Vintage Find

With vintage, what's old is new again. Vintage jewelry has become something of its own trend and fashion statement. Celebs have long boasted of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces on the red carpet and now that posh, glamorous style is popping up all over the Twin Cities.

Some of the best vintage shops have been offering these classic looks for years--celebrating decades of retro styling and alluring outfits.

While it seems each store has its own unique twist or specialty, I've listed a store that's worth checking out for clothing, furniture, and jewelry.

Hunt and Gather is located at 4944 Xerxes Ave South in Minneapolis. This is "a unique antique style shop that offers 25 stylized booths jam-packed with only the good stuff. No reproductions or stale junk. We will work hard to fill to overflowing with eclectic, unusual antique merchandise."

As my girlfriends and I were walking around I was immediately stopped by the sparkling jewelry. Truly one-of-a-kind pieces....beautiful! My Great Grandma passed away in 2008 and I was given some of her very old costume jewelry. My favorite pieces were a pair of earrings and matching necklace that I later found out to be my Great-great-great-great Grandma's  jewelry. While looking at the antique pieces at Hunt and Gather I found a bracelet that is an exact match to my favorite pieces I had inherited!

Earring, bracelet, and necklace
 

Side view

Love how it sparkles in the light

Prior to this weekend I had never been in an antique store....give it a try! You never know what you may find!

Alison

Bring on Spring Color!

When it comes to May/June fashion statements, I find vibrant inspiration in the colors of spring that are all around. Try a bright silky top for an easy pop of color. Capture the joy of sunny days in a one shoulder dress in yellow. Look for refreshing lime greens inspired by a ginger lime cooler, my favorite spring drink! And for beautifully refreshed skin, a soothing moisturizer enriched with Aloe Vera. It will leave skin soft, scented and ready to face the day.

This season, bold colors define spring wardrobes.

Kate Spade Wedge, Nordstrom's; Wanderlust Wrap, Stella & Dot

Even though it isn't sunny outside these bright colors will light up any room and make it feel like a warm spring day!

Alison

 

 

 

Floral Fashion

Floral clothing is so girly and fun, and it goes with absolutely every color! These tops have been high on my wish list this spring - which one do you like?

1. Ann Taylor
2. Francesca's
3. Forever 21
4. Madewell
5. Xhilaration for Target
6. The Blue Door Boutique

Wedding Season has Arrived!

Part Three of Three

Three outfits for every type of wedding

Yes! It's wedding season! Have you decided what you are going to wear to the next wedding you are going to?

I don't know about you, but I look at weddings as joyous opportunities to dine, dance, celebrate and show off some impressive style. Don't get me wrong--nobody's trying to steal the spotlight from the lady in white, but a girl's got hold her own!

I have put together three killer outfits perfect for this season's happiest fetes. Whether you have RSVP'd to a casual afternoon affair or an over-the-top soiree, these carefully crafted ensembles will definitely put you on the best dressed guest list (bridesmaids totally vote on that sort of thing). Now that is something we can all toast to!

Black Tie-Keep it classy with a chic floor-length dress and luxe shawl, but don't forget to add a sexy, strappy shoe and a cheeky wink.

Calvin Klein Halter Dress
www.vonmaur.com
 

Caparros Dalton

www.vonmaur.com

 Earrings from Target

 

 

 

 

Afternoon Garden Party- Outdoor weddings require practicality as much as they do style. Pair a punchy-printed dress with grass-friendly wedges (most important piece), elegant shades, and an eye-popping clutch, and you will be just as comfortable as you are chic.

Jack by BB Dakota, Urban Outfitters

 

 

 

Dolunch by Stuart Weitzman

www.simplysoles.com

 

Classic Cocktail- Equal parts pretty and party girl, this combo is all about balance: a red-hot dress with a feminine silhouette and pretty sheer details, a classic pump with a racy leopard print, and pretty floral jewels in an unexpected color. Play both sides!

