Minnesota Brands We Love {A continuing series}

When you think about the fashion capitols of the world, rarely (if ever) does Minnesota come to mind.  However, over the past 23 years we've rounded up our very favorite, very stylish, Minnesota brands.  We think it's so important to support our local businesses, so we will be updating the list as we discover more local goodies!

1. First on our list, Thymes, the deliciously sweet smelling fragrance brand.  We are head-over-heels for this shop, especially their hand soaps, a small luxury that goes a long way in making your day just a bit brighter.  Their lotions and room perfumes are perfect for housewarming gifts. And they are especially great as gifts during the holiday season when they come out with scents like pine needles, yum! If you haven't already, you must check them out immediately, they have a great site for ordering too!

2. Next on the list, Spring Finn and Co. a gorgeous collection of leather handbags and accessories.  We cannot get enough of their red collection!  Also, currently craving the leather sunglasses case! How perfect for Summer!  Their craftsmanship is unparalleled, and will most definitely stand up to everyday wear-and-tear, I personally think they look better with time!  I use my small pouch to hold jewelry when I travel, but my ideas for it are endless! 

 3. If you've ever been to Minnesota in the Winter (or even Spring, yikes April enough snow already) you know how bitterly cold it gets.  Therefore, you know how necessary it is for us to have a company like Faribault Woolen Mill Co.!  It was only recently reopened, and we couldn't be happier!  Their blankets are not only perfect for cozying up with in the snowy cold but they're also perfect for throwing down in the Summer for a picnic in the grass!  We also love their iPad sleeves, it protects it enough that I don't have to worry about anything getting scratched or bumped when traveling.  And did we mention they teamed up with another Minnesota classic, Duluth Pack to create some truly darling handbags?! It doesn't get better, people.  

What other great local brands do you love?  We love to support our local shops!

The Patterned Blazer

One great way to add some pattern to your wardrobe is to look for classic shapes with great color.  That's why we fell in love with this great flower blazer from Nordstrom!  Not only is it a great color for Spring but the fabric is a lot lighter than most blazers making it great for warmer weather!  I paired the look with toned down neutrals to keep the outfit from feeling too busy!

I decided to throw on some pink lipstick to bring this outfit from day to night.  With such short hair I just used a bobby pin to twist a piece of my hair back for a sleeker look.

These Loft sunglasses are the perfect shape, and don't break the bank! I'm definitely guilty of indulging in expensive eyewear but these are such good quality and are at a much more reasonable price point!  I can't put together an outfit without a little animal print, and these leopard sandals are toned down enough not to clash with the outfit, but definitely gives it an unexpected, fun, pop! I also grabbed a colorful clutch to complete the outfit.

(Nordstrom Jacket, J. Crew Tee, 7 Jeans, Target Sandals, Patina Clutch, Ann Taylor Loft Sunglasses)

Maxi Magic

When it comes to summer I live in a maxi at the beach. I find myself adding a maxi to my collection each year. From solids to patterns it's hard to go wrong and each maxi gives you a different attitude. Maxis are perfect for boat rides or the occasional gust of wind. In the winter placing a more boxy shorter sweater over can transform it into a maxi skirt, pair with booties and your ready for a winter's day.

(Forever 21 Maxi and Vest, Ann Taylor Necklace, Longchamp Bag)

Jewelry is the one thing that can make any outfit into anything you want it to be. Putting a chunky gold chain pendant with a simple dress can make it go from day to night.

Dressing up you maxi with a vest or cardigan can also take it from beach to dinner. Not only do summer nights get chilly but it will add a layer of interest to your outfit.

Never think you are too short for a maxi. It can elongate you and make you seem taller then you are. You can always hem a longer skirt or wear heels and no one will every know you are really 4 inches shorter!

Tangerine Dreams

Throughout the past year I have been trying to find unique bottoms to add to my wardrobe. You see many bloggers today with an endless budget of designer clothes and you ask yourself, how do they afford all of this? The trendy patterned bottoms can be very wild and adventurous but you can't help but thinking you can't wear them very often because everyone will notice when you repeat. I frequently find myself having to say no to outrageous bottoms simply because of practicality. When is it right to say yes to those wild once in a while wears?

