Spoils of Wear

Bright and Happy

2012-02-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

Earrings, Scarf, Tunic: Hot Mama
Pants: TJ Maxx
Shoes: Payless
Bracelets: Mexico

Maybe my next remix challenge should be with red skinnies. I bought this cheap pair from TJMaxx for $20 a while back, but they weren't holding up well at all. Seams were fraying and I had to wash them after every wear to retain shape. THEN Hot Mama received James Twiggy's in the most amazing orangey-red color. I put them on and they felt like buttah...

I think we'll be very bright and happy together.

Organic Cotton

2012-02-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

Earrings & Dress: Hot Mama
Boots: DSW

Aw man...my massive hand is covering up Oli's cute sweater, size XXS. He won't be able to wear it for long, but everything is better in tiny, so I don't care.

I had forgotten what heels feel like. Since I'm on my feet 8 hours a day now, I've become picky about footwear comfort as opposed to fashion. Thankfully, it's not entirely impossible to have both, only slightly more challenging.

Prairie Underground continues to make me swoon. Months after I challenged myself to remix the cloak hoodie, I'm still wearing it about every other day. I thought a dressier style would fit well in the comfy-chic wardrobe I'm trying to build. I make trips to Clothes Mentor and Everyday People on a regular basis, trading in my corporate casual (+ some vintage) attire in order to afford this 'organic cotton' way of life. It's sick, really.

Meet Oliver

2012-02-20T08:03:00.002-06:00

Scarf: Hot Mama
Shirt: Forever21, gifted (thanks, E!)

He's a beautiful, apricot Pug. He's food motivated, so easily trained. 9 weeks old today and he already responds to several commands. He's pure sweetness and always wants to be with people. He sleeps in hilarious positions, is threatened by his own tail, and has overcome his fear of the stairs.

Steve and I still miss Miles terribly, but this little guy has restored our joy. You'll be seeing him more in upcoming outfit photos as my tiny accessory.

Interest

2012-02-08T18:45:00.000-06:00

Earrings, Necklace, Sweater, Shirt, Shoes: Hot Mama
Skirt: American Eagle, Thrifted
Tights: Target

It would interest me to know exactly what percentage of my wardrobe is striped. Anything less than 50% is unacceptable.

I have a 7 week old, wrinkle-faced fur ball to introduce to you soon. :)

Are YOU My Baby?

2012-01-31T07:17:00.000-06:00

Back from a long, wonderful vacation.

First thing we did upon arrival home was pick out a puppy.

Our house just isn't a home without a Pug to share it with.

He'll be ready to come live with us soon - CAN'T WAIT!

Hot Mama Style Challenge - VOTE!

2012-01-14T18:40:00.000-06:00

It's time for another VOTE! The stylists (and inventory specialist) at Hot Mama in Woodbury were challenged to creatively revamp winter merchandise. And YOU, my stylish readers, will determine who will win by voting for your favorite look. The stylist with the most votes on Spoils of Wear and likes, comments, or re-pins on Heidi's pintrest wins a $20 gift card to Hot Mama. The winner will be announced when I return from vacation on the 30th.

Styled by Suzi

Suzi Says, "I love to style this top backwards with a long sleeve Niki Biki underneath....the color popping out at the bottom of the arm is fun and I think the cinched waist is always flattering. Styled with a pair of skinny jeans and boots makes this outfit really versatile..wear it shopping, out for lunch with friends or to happy hour with your husband. A chunky necklace is the perfect finish."

Shannon (inventory specialist), styled by Suzi (stylist)
Nikibiki Long Sleeve Scoop Layering Top
Joes Jeans Skinny
Thirty-Nine 42 Circle of Life necklace
Ya Abstract Line Cinched Top, worn backwards
GoMax Riding Boot

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Styled by Shannon

It was fun to watch Suzi style Shannon and vice versa because their body types are so different. This bronze tank looked exotic on Suzi's tan skin and dark hair. It fit her athletic-petite frame perfectly. The look was made earthy-chic with a neutral color palette and wood accessories.

