Copying is a Compliment

Did you watch the Opening Ceremony on Friday night? What did you think about Team USA's Ralph Lauren duds? I thought they looked great! The gloves are definitely a statement piece and made the look. A friend and reader (thanks ML) sent me a link to this article that calls out the similarity of the RL glove design to these gloves by Astis Mittens. 

After reading the article, it's pretty clear that RL did take "inspiration" from Astis, but I like that they found the positive and are celebrating that it has drawn more attention to this type of glove and to their brand. If you've never seen their beautiful work before, here are a few of my favorites.

They really are a piece of art.

So Many Choices

I'm on the hunt for a new chambray shirt to add to my collection. My +1 bought me one from Land's End Canvas a few years ago, but somehow it ended up with a permanent stain on it. While the spot is not large, it's still noticeable, so I feel like it's time for another one. 

Here are some of the shirts I am considering. 

 Gap $49.95

Lands End $59 

Anthropologie $88

J Crew $78

Ralph Lauren $79.50

So many choices. Do you have a favorite chambray shirt?

Say it With Me

Have you been watching the Olympics? We've been glued to the TV in our house. Of course my favorite events are alpine and XC skiing, but I also enjoy the ski jumping, speed skating and many of the other events.  To get in the Olympic spirit, I've been wearing my Nike hat from the Vancouver Olympics.

And the Mini Fashionista and I have been practicing our USA cheers!

As you know, the Ralph Lauren Opening ceremony uniform was certainly controversial. Many thought it was worthy of an ugly sweater party, and as you read in our post, I myself quite liked it. Different strokes for different folks.

Good news, if the sweater isn't your style or if it's out of our price range, there is plenty of other Olympic gear for you to show your spirit during the coming weeks.

The majority of the Ralph Lauren Olympic Collection is sold out, including the controversial sweater, but Nike has a number of great pieces I would be happy to wear to support my country and its amazing athletes.

Say it with me, "USA, USA, USA!"

Nike USOC Wool Cape 

Nike Tech Fleece Full Zip 

Nike USOC T-shirt 

Futura Leg-a-see Legging

 

NIKE AEROLOFT 800 SUMMIT WOMEN'S JACKET

I especially love this one! 

Nike USOC Wool Funnel Hoodie 

In the Olympic Spirit

With the Opening Ceremony for the 2014 Winter Olympics just days away, I thought I would share a great story about how the Ralph Lauren Opening Ceremony Sweater came to be.

This story starts right here in Oregon, on the Imperial Stock Ranch, which has been raising sheep and cattle for over one hundred forty years. In 1999 they began selling the ranch’s raw wool by creating and selling premium wool yarns. As a spin off of the historic Imperial Stock Ranch, Imperial Yarn was born.  Once a year the luxurious wool is harvested, custom milled, and sold across the country and beyond.

In July of 2012, Ranch owner Jeanne Carver received a call from someone in product development at Ralph Lauren. Soon after, designers from Ralph Lauren came to visit Imperial Ranch, touring the facilities, historic buildings and landscape. After a few sample orders, they eventually placed a production order for a "special project", and eventually Jeanne learned that the yarn would be used for the sweaters being made for Team USA and the Olympic Opening Ceremony. 

And that is the abridged version of how this sweater came to be (read the full story here). This sweater is sourced, designed and manufactured all in the United States of America. 

Some have criticized it for being similar to an "Ugly Christmas Sweater". I, however, think it is fantastic. This is meant to be a showpiece, a costume of sorts. Having attended the Opening Ceremony at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, I can tell you that what the athletes wear NEEDS to stand out, not only for TV but also for the live audience. 

So here it is, in all its American glory! 

images from 

So let the games begin!

Christmas at Consign Design

No trip to Sun Valley is complete without a visit to Consign Design, and my Christmas from Consign Design was nothing short of amazing!

First let me lament about the shoes that I left behind…these black suede booties with braided leather trim were fantastic…but a 1/2 size too big. Such a bummer!

I scored this fantastic Ralph Lauren sweater for only $50! I've already worn it a handful of times. Totally LOVE!

