July 14, 2008

Vintage Glam

These days, it's often hard to distinguish vintage clothing and accessories from new merchandise. More and more, people want to wear unique, statement-making pieces—not mass-produced merchandise that's been cloned by every big box retailer. Designers have responded by ressurecting patterns and silhouettes from the past. For example, it used to be that I would shop antique stores or dig through my grandmother's giveway jewelry box for an interesting necklace. Now, I can wear a double strand of clear, faceted crystals from Target and, without fail, someone will ask me if it's vintage.

Still, there's something special about finding a truly great, finely-crafted vintage piece. It has a story, and for all practical purposes, it's one-of-a-kind. The accessories aficionados at... Read more »

Posted on Monday, July 14, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 7, 2008

Growing Pains

A friend once told me not to get bangs because they're such a pain to grow out. I did it anyway, ala Reese Witherspoon, and afterward thought: Why would I ever want to grow these out?!? They gave my long, straight locks a "style," and emphasized my brown eyes instead of my high forehead. wo years after later and lo—I am trying to grow them out. Read more »

Posted on Monday, July 7, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 30, 2008

Made in Minnesota

On Friday I had the pleasure of sharing three interesting and ingenious products with Twin Cities Live viewers. The best part? They're all made in Minnesota. Watch the segment here, then support these local entrepreneurs by purchasing their creations at the following local retailers: Read more »

Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 26, 2008

Now that's what I call a sale!

For me to be blogging about a sale, you must know that I am not messing around. I take sales very seriously. Don't give me a coupon if it's loaded with exclusions (ahem, Macy's), and don't try to lure me in with 20 percent off of your worst-selling items. I'd rather pay full price for something I really, really want, then spend hours hunting and pecking through loads of stuff, hoping to find a single gem. The sale I present you with today is not so much a sale as it is a mother lode. Read more »

Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 23, 2008

Good Old Navy

Every summer, about the time it starts to really heat up, I make my annual pilgrimage to Old Navy. It's annual because I want 80 percent of my wardrobe to be with me for several years, if not longer. These staples have to be well-made and classically-styled if they're going to go the distance. Clothes from Old Navy, H&M, Forever 21, and even the Gap don't usually fit the bill. They tend to stretch out after one wear, and shrink, fade, or pill after one wash. However, when I start craving a sundress, or a beach cover-up, I know I'll find them at Old Navy in fun prints and prices so low that I can justify wearing them for only one season. This year did not disappoint. I now have in my possession:

This breezy, empire waist... Read more »

Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 19, 2008

Traveling Beauties

In my world, summer means travel—and travel means packing. I've spent years perfecting my long-weekend wardrobe, my Europe wardrobe, my cabin wardrobe. Sadly, there's always one thing missing (a jacket, for the one day out of the year that it rains in Scottsdale), and one thing too many (shoes, always the shoes!). When it comes to my DOP kit, however, I am an old pro. Read more »

Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 16, 2008

Almost Famous: Nelle Handbags

I never met a clutch I didn't like. Small or oversized, lizard or silk, envelope or clasped, they are all an easy, lady-like way to take any outfit from day to night. Long before the current clutch craze, I had a love affair with any hand-held bag that could tote my lipstick, keys, cell phone, and credit card, while still looking pretty.

One of my favorite clutch designers just happens to be Minneapolis girl Laura Nelli. She's also a friend, and one of the humblest people I know. I say this because gush and drool over her Nelle Handbags though I may, Laura cannot be convinced that she is the talented and insightful artist that I think she is. Considering my said clutch affinity, I do believe I am qualified. This week,... Read more »

Posted on Monday, June 16, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 13, 2008

Make Dad's Day

Still looking for the perfect father's day gift? It's not surprising. Dad's are so special, it's hard to imagine a gift that says it all. I gave up long ago (and when my dad starting asking for an Airstream) and decided that as long as it was thoughtful and personal, I had done my daughterly duty. Ties were out, bottles of single malt scotch were in!

Every dad is different, so we rounded up a selection of gifts to suit them all in the June issue of the mag. Lucky for you, gift-giver, they're are all stylish to boot. Here are a few other suggestions for the dad in you life, no matter what his M.O.

The... Read more »

June 9, 2008

A Smarter Candle

I've seen them around, these fake candles, at the Red Stag Supper Club, and while I was getting a massage down the street at Spot. It seemed odd, a candle that looked like a candle but wasn't. A flame that flickered without an actual flame. I thought, why aren't these places using real candles? It seemed cheap, and a little kitschy. Read more »

Posted on Monday, June 9, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 2, 2008

As Seen on TV

Last week I stopped by Twin Cities Live to share a few of my favorite style solutions. You can watch the segment here, or keep reading for a preview. These three ingenious tools make me wonder: Why I didn't think of that?!? Read more »

Posted on Monday, June 2, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (1)