Suzi (stylist), styled by Shannon (inventory specialist)
Paige Bootcut Jeans
Kensie Tweeded Stripe Cardi
Laquette Butter Foil Tank
GoMax Suede Lace-up Wedge

Grayson Multi-size Beaded Bracelets

Posh and Ginger Chain, Wood, and Bead Necklace

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Styled by Marta

Heather (customer), styled by Marta (stylist)

Fuschia Purple and Grey Nikibiki Tanks

Charlotte Tarantola Botanica Ruffle Front Cardi

AG Stilt Cigarette Jeans

Multi-chain Earrings

Grayson Multi-layered Faux Pearl Necklace

Metallic Snake Skin Clutch

Chinese Laundry Night Owl Boots

Marta says, "I love the long flowing ruffle that runs down the middle of the Charlotte Tarantola botanica ruffle cardigan, as it is flattering to many different shapes. It can be buttoned or left open, but here I chose to button it to show off the full ruffle detail. The pink floral print was great with her complexion and her cute bob hairstyle and slender neck were highlighted with the thick layered pearls. The clutch is versatile enough for running errands around town and the metallic snake skin print gives it a trendy look perfect for a date night too! The Stilt Cigarette jeans from AG looked great on her legs, and though you can't see it from the picture, were fabulous from behind too!"

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Styled by Teneille

"Mom" styled by Teneille (stylist)

Grayson Multi-layered Faux Pearl Necklace

Karma Scarf

GC Lined Wedge Boot

Aryn K Tweed Open Blazer

LA Made Tunic Tee

Teneille came into the store off-shift with her adorable 'hot mama'. Style time! Teneille had a hard time with the fact that this coat didn't have a closure. But she worked her style magic, wrapping it up with a scarf and viola! a super classy, brilliantly layered ensemble. The shearling lined booties and slim jeans make it trendy and fun.

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Pick your FAVE:

Hello, Outfit.

2012-01-12T20:02:00.002-06:00

Scarf, Belt, Dress: Color Me Red, Leggings, Boots

Baby steppin' back to occasional outfit posts. While watching What About Bob?.

Not even kidding.

Pugs and Promises

2012-01-11T19:30:00.000-06:00

One week today since we said goodbye to our love pug. Steve and I have gone through several stages of grief - sadness, anger, regret, blame...now we're just sort of empty and depressed. It helps to be out and busy. We have the most amazing friends who have supplied us with prayer, love, support, and wine.

As I reflect on the effect Miles had on our lives, I know that every moment and penny spent was well worth it. He taught us about uninhibited joy, unconditional love, selflessness, and appreciation for food (!). We now know how to raise and train an amazing dog...though he sure made it easy.

I'm so glad Miles was able to spend Christmas with us in our new home. He was so cute sitting by the Christmas tree, waiting for company to arrive, we couldn't resist the photo-op. The red turtleneck slays me.

We met with a Pug breeder the other day and got to play with newborn pups. We'll hopefully ~~pick one out~~ be picked out by one of them in few weeks when they're ready to leave their mama. I'm so excited, I can hardly wait. Our home just doesn't feel right with a wrinkled furbaby.

Oh...so this is supposed to be a style blog. Some of that comin' up later this week. Pinky promise.

Life and Loss

2012-01-05T21:41:00.002-06:00

Oh boy. So much has happened in the past few days and weeks. Steve and I moved into our new house. We LOVE it. It feels more and more like "home" every day. I misplaced the USB cords in the move, so though I do have some pictures to share, they will have to wait. This post, unfortunately, could not wait.

Horrible news. We had to say goodbye to our sweet Miles on Wednesday morning. His health took a bad turn and we ran out of treatment options and funds. I cannot recall a more devastating event in my life. Being that he was only 1 1/2 years old, we continued to hold out hope for his eventual recovery and remission from IMPA (Immune Mediated Poly-Arthritis). To recount all that his little body had been through to this point would take forever. His life was short, but so full of love and purpose. The pain of his loss is so fresh, it's hard to imagine ever getting over it, though I know we will with time.

