A New (Blog) Leaf

Hello, all!

As you've surely noticed, I have been less than rigorous about updating this blog.  And I can't blame anything very catastrophic (thankfully).  So I've decided to start up a new one with a shorter format, since I felt like changing this one is sort of like a truck slamming on its brakes and all the crap spilling out into the street.  Or, you know, something like that.

Time for a new leaf - fitting since summer is in full swing up here, and we're surrounded by lush green leafiness, as well as no snow - shocking, I know.

Mir will still be here for both archival means (I may reference it here and there, as there's some good stuff inside) and an occasional post.  But I'm pretty excited about giving it a younger sister.

That said, I'm in the midst of trying to finalize its name.  Hey, naming stuff is harder than it sounds.  I've already got a list made, and some of the names, upon later review, look like they were suggested by someone 20 cat videos deep and on their third glass of wine (or third sazerac).

Here are the final three:

Cloffice Talk

Notes from the Cloffice

Cloffice Buffet

I've made my cloffice the star of the show, since I do most of my retail window shopping from its cozy (and arguably cluttered) confines.  It's also where I sit hunched over my laptop, trying to create a post that will be informative and maybe even entertaining.  I'll hang some of my new purchases in here to admire for a bit before they get worn and ultimately covered in cat hair (oh yeah, there's a new addition to the home, as in one that has a pulse - more on that later).  So... it seemed fitting to acknowledge my favorite room.

Since I've done most of the title-whittling, I thought I'd throw it out to you and see which of these contenders sounds like something you'd like to see.  What is with the "buffet?"  Well, like Mir, my new blog will mix it up and throw in food, design, travel, and drinks to the main course of shopping.  A bit of a smorgasbord of goods as I stumble across them.  Kind of a constantly rotating tasting menu?  OK, I'll stop...  getting hungry...

Thank you all so much for your readership of Mir!  I appreciate all the support and kind words I've received over the last few years.  I've really enjoyed writing it, and it's been a great experience.  And...  It's not going away!  It's not dying!  Mir's just going to take a breather and wait for the occasional larger post.  Because I'm really bad at totally discarding things...

With that, I'd love to hear which of the 3 titles smack of something you'll want to read with that cup of java, Diet Coke, or second glass of sangria.  

Happy Summer and can't wait to launch my new venture soon!

Cheers!

Maggie

Berlin Or Bust: Ich komme zurueck!

(Apologies for both a lack of recent posts and the decidedly iffy grammar below...)

Hallo, Deutschland!  Fast 20 Jahre spaeter, reise ich bald nach diesem tollen Staat.  Ich freue mich sehr darauf, und mein Zweck ist ganz einfach:  essen, trinken, kaufen, und auskundschaften!  Und wieder kaufen...

Wir reisen nach Berlin und Muenchen, Staedte mit besonderer Bedeutungen fuer mich.  Als ich in Berlin war, gab es die "Mauer."  Und ich habe in Muenchen wahrend Uni gewohnt.  Ich weiss, dass viel hier passiert ist, und viel geandert hat.  

Wenn Sie, die in Berlin und Muenchen wohnen, etwas zu empfehlen haben - bitte, teilen Sie!  Wir suchen nach guten Restaurants, Kneipen, und "Wein Bars."  Und, klar, lokal Boutiques.  Wir halten uns auf, in der Naehe von Mitte/Prenzlauer Berg in Berlin, und Maxvorstadt/Schwabing in Muenchen.

Und...  wir haben auch zwei Tage in Salzburg!  Also, was gefaellt Ihnen da?  Ein Lieblingsrestaurant?  Geschaeft?  Park?  Das will ich wissen!

Vielen Dank!  Und bis bald!

- M

Now that all native German speakers are done gagging at my "schlechtes Deutsch," I'll quickly recap all the grammatical errors above:  I'm off to Germany - with a quick detour to Austria - very shortly, and would love any recommendations on places to eat, drink, shop, and whatever else is worth checking out.  It's been 20 years since I last roamed the streets of Munich, and even a few years more since my classmates and I chipped pieces off the Berlin Wall as do-it-yourself souvenirs.  I'm excited to get back to what I consider my second home country.  I've got many great memories, and I'm just happy as a hamster in the Hofbraubaus to be getting back there.  

