Sézane

The Mini Fashionista goes to a French school, so it's only fitting that I should start having a greater affinity for all things French. The French brand Sézane is certainly worth of my affection. We walked by the store in Paris, but unfortunately I didn't do any shopping...which was probably for the best. 

I could pretty much wear the entire collection. The silhouettes are classic yet modern. The colors are rich. And the prices are relatively reasonable. 

I want everything in this post....

This jumpsuit is to die for!

This sweater is on my Christmas list. It's a reasobale $125

Navy pinstripe...yes please!

I am in love with this sweater....navy + ruffle= perfection!

One can never have too many animal print shoes.

Forced into Fall

I'm not totally ready for summer to be over - we've had a really mild summer in D.C., making this Idaho girl really happy. But…the other day at work I spilled coffee right down my front. It was bad enough that I couldn't go all day looking like a total idiot. Thankfully we've got a lot of retail by my office and I made a quick trip to J. Crew to find something to put on. Instead of buying any random top, I decided I'd rather find something I really liked. Thankfully it wasn't a scorching hot August day because I walked out with this. It was just the thing to get me excited for Fall attire.

The shirt is party in front, business in the back. I love the mix of knit and shirting fabric. They call it a "mixed media" sweater. I know I'll be getting a ton of wear out of this come fall. It's the perfect transition piece. I'm already planning an outfit with boyfriend jeans and a pair of loafers. It comes in two other colors if this combo isn't your bag. 

I guess spilling coffee all over myself wasn't so bad after all.

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!

New Year's Stitch Fix

Since my last Stitch Fix was a total bust (post here), I decided to give it one more chance.  They so kindly gave me my $20 credit back given the flawed construction of one of my items, so there was no reason not to try it again!

Drum roll please….here is what I received.

The first was this Diamond Knit Cotton Sweater. The color was sort of "blah" and the cut-outs on the side were not my style…I could imagine the Mini Fashionista pulling on them and tearing the whole sweater apart. I did like the diamond print though. Fail #1.

Next up this Pintuck Tab-sleeve silk blouse. I loved the color, but it was far too long and blousy. Fail #2.

I requested that they send me a fun scarf…this wasn't exactly what I had in mind. Again, just not my style. Fail #3! 

When I pulled this Leopard Print Cardigan out of the box, I knew I would like it, and I did. Looking at these photos I am kicking myself for not keeping it. However, it was just Christmas…the season of giving and spending... so I decided to use restraint and send it back. Stupid me! 

And lastly, the one item I kept, this Herringbone Vest with black piping! I don't have anything like it in my closet, it can be worn with a variety of things (including workout clothes) and it was reasonably priced at $78! 

I've already worn it a number of times…including here with black skinny jeans, a chambray shirt, infinity scarf and Tory Burch flats.

I'm not sure that I will order another "Fix". I get plenty of fashion fixes without them coming montly in the mail! 

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! 

Wearing your Heart on your Sleeve

I saw this cardigan on Instagram the other day on Target Style. Cute, isn't it?  

Elbow Patch Cardigan $24.99 

A great deal for a "trendy" piece, but I'm pretty certain it will pill in no time, so I thought I would do a bit more digging to find something similar of higher quality.

And of course, like always, ASOS delivers. These sweaters are around the same price, and I think even better looking. Let's be honest, the quality probably isn't much better, but for less than $30, they are worth a try!

 Striped Elbow Patch Heart Sweater

 Elbow Patch Heart Sweater

Wear Pattern

I have this habit of wearing holes in the elbows of my sweaters. On Friday I was having lunch with a friend when she pointed out a hole in my favorite black crew neck cashmere sweater. I've had it for years (at least 6 or 7), so I wasn't shocked...but still disappointed. I bought it on Bluefly, and the brand is Hayden. This is what the sweater looks like...simple, black cashmere.

I think I paid around $99 for it, and currently it is on sale for $79.20. This sweater comes in a wide variety of colors, wears and washes well (by hand of course) and is equal quality to other more expensive brands. So, if you are looking for quality, affordable cashmere, look no further than Bluefly. I am going to see if my seamstress can patch up the hole, but if she can't, I might be buying the same sweater for a second time. I also have my eye on these Hayden color block sweaters!

Do you have a favorite brand of cashmere?

What's Popping

Popcorn knits are "popping" up all over the place this season. I'm a fan. What about you?

Snowball Sweater $89.50

Popcorn Cable Beret $24.50

Popcorn Knit Open Cardigan $235

Behnaz Sarafpour Popcorn Knit Capelet $990

Minkpink Pmpous Pom Pom Sweater $93.44

Cardigan Wednesday

This cardigan is on the fast track to the top of my Christmas list! Stripes, toggles and a gigantic collar! What more could you want in a cardigan?

Nautica Toggle Sweater $99.50

Winter Wonderland

As many of you know, katie and I grew up in Sun Valley, Idaho....pretty much the greatest place on earth. Recently, Eddie Bauer launched their Winter collection with this fabulous lifestyle video filmed in Sun Valley. Doesn't it make you want to put on a warm sweater and cozy up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate? Even better, doesn't it make you want to book your vacation there ASAP? Good thing for me we are making a quick trip just before Christmas.



Check out some of my favorite items from the collection.

I NEED this Vintage Cable Hat!

Sherpa Cabin Sweater Coat

Pajar Greenland Boot

Old is Trendy and Affordable

I can't remember the last time I actually stepped foot in Old Navy. I prefer shopping online because the stores are poorly merchandised and messy. Anyway, I decided to check out the online shop over the weekend and was blown away at all the fashion forward items I found. Unfortunately, many of them had poor reviews when it came to the fit (i.e. the color block sweater...which I totally would have ordered). 

Anyway, here are a few items that I would definitely add to my fall wardrobe! And, all of this totals to about $250! Not bad for 8 items!

 Pintucked Top $32.94

3/4 Sweater $36.94

 Chevron Raglan Top $24.94

Cuffed Dress Capri $36.94

Sequined Cross body bag $24.94

Cropped Soft Sweater $36.94

Plaid Flannel Shirt $26.94

Chambray Shirt $24.94