We leave for a 2 week Disney vacation on the 15th. We're looking forward to some advanced healing and rest only The Happiest Place on Earth could provide as well as a fresh start to our unplanned future without Miles.

I can't have my baby Pug back. So the next best thing is getting another one, right? Hold me back, Stevie, hold me back.

Living News

2011-12-11T22:07:00.001-06:00

Hat: H&M Sweden(gift from Hubby)
Turtleneck: H&M
Cape: Loft
Jeans: Target
Boots: DSW
Earrings: Hot Mama

Shame on me. Leaving you hanging like that for so many weeks. I just checked my gmail and there are few hundred unopened emails. Yeah...sooooo not going to tackle that right now. Here's what's been going on in my life and brain lately:

1. I live and breath Hot Mama (no complaints).
2. Steve and I bought a house. We close on Friday. We're nervous/excited. We're packing. The amount of crap is insane.
3. My BFF is preggo with twins (E, I miss you. Please stop puking long enough for us to hang out soon. Tell the babies I love them. Thanks.)
4. Miles still has good days and bad days. He's on an all raw diet now. He loves it. We love that he loves it.
5. I have discovered the awesomeness that is Clothes Mentor and intend on trading clothes for cash as a means of buying more clothes...mostly at Hot Mama.
6. 35 days until a 2 week Disney vacation! Mentally and emotionally, I'm already packed and ready to go.
7. I made my first purchase at LOFT. Strange, I know. The cape you see here was $13, marked down from $114. My knack for finding a bargain has not been lost.
8. I have decided that I cannot keep up with short hair and am contemplating other styles as I grow it out a bit. The in-between phase is pretty gross.
9. I have great aspirations of re-focusing/re-prioritizing the ol' blog. I want it to become an extension of what I do at Hot Mama - highlighting the experiences and products that make my job so great...it's just a matter of finding the time.
10. Time for bed.

The Prairie - VOTE!

2011-11-23T17:40:00.001-06:00

One, Two

Three, Four

Five, Six

Seven, Eight

Nine, Ten

The Prairie - TEN!!!

2011-11-23T16:32:00.001-06:00

Dress, Hoodie, Cami: Hot Mama
Necklace: Target
Boots: DSW

Whew! Finally! This series could go on and on forever as I continue to find fun new ways to wear my blaze orange hoodie. I love it SO much and it was absolutely worth the hefty price tag.

Coming soon: Vote for your favorite look!

The Prairie - Nine

2011-11-12T16:30:00.001-06:00

Hat, Hoodie, Jeans, Booties: Hot Mama
T-Shirt: GrandWazoo
Necklace: Funky Gladys via Girly Muse

Miles' shirt: PattyC2008

GREAT day. I had so much fun shopping with my friend Carrie (hi, Carrie!). We didn't buy a thing. Usually that would put me in foul mood, but not today. Today, I was proud of us. It helped that we shopped the very upscale intersection of 50th & France in Edina, MN and couldn't have afforded most of it if we wanted to. Perhaps this is a new frugal shopping technique? Good company and no real money to spend. And anyway, I'm supposed to be saving for the perfect swimsuit from Nani Nalu and a piece (or two or three) from Kokoon.

The Prairie - Eight

2011-11-07T19:55:00.000-06:00

Hat, Tee & Hoodie: Hot Mama
Jeggings: Citizens of Humanity via Clothes Mentor
Boots: Mighty Swell
Necklace: Funky Gladys via Girly Muse

The Prairie series continues on. Ten is the goal.

