It Begins...

After refusing to hit the stores on Thanksgiving Day, I also sat out Black Friday (aka - yours truly went to work, womp womp).  However, with my parents in town this weekend, the retail Grinch in me decided to take a nap, and we hit a few stores on Saturday and Sunday for Christmas decorations (and a tree!).  Later, I snapped up a few Cyber Monday deals with the lazy click of a mouse.  In my "old age," I can't deal with the "in real life" insane crowds and potential smackdowns at the beginning of this commercial marathon.

Which do you prefer?  Black Friday?  Cyber Monday?  Or did you just say, "Forget it" and pour yourself another glass of wine?

'Nuff Said

I would just like one of these for today.  Or this week.  Hell, this year.  That is all.

Image:  vimeo.com (originally seen by my own eyeballs on Fab.com)

Cut and Paste?

I'm very often a sucker for an adorable critter adorning my clothes.  Mice, raccoons, horses, and - of course - kitties can be found parading around my tops or perched on my ballet flats.  But sometimes, even I have to sigh and pass on the cutie because whatever it's attached to is just...  nope...

Example given - I love the cat/mouse/what-are-you creature on the top right of these jeans.  But, the overall package is giving me bad flashbacks of 80's fashion.  Or maybe even the 90's.  I see acid wash.  And pleated jeans?  I can't.  There's also just too much going on here.  Now I'm thinking of the Disney Channel.  And that, for me anyway, is no bueno.

Ever had the same dilemma?  Love some feature on a piece of clothing but had to set it down because the whole was killing the beloved details?





Image:  nordstrom.com

The Cold, Windy Truth

Well, it was nice while it lasted.  Our desperate wish for a few more summer days has officially been squashed by Mother Nature.  Wind, snow flurries, and temperatures in the 30's descended on us last night.  Blech...  As we come to terms with what lies ahead, I keep staring at my down jackets.  And listen to my head wage a little skirmish:  it's dang cold outside, especially considering this time last week it was 80 degrees.  I know, right?!  All our Midwest bodies are reeling in sad shock.  Down looks awfully appealing right now.  On the other hand, we're Midwesterners!  In a few months, we'll be putting a minus sign next to that 30.  Now that's when we break out the serious stuff.  This is like Springtime...

What about the rest of you guys facing the cold?  Are you grabbing your downy best or toughing it out with less toasty coats?

Equal, Equal?

Remember this behemoth?  Perhaps you tripped over it on your doorstep.  After all, this sucker must weigh close to 10 pounds.  It could act as a structural support for your house, right?  All delivery people probably cursed it to the hot country and back.

After listening to everyone wail about how much Restoration Hardware must hate the Earth and all that stuff, I decided to do a quick comparison with another retailer of home goods.

On the left is the once-a-year catalog dump from that company which must really like killing trees.  On the right is Pottery Barn, minus 2 of its monthly editions, some random specialty issues, and all of their spin-offs (PB Teen and PB Kids and who knows what else).  Maybe it's not a surprise to you, but I got curious about whether RH deserved the chiding.  

So...  depending on how you look at it...  both retailers (as well as probably many others like J. Crew) tie for, well, sending us an annual catalog collection worthy of some bench pressing.  

Did you receive RH's bundle?  What was your reaction?

Heavenly

I've been well overdue for a catalog purge.  As the weeks go by, the pile grows higher.  And as y'all know by now, I will hold on to anything that might inspire creativity.  This translates to a fairly crippling inability to just chuck things and be done with it.  I'm one of those nuts who needs to peruse each page (and rip out anything eye-catching) before tossing the volumes into a recycling bag.

Thankfully, we were treated to an absolutely glorious weekend of sun and 80 degree temps.  And since Upper Midwesterners are painfully aware that our little slice of heaven could end at any time, we're basking in the outdoors every possible second.  Soaking up each sun ray as we try to deny the light's changing, and the days are getting shorter.