So, please, please let me know of any great spots in these cities that you adore - extra points for non-touristy spots.  In Berlin, I intend to check out the Ku'Damm and the KaDeWe, but I'm giddier to get lost in the indie shops.  When I hit Munich, I'll chuckle when I see Wormland again, and I'll sigh as I remember buying my first Kraftwerk cassette (hey, I'm old) somewhere down the corridors off Marienplatz.  I don't remember doing much shopping in Salzburg when I was there, so that'll be new territory.  As you can see, I'm gonna do my darndest to speak Deutsch as much as possible.  It's just plain good for me to exercise my rusty language chops, but I'm really hoping it'll win over the locals enough to share their favorite haunts with us.  Because when in Rome, er, Berlin...

Bis spaeter!

M

Photo:  My own, taken in Berlin circa Spring 1990

Just Another Collab Sunday...

While the rest of you normal folks were sleeping last night (or frantically downing your last drink before those darn bar lights came up), others of us hovered near our computer.  We fought sleep with caffeine, Candy Crush Saga, and the Olympics' skating program and...

...waited...

For this to go live:

So...

Who's all-in?  What did you get?  Anyone heading out to the stores this AM?  I want to hear IRL field-reporting, so let me know all the things us virtual shoppers can only speculate about:

*  fabric quality and hand
*  what your store actually has in stock
*  are people freaking out??
*  and of course - SIZING

Inquiring minds want to know, even if we're all still half-asleep!

Trending Now: Debatable Denim

I can't believe 2 whole weeks have passed since I was basking in the California sun.  My trip was fantastic, and I'm currently paring down all the images I want to share with you.  In the meantime, those of us still buried under snow can only sigh as retailers stock up for that mirage called Spring.  Pastels, bustier tops, and other trends are splashed across my magazine pages.  Online, I'm taunted by Grecian-style sandals, a ridiculous amount of swimsuits, and denim the color of the desert sky.  Speaking of the latter, I ran across this on Shopbop's site:

Um.  That's right.  Jeans with faux sleeves.  Kind of a deconstructed Canadian tuxedo, eh?  Offered by the collaboration between DKNY and edgy darling Opening Ceremony.

I dunno...

Is this something you think is on-trend for the season?  Maybe Alexa Chung can pull this off, but I'm not sure who else.  Definitely not me.

What do you think (besides early 90's music videos)?

Trip Advisors?

Now that I have survived the polar vortex, it's feeling mighty summery today.  About 39 degrees to be exact.  But, the semi-bitter cold is planning a return visit.  So...  I've decided to make a return trip of my own.  To Los Angeles.


I spent a fabulous and frenzied 2 days in LA, back in the Fall of 2012, managing to cover a decent amount of retail territory when not asleep or at work.  I'll be plunking myself right back in WeHo, since I'll be sans car.  And will get to see a little bit of Santa Monica and Sawtelle as well this time (thanks to friends and their rides ;).  I've done a bit of research and asked my pals for recommendations for all things shoppable, eatable, and drinkable.  And I've got a nice list going, which includes the promise of bacon Bloody Marys, lobster rolls, and a lot of that circus called Melrose Ave.


However, I thought I'd ask my readers for any must-see (or gotta-eat) destinations.  Where do you love to shop, grab a bite, or enjoy a cocktail when in LA?  I'd love to hear - and even better, try it for myself.  The best travel experiences are usually a result of word-of-mouth from friends, after all!  Local favorites are much preferred to the typical chains.  I'm definitely not flying for 3 hours to hit up Anthropologie, the Apple store, or the Cheesecake Factory.  


Please feel free to share, and I'll give you a report on my trip when back!  For details on my 2012 adventure (and what caught my eye), click here.