Product Review: Clarisse Dress

2011-11-04T21:40:00.000-05:00

Hello. Jill here. A few weeks ago, I was asked to review a Clarisse prom dress. I'm more than a decade beyond prom and not a formal-loving girl, but it sounded like a fun opportunity to gussy up and take pictures. I chose the Black Homecoming Dress 1309.

Oh, so adorable. But uh-oh, no room for my double D's. So I had to enlist the help of one ~~equally~~ much more fabulous and smaller on top. Everyone, say hello to Keely. (Hello, Keely).

Keely can rock-out ANYTHING, so this dress was hardly a challenge for her. She went big and bright with accessories. Her hot pink and black fascinator is handmade, and I would guess that her massive necklace is a thrift-store treasure. A leather bracelet and patent booties complete the sassy ensemble.

Here is what we loved about the dress: It's timeless and versatile. Formal wear is usually worn once, then stuffed in the back of a closet for years until it is rediscovered and likely donated or sold for no where near the original price. But I can see this dress coming out to play for numerous occasions. It can be dressed up with lots bling and stilettos for the rare formal event, OR it can be dressed down with boots and a graphic tee for girls night out.

We also love the details. The big bow is long enough that it could be tied around the front as opposed to the back. The length is universally flattering. The big ruffle around the top of the dress is absolutely adorable. It came with a halter strap for those of us who stress over strapless (hand raised). And the color...you can't go wrong with classy, flattering black.

What we I didn't love about the dress: Obviously, the fact that I couldn't wear it. I could size up and and up and up, but the boob space would never be enough for moi. But if you're a B-cup or smaller, you'd be very happy with this dress.

Now seriously, could I have found a cuter girl to model? Answer: Nope.

***The Black Homecoming Dress 1309 dress had been provided to us by Promgirl.net. Promgirl.net provides prom dresses, homecoming dresses and dresses for other special occasions.

For the Locals: Wild Ruffle Pop-Up Shop

2011-11-01T09:07:00.001-05:00

Hey Twin Citians, mark your calendars for this Saturday, November 5th. You'll want to head out to Prior Lake for a Wild Ruffle Pop-Up Shop. I'll be there with a few vintage pieces to sell. Get to know other vendors through the fun features on Cate's blog.

Just think...you could get all your holiday shopping done early while supporting local artists while having a ton of fun.

See you there!

The Prairie - Seven

2011-10-30T21:40:00.000-05:00

Hoodie: Hot Mama
Tank: Eddie Bauer
Jeans: Target
Boots: DSW
Jewelry: Gifted

The blaze orange Prairie Underground hoodie was a rare piece for Hot Mama. Only the Woodbury location received them, and not many. Karen was a lucky customer who bought one. She came back in the store one day to get some ideas on what to wear with it. I offered her a few ideas (SO many colors look great paired with blaze orange!). The next day, a message was relayed that Karen had put an item on hold for me at Eddie Bauer (across the street) - something she thought would go with my OUR hoodie.

I hadn't been in an Eddie Bauer in EONS and had no idea what to expect. Holy cuteness! Sure, it's not the trendiest place on earth, but their basics (tees, flannels, etc.) and outerwear are adorable. And I don't know why I had never thought of shopping for Steve there - their clothes are perfect for Disc-Golf.

The very nice salesperson presented me with this green tank, on clearance. Not only does the color look fantastic with the orange, but the ruffle detail peeking out of the zipped hoodie is too darn cute. It had to come home with me. Thanks, Karen, for your thoughtfulness and for re-introducing me to Eddie Bauer!

The Prairie - Six

2011-10-26T19:25:00.000-05:00

Hoodie & Vest: Hot Mama
Earrings: INPINK
Shorts: thrifted
Boots: DSW

Ignore the blur. And that scowl on my face. It in no way reflects my current state of being. On the contrary, I am a very happy, busy girl. As you might have noticed, I still haven't figured out how Ms. Blog fits into my new routine. I go for days without checking email, so if you've sent me anything, please be patient as I filter through what requires a response.