(Elodie Top, Ann Taylor Loft Shorts, Target Shoes, J. Crew, The Limited, and Patina Bangles, Michael Kors Watch)

Before going on vacation this year I found these floral patterned shorts at Ann Taylor. If there is one upside to working at the Mall of America it is finding great sales. Since starting at the mall I have challenged myself to never pay full price for anything (and I do pretty darn well)!! These shorts and the hot pink jeweled bracelet I got for 45% off! It's these sales that make splurging on something bold worth while. The keys to finding sales at your favorite places are shop often and shop during the week. Traffic is less during the week so store host sales to draw customers. If you walk into a store and fall in love with a full-price necklace, I come back in a week and then the week after until I catch a sale. Sales usually change weekly; tops one week, bottoms the next and so on.

The great thing about these shorts is there are so many colors in the print that you can make them look totally different by changing your top to a different color. From a white tee to a lilac blouse each time you wear them you can draw attention in many different ways!

The key to surveying sales is deciding what the item you're looking at is worth. If you think it's something that will sell out and you love it buy it while you can. Invest in classic pieces and add trendy pairings through sales! 

Where do you find the best bargains?

Florida Florals

Florals and bright colors scream summer, add the two together and you have a perfect vacation outfit. While in Florida a few weeks back I sported this look to a seafood restaurant with jeans and gold sandals, due to a chilly night. This blouse caught my eye at one of my weekly trips to Target and I knew it would go great next to a palm tree.  I love all the different colors!  The more colors you can pair with an item the more you can wear them! 

(Jcrew Sweater (on sale!), Target Blouse, Target Shorts, Ann Taylor Loft Sunnies, Forever 21 Ring, Havaiana Sandals)

To take this look from day-to-night throw on a pair of jeans and a colored, or nude heel. You can also add a brighter sweater or blazer, depending on your shoe color choice. If you choose bright outerwear go with a nude colored shoe, so the two aren't over powering each other. I added fuchsia lipstick during the night to pop my neutrals!

Where are your favorite vacation spots?

'Stache Bash

I have always been a party planner and birthdays are no exception. The past few years I have put a lot of thought into the themes of my birthday parties. It's a chance for me to get creative and show my friends a great time. Past birthday parties have included decades and gold(en birthday) themes. This year I have had a strange gravitation to all things mustache, so for my birthday I ran with it. I hosted a pink and gold themed 'Stache Bash to bring in the big 2-3!

After deciding on a mustache theme, I had to come up with a color palette. I ultimately went with pink because I had these ombre pink poms from a baby shower my mom and I hosted. I wanted to use them again in a different way. I hung them over the wet bar and a picnic table we set up for cards. The inspiration for the gold came from Pintrest.  I found these gold dipped white feathers someone had pinned and I had always wanted to make them but never had a reason. I decided to use them as a center piece on the table and create some sparkle (they are now displayed in vases throughout my bedroom!). 

To add to the theme I incorporated mustaches everywhere throughout the space. I framed pink and mustache scrapbooking paper on the mantle, displayed mustache confetti on the tables, framed funny mustache quotes and sayings on the picture wall and on end tables.  Even the deer sported different types of 'staches! By the end of the night we were all wearing our own 'staches and everyone was in theme.

For the food and drink portion of the evening I went with my favorite classic appetizers and champagne: triscut pizzas, weenies and wrap, chips and salsa, swedish bbq meat balls and a blood orange champagne punch! I served the punch in ball jars with pink striped paper straws and homemade gold tinsel swizzle sticks. Instead of cake, I did white cupcakes with white frosting and gold flake sprinkles. I also made milk and dark chocolate mustache lollipops for some added entertainment! 

When it comes to a birthday party you have to stay true to you, after all it is your day!  The people you invite know who you are and what you are about; they have more fun knowing it's you behind it all and that you had fun creating the night for them.

Cheers!

Persimmon Pairings

I know persimmon was last year's pantone color of the year but I am still loving it. It looks great on most people, hair colors and an after vacation tan! Here are a few ways to pair your persimmon for a fresh look this spring:

Day:

(Dress: Topshop, Necklace: J.Crew, Sandals: Mulberry)

Night:

(Peplum: Matches, Necklace: J.Crew, Leggings: Zara)

Lounge:

(Swimming Suit: Asos, Bag: Express, Bracelet: Swell)

What's your favorite persimmon pairing?