Counting down the days,
M





P.S.  My enthusiasm towards the Uniqlo Heattech purchases from the last post?  Cords:  pretty good.  It was probably something like -42 degree windchill when I stepped out of the house and my legs didn't automatically freeze and break off.  Turtleneck:  mehz.  Really thin material, not really sure it worked.  I even wore it for an hour the night before to "warm it up."  Good layering piece, but it seemed as effective as my Target t-neck.  Who knows.  I'm sure I'll get another chance this winter to re-test them :(


Image:  my own from my previous LA post

Brrrring It On!

Is it already the new year?  Holy heck.  My last quarter of 2013 turned into a bit of a whirlwind.  Work trips, fun trips, and then the holidays.  And now I'm bunkered in my home while some BFD polar vortex is whooping it up outside.  Here's how the party is shaping up right now:

For those of you outside of the US, this would be Fahrenheit.  Here in the States, we can think of lots of other things to say that begin with the letter "F," and "frozen" isn't even one of them.  While I shudder to think of stepping outside tomorrow AM to head to work (yeah, that's right), I did purchase a couple things that I'm hoping will soften the arctic blow.  A little, anyway.

Uniqlo offers a line of clothing with some fancy "Heat Tech" magic.  I snapped up a pair of black cords and some turtlenecks.  They arrived just in time to be put to the ultimate test.  I got so excited that I had to take a picture of them in the right setting:

Yup.  That's me.  In a camisole (and cords and some doofy shoes, that are out of sight here).  Showing off the snazzy packaging while trying not to freeze my arse off.  It's bright and sunny, I've got on the shades, and if you didn't see the snow in the background, I'll bet you'd a thought it was balmy out here.  I took this bad selfie in -8 F / -25 F windchill.  Which, considering the current temps, is kind of warm.  For, you know, ice weasels.  And me, for 30 seconds.  I consider this my version of the polar plunge.

Anyway...  I'm anxious to see whether my smart, new duds will keep me toasty in a mere 10 hours.  I've also brought out the down coat that I lovingly call the "pizza roll" (due to its straight, formless shape).  Unlike my J. Crew cincher, the old faithful grazes my ankles, and I'll need all the coverage I can get.

Kind of a jarring way to ring in the new year, but it's sure giving all us social media dorks something to buzz about. 

I'm hoping your January is a little more temperate.  But if not...  if you're also battling historic low temps and snow (yeah, you, Chicago)...  just remember:  this is exactly what steak dinners, casseroles, and scotch hot toddies are for.  Cheers to that!  Bring on the cold, and also a fantastic 2014!

Stay warm and Happy New Year!
M

A (Minnesota) Nice Idea

Greetings from the land of snow and cold!  Like me, you’re probably up to your frozen eyelashes in shopping lists for the holidays.  And while it’s so easy to click your mouse from the comforts of home (especially up here, where our high temp was -1 degree Fahrenheit yesterday, thus, eyelash issues), there’s a weirdly nice gratification when you shop in person.  It’s even nicer to drop in on your local merchants.  I know there was Small Business Saturday, right on the heels of Thanksgiving, which was a telling nod towards the promotion of mom and pop shops nationwide.  If we’re going to go cuckoo crazy with the whole commercialization of Christmas, I like knowing my dollars are going to both Nordstrom and the gal from down the block.

I’m not sure about other cities, but Minneapolis (and St. Paul – I love you, too) is arguably a leader in touting the goods made from ‘round here.  And if it’s handcrafted?  Even better.  In fact, a group called Crafters Local 612 puts on quite an annual event known as the No Coast Craft-o-Rama.  Located in the Midtown Global Market (a homegrown success in its own right), this two day show is basically a big old Upper Midwest arts and crafts lovefest, perfectly timed to satisfy the season.  Yeah, it’s a bit cozy as you jostle for space within the tightly packed booths.  But if you want a one-stop shop for unique holiday gifts, this is the place.  There’s the cute stuff for babies and those of us who just like, um, cute stuff.  There’s handmade clothes, found-object fashion, jewelry, and artwork.  And a lot of creations shaped into the state of MN.