Kate Young for Target

Earrings from Target

 

This is the end of my three part series for the Wedding Season! Hopefully you found these posts helpful and I look forward to hearing from you and what inspiration you took away to create your own outfit for a wedding!

Alison

My New Accessories!

I recently went to my first Stella and Dot party and I have to say they have some of the cutest, trendiest, and most fun jewelry. Since I have received my order I have worn my new bracelets and necklace everyday! I love the idea of stackable bracelets and how great they look with just about every outfit. At the next Stella and Dot party I attend I know I will be adding to my bracelet collection.

Wanderlust Triple Wrap, $59
www.stellaanddot.com

Gilded Arrow Bangle, $39
www.stellaanddot.com

Snake Orb Pendant, $79
www.stellaanddot.com

Wedding Season has Arrived

Part Two of Three

One Dress, Two Ways

I was a guest tat two different weddings one weekend after the other....being a girl on a budget I needed my dress to look totally different. How do I make one dress work? Easy...it's all in the accessories! Keep in mind the Minnesota Spring has been different.....the first weekend in May there was 14 inches of snow on the ground and second weekend in May was sunny and 60 degrees!

The first May wedding I wore my cobalt blue dress with black tights and a black blazer

The second May wedding I let my accessories do the talking! I found black and gold bangles from Kohl's, a black and gold necklace from Francesca's, and crazy high heels on clearance from Nine West!

My favorite accessory was my spray tan done by Ann at Instant Sun. It was done on a Wednesday and I had a beautiful tan for the second wedding. I also loved the fact that the spray did not smell and dried very fast! Check out her website and make an appointment: http://www.instant-sun.com/index.html

Alison

Wedding Season has Arrived!

Part 1 of 3

Struggling to know what to wear to a wedding?

Be-hold: the ultimate waist-whittling, leg lengthening, tush minimizing super guide for dressing your body to look its very best.

The Challenge: Tummy
Dresses that Flatter: Shifts, styles with gathers or draping around the stomach; wrap dresses

Iconic Diane Von Furstenburg Wrap Dress

Skirts that Flatter: High-waisted styles; A-lines; wide, flat waistbands free of details
Tops that Flatter: Nipped-in jackets; shaped tunics; wrap tops; draped open cardigans; longer tops that are ruched or gathered.

The Challenge: Straight Figure
Dresses that Flatter: Defined waistlines; peplums; shifts with darts at the bust; strapless necklines; trumpet shapes; wrap dresses.

Strapless Peplum Dress from Francesca's
www.francescas.com

Skirts that Flatter: Full or pleated styles; high-waisted pencil skirts; midis (calf length) and maxis; tulip skirts
Tops that Flatter: Neckline embellishments; V-necks; halters; fitted or peplum jackets; shaped tops

The Challenge: Full Hips and Thighs
Dresses that Flatter: A-lines; shift dresses with wide necklines; 1950's-inspired fir-and-flare styles; wrap dresses.

                                                    1950's Inspired Dress from Bettie Page
                                                          www.bettiepageclothing.com


Skirts that Flatter: Straight skirts; structured A-lines; trumpet shapes; inverted-pleat skirts.
Tops that Flatter: Cropped jackets; A-line coats; hip-length shirts that accentuate the waist; boatnecks; strong shoulder lines.

The Challenge: Large Bust
Dresses that Flatter: Shifts; sheaths; drop-waist dresses; open necklines; wrap dresses (yes, again!).

                                                          Calvin Klein Sheath Dress

Skirts that Flatter: Pencil skirts; A-lines with a defined waistline; waistbands that sit low on the hips.
Tops that Flatter: V-necks; scoop necks; square necks; long, tailored, or fitted tops and jackets.

Hopefully these were some helpful hints when looking for appropriate wedding attire. Next week I'll be posting One Dress, Two Minnesotan Weddings (snow to sunshine)! When you are on a budget and can't afford to buy a new dress for every single wedding or occasion I'll show you some simple ways to make the same dress look completely different!

Alison