Outfit pictures and post obligations are piling up, but now is not the time to abandon ship. Fun things coming up...in due time.

The Prairie - Five

2011-10-20T21:05:00.000-05:00

Hoodie, Leggings: Hot Mama
Dress: Kenzie via giveaway win
Boots: DSW

Just poppin' in for a quick "hello" and to encourage you to comment on this Wild Ruffle post. Cate is not only raising awareness for one of my favorite charitable organizations, but she is donating $1 for every comment she receives. How great is THAT!

The Pairie - Four

2011-10-14T16:30:00.000-05:00

Hat, Hoodie & Jeans: Hot Mama
Shirt: Gander Mountain Outlet
Boots: Madden Girl
Laptop bag: FuzzyNation via Macy's
Necklace: Gift from dad-in-law

I'm pretty crazy about hats. The only thing I find challenging about short hair is finding hats that don't make me look like a boy. The key is to wear lots of mascara and big earrings. I'm not putting that into practice in this photo, but in general...it helps.

Happy Weekending!

Michele 1 Elle

2011-10-12T19:35:00.000-05:00

I love show-stopping accessories. The bolder, the better. And these gorgeous pieces by Michele 1 Elle are exactly that. I would love to dress up a simple black tee & blazer with the Antique Copper Fringe Necklace (top left). And I could so see myself wearing the Amethyst and Gold Fascinator (bottom right) to the MN Opera, a vintage fashion event, or PROM (10+ years too late).

THIS is how upcycled vintage should be done. Lots of class, without lacking any sass. MmmHmm. You know that's right.

(Thank you Michele for donating a gorgeous headband to the clothes-swap benefiting Dress for Success - and for your attendance. So nice to meet you!)

The Prairie - Three

2011-10-11T17:25:00.000-05:00

Earrings: FMSC Marketplace
Hoodie & Bouse: Hot Mama
Skirt: American Eagle, thrifted
Boots: DSW

This just in: ~~All~~ Most animal print is neutral.

Ok, so maybe this isn't breaking news, but it's pretty important. At least in my world.

The Prairie - Two

2011-10-07T07:23:00.000-05:00

Hoodie, Cardi, Tunic, Leggings: Hot Mama
Boots & Socks: Target
Jewelry: INPINK

Nope, didn't plan this. The hoodie was purchased with no intention of pairing it with this striped, orange tunic. It just happened. Orange has become my new color. A color I always meant to have more of, just never came across it in the right fashion until recently. Good timing, because it sure looks great against the colors of the sweetest Minnesota fall in a hundred years or so...at least that's what the weatherman says.

FRIDAY! Doesn't have quite the same meaning as it used to, but it's still worth celebrating.

Wherefore Art Thou?

2011-10-06T13:50:00.000-05:00

Dress: vintage via Mighty Swell
Boots: DSW

You didn't think I'd given up on my love of vintage, did you? Oh, contrar. I call this my Juliet dress. Though I'm sure it's not from Shakespeare's era. More like the Sonny and Cher era. But whatevs. It's about as polyester as polyester can be, so it had to wait for cooler weather.

Kokoon

2011-10-05T12:55:00.001-05:00

I've been to purse parties and jewelry parties. MaryKay, Arbonne, and Melaleuca parties. Fun and informative, yes. But none of these have truly spoken to my lust for spending because my #1 shopping priority has always been CLOTHING.

Enter KOKOON. A boutique without borders is exactly what it is. A private pop-up shop that will set up a trunk show in your very own living room, with only your specially chosen guests in attendance. I'm excited to go to my first Kokoon boutique next month!

Designs are crafted with a busy, modern woman in mind (that's all of us, right?). I particularly love the use of basics - with the chicness factor taken up several notches. It was no problem selecting my favorite items from their website. Prices are reasonable, but I better start saving if I'm going for a whole outfit (*wink).

(Thank you to Amber at Kokoon for donating 2 $50 gift cards to the clothes-swap benefiting for Dress for Success!)