Should all of the crowds and retailing makes you hangry, you’re in luck.  The craft bazaar takes place amid the permanent businesses here in the MGM.  Divided into small but welcoming stalls, the array is international, offering both food and retail.  Your tummy can visit East Africa, Mexico, Scandinavia, Asia, and the Middle East in just a few steps.  How great is that?  A large seating area sits in the middle of the merry mayhem.  During the fair, there was a jazz trio playing to packed tables of all sorts of people.

Anyway, here are some pics from this year’s Craft-o-Rama:

 

 

 

 

 

The cuteness.  The f***** cuteness.  As in "felted," potty-mouths ;-)

 

 

These guys offer snippets of state landmarks.

While MN took up most of the real estate, I enjoyed seeing

my home state (above) as well as my other home state (TX).

An awesome WI icon photobombs in the top right corner.

 

 

I love the ideas here.  And I just kinda

like how this picture came out.

 

 

Duluth-based The Medium Control got plenty of love

from me last year.  Repeat for 2013.

 

 

A gorgeous way to look at limnology.

 

 

The crowds bask in a late afternoon sunlight

that betrays the sheer frigidness outside.

 

 

 

 

I swear that as I get older, large gatherings get less appealing.  But I'm glad I waded into this sea of craftsanity, and I'm hoping those on my Christmas list are happy about their gifts, too.  Which includes me (hey, one for mom, one for me...  right?).  Here's my little haul:

 

 

 

Because the Cat Video Fest started right here.  As for the shirt on

the right...  it's just cute.

 

 

Also cute.  Extra points for those who know what

the pic on the left shows off.

 

 

Pint glasses that match my t-shirt!

 

 

 



 

Well, my holiday shopping is about done.  How about yourself?  Did you brave Black Friday or, like me, spend that day in a food coma and pretty much just rest up for the next big meal?  (Seriously, I abstained from my favorite sport on that day...  shocking, I know.)  Are you a fan of hitting up your local crafters for presents?  Or do you define that term via the homegrown brewery down the street?  Hey, that counts, too.

 

Happy gift-hunting, my friends!

 

 

 

 

 

**Want more info on all of this craftiness?  Click here.

 

 

 

 

 

All images - my own

 

 



 

Finding Love in Dallas. Love Being Spelled Z-A-R-A.

After staying put since my June trip to Toronto, this autumn has turned into a travel fest of sorts.  Within six weeks, I'll have flown in and out of MSP airport a frantic four times.  Just one of the destinations was work-related.  And it was kind of a doozy.  I quickly became acquainted with the "night shift," as my job duties included working from 9PM to 4AM and time sort of got all mixed up.  Breakfast became lunch, lunch was more like dinner, and dinner...  a diet of Coke, potato chips, and whatever else was left in the vending machine around 1AM.  And no happy hours.  Sad panda.

However, one bright spot in keeping raccoon hours was getting to shop while everyone else was on the clock.  And it didn't hurt that our hotel was right next to the Dallas Galleria.  Now, I have some fond memories of that big ol' mall.  When I moved to Texas ten-plus years ago, I drove to my new home.  Starting in Chicago and ending in Austin, I made one stop in Missouri and the other at, yup, the Galleria (OK, the hotel attached to the place).  So returning to its lofty halls gave me the warm fuzzies - partly because of the nostalgia for the Lone Star State and partly because I found out it had a Zara!  I honestly didn't figure I'd do much shopping, since most of the stores are chains that I can find back in the North Star State.  But - we don't have a Zara (hey, Mall of Insanity, please fill up that black hole left by Bloomingdale's and take a hint).

My last trip to this Spanish-based retailer was in NYC over a year ago.  The store felt somewhat claustrophobic, with dark décor, lots of shoppers, and a narrow space crammed with stock.  The Dallas post was a far more enjoyable experience, and I'm sure being there at an odd time helped.  But it also felt more spacious with a brighter design and seemingly more edited displays.  I spent nearly two hours poring over everything and finally dragging a ton of merch into the dressing room.  Because, like the other budget-friendly, fast-fashion champ H&M, there is no consistency in fit with these kinds of stores.  Seriously.  I was a Small, Medium, and Large here. 