This Elie Tahari Sateen Coat had to go home with me! The gigantic collar and gathered hemline were just too much to pass up. The pictures do it no justice!

And last but not least, this arrived under the Christmas tree. Apparently Santa shops at Consign Design too (a.k.a my amazing mom). Pinch me! 

All American

Besides Ralph Lauren, one of the most iconic American designers is Tommy Hilfiger. The collections are classic, preppy and for the most part, timeless. So, today to celebrate our country's independence, I have put together a collection of "All American" pieces from the "All American" Tommy Hilfiger. 

All of these pieces would be very worthy of wear on independence day! 

Rugby Stripe Boatneck Sweater $84.99

Crisscross Wedge $69

Bold Multistripe Soft Shell $34

Multi Stripe Skirt $79.99

Heritage Stripe Blazer $148

Tie Neck Blouse $49.99

Vintage Seeing Stars Tee $42

Happy 4th of July! 

Hello My Name is...

Hello, my name is Regan, and I am a self-proclaimed eBay addict. The addiction started many years ago, but has become more of a problem in the past few months as I've started selling some of the Mini Fashionista's clothes. My earnings then become a "slush fund" to buy more for the Mini and for myself.

Check out some of my recent purchases! I share the prices only to show you what great deals you can get if you are willing to take the time to search through all the products!

An adorable Crewcuts dress and shorts for the Mini, only $12.50!

This little Baby Gap tunic for $7.50

A fantastic (and comfy) Ralph Lauren Rugby "sweatshirt cardigan" ($40)! I am living in this...

And a Ralph Lauren cowel neck sweater

As always, there are a few things I have my eyes on...like these boots!

Are any of you eBay shoppers?

What I Wore Over The Weekend

We had a busy weekend...hosting company for dinner Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. It was a weekend full of good food, drink and friends. I taught 3 barre3 classes, so luckily I was able to work off at least some of the calories I consumed. 

Another important part of my weekend included this fantastic Merona Eireen Wedge I purchased at Target for  $24.99. They are so comfortable and so cute! No wonder they are sold out online. I am in LOVE. Seriously. I want to wear these shoes with everything. 

I had my first opportunity to wear them to a baby shower on Saturday afternoon. I paired them with a red Beth Bowley skirt (purchased on Gilt a few years ago), a no-name, navy cotton blouse from TJ Maxx and my Oliphant Design turquoise necklace. Unfortunately, I didn't get a better photo. I look a bit disheveled and needed to re-tie my bow...but you get the idea.

Yesterday it was cool and gloomy in Portland. We ventured downtown to run a few errands, so I decided to get out of my Nike Legend pants and dress appropriately for "the city".  Here I am wearing my new Ralph Lauren striped sweater from Consign Design, J Brand jeans, Cole Haan flats with Nike Air and a Banana Republic Trench coat.

What do you wear on the weekends?

My First Chanel

A number of years ago Katie was gifted a beautiful red Chanel coat from a friend who passed away.  Truth be told, I have been jealous ever since. Well, no more jealousy as I have acquired my first piece of Chanel! It's not a 2.55, but it's still pretty fabulous.

Now for the back story...as I shared earlier this week, my friend's store Consign Design in Sun Valley is a label lover's paradise. It is always one of my first stops upon arriving home. And, just as luck served me well on previous visits, the fashion gods were on my side. Behold my new Chanel dress!

Excuse the scary looking "flash eyes" and the ugly backgrounds. Posting self portraits is not my strong suit.

This dress had been waiting for someone, just the right size, to give it a second home for the amazing price of $175! I even tried it with my thin nude patent belt which looked really cute. The print is fun and vibrant yet the silhouette is classic and timeless. I can't wait to pass this on to the Mini Fashionista someday!

I also picked up a few other fabulous items. This cute coral colored dress also looks great with a nude patent belt and shoes or with simple gold flat sandals.

Both of these items were new with the tags. The sweater is Ralph Lauren and the shorts Tory Burch. This ensemble totaled $75...such a deal considering the shorts retail for $195!

Stay tuned for my return trip in August. I am sure there will be more treasures awaiting my arrival!