  And liked.  And am now awaiting a small shipment of goodies from the Enablers, as I now like to refer to my friends - in a nice way!

While I still decided I could pass on most items, these grew on me, starting with this tote bag, which I don't need to worry about in terms of fit:

I also gravitated quickly to this skirt, which reminds me of Orla Kiely:

And, a bunny-ish t-shirt is kind of fun.  I didn't realize this is all appliqué - that'll be interesting to see up close.  I do like that 25% of the sales of this shirt go to the Red Cross.

Yeah, that's great, you say.  Why did you title this post after the George Lucas saga?  Here's why:

This actually caught my eye when I saw it modeled in the lookbook.



But then I had this image automatically manifest itself in my brain:

Hey.  I'm a fan of Princess Leia.  She's feisty.  She's pretty.  And she shoots guns.  But...  am I going to get comments like, "Hey, the Ewok Forest is the other way" snarked at me when I wear this?  I guess I'm gonna find out.

The collection also boasts a number of accessories like jewelry, which seemed to be the focus of my pals' shopping intention.  The bracelets are cute, but they'd slide right off my bird wrists.  The necklaces are cool, too, but I just don't think I can pull them off.  Which is a shame, as this one is pretty striking (and very Rebellion Princess-appropriate):

Oh, and they had socks.  Which I decided were fun, but where the heck am I gonna wear these, all pulled up to my knees and paired with some random heels?  (You can see a whole ensemble here):

And so, every time I think I am "well" again, another fashion mash-up occurs, and I catch the fever.  With future collaborations just over the horizon, I'm not sure when I'm going to ever get better.  Especially since one of my favorite designers, Diane von Furstenberg, is pairing up with the Gap to produce ridiculously cute kids' clothes (I know I'm not a child, but if these are sized like Target's XL girls' clothing, guess what?!).

Which collaborations are you excited about?  The new Shops at Target?  Orly Kiely for Uniqlo (grrr...  Uniqlo needs to expand already!)?  Howzabout Manolo Blahnik for J. Crew?  Or is there one I'm not aware of that's making your heart all a-flutter?  Let me know!

Til then, I'll bask in the anticipation of my latest "condition."  Just don't ask me if I know where the Death Star plans are located.  Just like dear Leia, I'm feisty, and I know how to shoot a gun ;)



For all the details of the Marni for H&M collab, click here.



Images:  all courtesy of the H&M website, with the exception of...

Princess Leia, which I found on starwars.wikia.com (aka, the Wookieepedia, really).

The End of an Era

I'm not a super mushy person, but tonight has left me feeling a little emo.  After nearly 6 whopping months, I decided it was time to leave the cozy virtual cocoon of my Missoni trading group on Facebook.  Like many of the members, I can't deny that life is tapping its toes impatiently, demanding that I quit yapping about now rarer-than-Sasquatch Missoni for Target sightings (in the stores) and other topics.  Patient but weary husbands, kids, and partners are hoping to reclaim most of our quality time.  And rightly so.

Yet, after nearly half a year of something that far exceeded simply trying to nab a coveted item, I felt a little lump in my throat when I clicked this simple Facebook button:

"Leave Group."

As I've already mentioned here, I've formed friendships, fallen in love with all the adorable photos of my pals' cats and dogs, and even helped raise money for causes ranging from autism to MS.  And in between, we've had many good laughs, as well as some supportive words for those who posted about some hard times.  

It's kind of like the end of a small but significant era.  I'm a little sadder than I expected to be upon leaving the group.  On the other hand, a number of us have crossed over from being friends strictly on that page to now being "regular" Facebook friends.

While I have many fashionable pals (including one of my besties, who recently relocated to Michigan - boohoo), I've truly enjoyed being a part of this group and sharing in our obsession of all things zig-zag.  And though this may mean I've closed a door to one phase in my life, it has certainly opened more doors of friendship that have grown beyond the material.

Images:  my own

Yeah, I Got Wu'd

So, I sort of promised myself that I'd sit out the Jason Wu for Target collaboration.  Even after browsing the look-book and finding a few eye-catchers (which I posted here), I figured I didn't need a repeat of the Missoni launch day:  frantic webpage refreshing, scribbling down store locations that purported to still have anything in stock (HA), and a whole lotta cussing.  Never again, I told myself.

As we all know, NEVER say never.

And so, while sparing you the details (and computer-swearing), I got rolled into the Wu.  I lay partial blame on the Missoni for Target community that I joined back in October (more on that group here).  But while I'd like to say they were the ones who got me to cave, I pretty much enabled myself.  Yes, I did find the cute Milu tote and scarf from my first Wu posting - actually through a friend from my MfT group.  I also found the trench in the store one day.  Cute, but as I suspected, it didn't look great on me.

Here are a few things that I passed over on opening day but ended up getting, thanks to my friends' enticing.