I did find a few great things, though.  Here's some shots of the carnage:

 Some of the initial contenders.

 Cute top with a faux-leather collar.

 I liked this Chanel-esque jacket.

Punk panda makes me a happy panda.

 I really wanted to like this dress, but its neoprene fabric just

made my shoulders look ginormous.

 These shoes these shoes these shoes.

 I hardly had time to check out the dudes' stuff, but this display caught

my eye.  Love the jacket.

 Of course I got the heels!  And a sweet tote to boot.

 Another shot.

 And here's the jacket and heels.  Gone are the construction
site-friendly jeans.  Replaced by a J. Crew skirt.

Love Zara?  I do.  While I hope we eventually get one here in MN, I know they're online as well.  But...  after the complete randomness of fit, I'm wary of e-biting.  I know, I know - I'm the queen of returns, according to more than a few people.  But, for some reason, I'm not ready to deal with that from Zara just yet.
 

What are your thoughts on this matter?  Have you bought from them online?  I'd be curious to hear what others have to say!  Do share.  In the meantime, I'm just back from a vacation to Naples, Florida, where shopping was one of the priorities...  coming soon!




Images:  my own















What Happened to Fall?

Since the last Target collab, the seasons changed.  And then they changed again.  Pretty much within a month.  We enjoyed a few weeks of crisp autumn weather, and then the temperatures plummeted, the sleet hit, and the snowflakes have appeared.  It's kind of a frustrating time of year for those of us around here.  We're still smarting from a very delayed start to the summer - I was shoveling snow in May while the rest of the country was bragging about 80 degrees.  I even had to wait til mid-June to watch the very last of a huge snow pile melt away like the Wicked Witch.

There's no denying winter is right around the corner (sneering and giggling like the mean kid who's just waiting to pelt you with an iceball).  I sighed tonight as I pulled out my gloves and lightweight wool coat that, back when I called Texas home, qualified as the "hardcore winter" staple.

But...  there is a bright spot in the rapidly shortening days.  With the changing of the seasons comes the transitioning of the wardrobe.  And it never hurts to add a few new pieces to the mix.  Here's what looks good to me:

More suitable for September in these parts, this whole ensemble is still awesome (down to her sharp shades).  However, it's the red wellies that will keep my feet dry during the cold November rains (cue Axel here).  Paired with fleece socks, they'll allow me to stomp my way through the snow/slush/ice blahs that will soon follow.

 

 

 

I pretty much live in a rainbow of J. Crew wool pencil skirts.  Apparently I don't have this rosy hue, though!

 

 

 

And the all-important down coat...  So lightweight, and so much a lifesaver for virtually 5 months of the year here.  I bought this one in black a couple of Decembers ago and love it.  Why not add a second one to the rotation?  And in this great "screw you, old man winter" color?

 

 

 

As you can see, I'm a big fan of the "R" in ROYGBIV, and not just because it'll make me stand out in a seven foot snowdrift.  Is there a go-to color for you that helps you get through the cold months?  Or do you have a favorite scarf?  Pair of Uggs?  What piece of clothing or accessory brightens your overcast January mornings?  Do tell.

 

 

Happy almost-November!

M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos:

#1 - nordstrom.com

#2 & #3 - jcrew.com

 

 

 



 

3.1 and Done

So...  who survived the launch?  Were you up in the wee hours of the night, clasping your Diet Coke or beer, waiting for Target's website to quit showing "Preview" and finally go live?  Or did you sleep in 'til 6:00 AM and rouse yourself to line up at your local store?  Or, um, both?  Like I did (granted, I didn't get up til 9:30 AM).  I had sworn I was only gonna do the online shopping.  But, my curiosity got the best of me, and I drove to the downtown flagship to see how nuts things were.  Honestly, while it was busy, it wasn't the insanity I'd heard about at other stores.  And I got a closer look at the items "in real life."

Here are a few shots of my shopping adventure "in person"...  (No one needs to see the online version, my tired face lit up like a virtual ghost at 2AM thanks to the laptop screen).

 

Yes, the leather jacket was in the store.  I only spied two of them.  So I tried this one on.  It's technically navy-colored, but I like that it can masquerade as black in certain lighting.  The material is also very thin - some people don't like that.  It didn't deter me.  The fit's a little boxy, though.  Excuse my otherwise schlubby outfit.

 

 

 

 

 

Here's the blue sparkle dress (blingy stuff limited to one side).  It's a fairly straight fit, and I'm debating whether it works for me.  I suspect the black rendition might fare better.  One plus - pockets!

 

 

 

 

Dudettes, I do not know what compelled me to go for the camo sweat pants.  In my normal world, I'd swear them off like overcooked cauliflower, but somehow, I love them.  Don't ask.  Iffy on the peplum top, but I'm trying to be friends with the style.  And I promise not to leave the house in this particular ensemble.

 

 

 

 

The bags!!!  Satchels, totes, and crossbody purses are predicted to be the favorites.  The little guy in the middle is considered a "unicorn" among the many fashion boards on Facebook.  Luckily, I found the last of two in my store.  Along with some more masculine (but very nice) travel kits - good Christmas presents!

 

 

That's my stash (so far...  waiting for the online goodies to arrive).  What looks good to you?  Did you grab some of the same stuff?  Or were you all about the "Boom" items?  They do have a nice Lichtenstein-y vibe, but they aren't really my style, so I'm happy to see them go to more appreciative fans.  Guys, what's your impression so far?  They offer a decent array of men's clothing, a pair of shoes, and a bag I've heard is big enough to fit your car.

 

You'll have to let me know your thoughts on this latest round.  In the meantime, I need to decide what stays and what doesn't make the cut.  And wait for the rest of my stuff.

 

 

 

 

Images:  my own

 

 

 



  

 

 

 



 

3.1 on 9.15

If it's September, it must be...  time for another Target collaboration?? 

Appropriately timed to fall on the heels of the two year Missoni madness anniversary, Tar-zshay is just one week away from unleashing its latest shopping frenzy - a partnership with designer darling Phillip Lim.  The anticipated collection offers clothing and accessories for both ladies and dudes (and I should note the men have a fairly wide selection this time).

Here's what I'm eyeing...

I love the material layering but am curious to see how this drapes and what the back looks like.

 

 

 

I have a soft spot for leather (or pleather/vegan/whatever-it's-called) jackets. 


 

Digging the color-blocking, but I'm not sold on the cut of the top.  The bag, however, is kinda cool.


 

Again, love the purse.  The pattern on this shirt is cute, but I look like a dork in button-downs.

 

 

 

 

Love the dress and the simple detailing at the collar.  Quietly elegant.

 

 

 

 

Once more - I'll take the bag and let the others scoop up the separates.

 

 









Great dress - would love to see it on a model?

 

 

 

 

Happy to see that cute pattern again on an equally cute sleep set.

 

 

 

 

More sparkle!  Also, trying to not automatically assume that peplum and I can't be pals.  I'll have to try this on to find out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I suspect this cute ensemble is getting a lot of online love, the inclusion of a lovely baby blue being a solid reason.  Sadly, since the coat has epaulets, I have to pass (for whatever reason, my small-boned body has linerbacker-wide shoulders).

 

 

 

 

One of the men's looks - I'd totally steal the bag and jacket.

 

 

 

 

With this new collab just days away from launching, are you on the latest crazy train?  I've seen friends posting their wish lists on Pinterest and celebs like Jessica Alba sporting the goods from a preview party.  What pieces are you coveting?  Have you already got your alarm clock set and a shopping game plan in place?  Or are ya hitting the snooze button and letting the NFL deal with any "strategery?"

 

Happy Sunday!

M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images:

Avec models - target.com

Sans models - refinery29.com

 

 

**If you're saying "Who-point-what Phillip-Huh?" then check out Refinery 29's dedicated article.  Sure, you can opt for the slideshow, but if you're mildly impatient like me, it also lets you see all thumbnail images at once (and click on them).  Here you go.