The gold top was cute online, looked weird (furry!) when I saw it on a hanger, then looked cute again when I pulled it into an ensemble with the pleated skirt (which was yet another "Oh, wait I like that!" piece).  Paired with an old (as in last century) Banana Republic belt and Delman pumps:

The red & blue stripe dress, with my owl belt (from this century, haha) from Anthropologie.  I think you definitely have to belt this one:

This dress drew raves from many of my MfT friends for its fit and overall look.  So I bit and got one.  Unfortunately, it was one size too big, and it's going back.  However, I'll admit it's cute.  I paired it with a red J. Crew belt here:

Now this dress looks great except for the flutter sleeves.  It transforms my shoulders from normal-looking into ones owned by a linebacker.  Oy.  But the pearl neck is unexpectedly sweet without being too grade-school-picture-day:

I felt the need to toughen it up a bit - so I threw on a black pleather jacket from Urban Outfitters.  Oh, and another J. Crew belt.  Much better!  

Wu offered a very, um, "pouffy" dress with a great lining that peeks out from under the skirt.  It comes with its own belt, so no need for the J. Crew this time around.  The exaggerated shape of the flare skirt scared me, but it actually looks quite nice on.  I'm channeling a 50's cocktail party, and I like it.  Now, where's the bourbon?

Well, shoot.  I liked the black party dress so much that I let a friend talk me into the same one in white.  This number drew the biggest thumbs up from my pals when I pitched the, "Which of these do I keep?" question:

Probably the most frustrating part of the whole Wu line was sizing.  Initially, I guess Target Style was reporting that the fit was comparable to juniors' sizes.  Then, as my friends started receiving their orders and trying things on, I heard everything from true-to-size, too small, and too large, depending on what the item was.  Obviously, since we're all built differently, that only added to the confusion.

I found I was pretty much true-to-size in the Wu.  Same for the Missoni for Target, more or less.  And, like the latter, I liked a lot more than I expected with the former.  All I had desired were a couple clothing pieces, a tote and a scarf.  Now, I've been sucked into the madness.  But it's nothing compared to the MfT.  Thank goodness Wu didn't expand his line to include things for the home.  

How about you?  Did you also get Wu'd?  If so, what did you get, and how did things fit?  Or did you stick to the cute bags and scarves?  Maybe you sat this one out, as I had planned to do.

Hey.  I just realized this is the first post where I actually tried to create outfits and make a meager effort at accessorizing.  Normally, I just post images from other sites.  Or toss in a few pics from the dressing room.  And truly, this was a fairly lazy attempt.  I nearly didn't post this entry, mostly due to the fact that the backdrop looks like my house barfed on itself.  I'm in the midst of pre-Spring cleaning, and to me cleaning = dumping everything into one pile.  Also, I'm still kind of camera shy, but I'll try and post a few of these from time to time...  I know there are many, many bloggers who do this exclusively, much better, and with a vastly bigger wardrobe and budget.  But heck, why not try it myself?  I actually enjoy the whole styling routine...  I just need to remind myself to step away from my box of neon bracelets and brooches from junior high.

Images:  my own

Denim Developments...

I think it's time for another one of my "?" entries.  You know, the ones where I trot out a new trend and sort of give it the stink-eye treatment.  It's not that I totally hate it.  You just won't see me running out to scoop up a bunch of these guys.  But my limited taste doesn't mean you don't have to love these.  Maybe you're proudly sporting a pair as I type?

I'm talkin' 'bout all those printed jeans.  Stockists keep stocking them.  Maybe this is because it's like every denim designer has embraced the trend.  I've noticed what started as a steady trickle really ramped up to the fact that seemingly a third of Revolve's "New Arrivals" (posted on Tuesday night) consisted of said  denim dreams.  Seriously, that single post showcased stuff from nearly every one of their regular jeans brands.

Take a look, starting with AG Jeans:

The ikat pattern is everywhere...

Ahh, reminds me of the days of acid wash jeans...

Bleulab carries on the python trend:

One of my favorite denim brands, Citizens of Humanity, introduced these eye-poppers earlier:

Yep, you can show off your flower power in shorts, too!

Current Elliott's designs:

You can combine two trends here...

The most conservative of the bunch?

J. Brand's latest:

Joe's Jeans...

Relative newcomer Mother denim, which my friend and her sister adore for their softness, redefines "Yowza."  Patterns aren't enough for you?  You want a full-on landscape painted on your lower half?  Consider it done:

Lest we forget your backside:

They also offer those normal, boring patterns:

Rag & Bone gets all 80's on us...

Rich & Skinny...

And, closing out today's set, more shorts from Siwy:

How are your eyes adjusting?  Mine are still refocusing.  What's funny is that, as crazy as I was for Missoni for Target and all those zigzags, I just don't love any of the patterned jeans that I've seen.  OK, I kinda, sorta, maybe like the pink acid wash ones and the darker pink florals.

And while I think I'll pass on all the floral-y jeans by Citizens, they do give me a mild case of the warm fuzzies.  But perhaps that's just because they remind me of this:

Now *that's* what I'm talkin' 'bout!

Happy Thursday,

Maggie

All images:  Revolve.com