So, I spent a very lazy and sunny afternoon on the porch.  Just me, a stack of Pottery Barns and Title Nines, and Mother Nature's best.  Oh, and Lila.  If I'm going to do some housecleaning, might as well take it outside while summer pretends to hang around.  Because it's only a matter of time before it decides to pack up and head south for the winter.

Ghosts of Autumns Past

So, my friends know I tend to hold on to things from the good ol' days.  Like my very first Trapper Keeper, a busted-a$$ shelf-with-mirror made in 7th grade woodshop (why anyone let a bunch of 12 year-olds near a band saw still baffles me), and piles of cassettes, including self-tapings of radio shows recorded by holding down the "play" and "record" buttons at the very. same. time.

I also can't quite part with some of my old clothes.  Superficial or not, they bring back memories of hitting the mall to do back-to-school shopping; the start of a new year full of new teachers, friends, and experiences.  And they are a funny and tactile testament to my style (or lack thereof) back in the day.  I found these doozies in my old dresser, untouched for years, and epitomizing the season with their warm colors and fabrics.  

Go ahead and laugh at how dated they might look, especially that shirt (yes, of course it's J. Crew!).  I procured the skirt from Cambridge Dry Goods, a sort of country-meets-preppy collision of a store that was popular with moms and a random demographic of girls, including myself.

Funny thing is, I see that plaid and colorblocking are all the rage this Fall.  Maybe not quite like this, but it's entertaining to see the cyclical nature of trends.  And while I don't plan to wear these to work, running my hands over the flannel and corduroy bring back the warm fuzzies of fashions past.

Happy Autumn!

So Long, Summer?

So who else is not exactly sure how to dress the last couple of days?  Call it weird weather.  Call it denial.  Wasn't it August two weeks ago?  Tonight's low temp is supposed to be 38 degrees.  WTH happened?  And I'm not even going to start on Calgary (I seriously feel for you guys).

While part of me is giddy to trot out all those Fall frocks, most of me is making a Grumpy Cat face at the thought of, you know, winter.  Because, up here, that lasts for about six months.  Or nine.

How do you deal with weather that can't quite make up its mind?  Do you also look seasonally-challenged at the bus stop?    





Image:  This lovely ensemble comes from my first blog life.  You can read about it here.

Sophisticated Cool

In the midst of all those September Issues and now NYFW (yup, New York Fashion Week), it's easy to forget that there's yet another Target collaboration on the horizon.  While nothing can probably compare to the zigzag pandemonium of Missoni, people are atwitter about this next collection, and for good reason.  Joseph Altuzarra's collection offers sleek, sophisticated looks that veer away from the girly (Jason Wu) and graphic (Phillip Lim) partnerships of seasons past.

In full disclosure, I should mention that I, in fact, work for Target at their HQ.  However, my line of employment is a distant cry from the marketing glitz and fashion glam.  Indeed, my big trips don't include meeting celebs and fun sketches of apparel.  Rather, I spend my time covered in dust on construction sites, sometimes throwing my hands up at the general contractor, and sometimes they're throwing their hands up at me.  Oh, and then there are the port-a-potties that I get to share with all the construction dudes.  

Anyhoo, back at the mothership, I and other team members were afforded a glimpse of the Altuzarra goods, and so far I can say they look promising.  Enough so that I'll be firing up my laptop on Sunday AM to nab a few things.

Who else is excited about this line, and what are you eyeing?





Image:  target.com

Gone But Never Forgotten

Change is a constant thing.  We all accept it, even if we don't always like it.  Next month, I'll mark a decade of having lived not only in this state, and in this city, but in a neighborhood that isn't defined  so much by lines on a map but rather by where the locals deem it to reside.  Here, I graduated from a small but cozy apartment to a duplex when I got married, and on to a real house (something I hadn't lived in since before college!) a few years ago.  All the moves were within a few blocks of each other, because I have come to love this area so much, and my husband has called it home for over 20 years.  Having moved from just north of downtown Chicago, I wanted a place that offered similar advantages - tons of shops, restaurants, and bars nearby, local businesses aplenty, easy access to public transportation, and just a place overall where people want to live.  While I lost my short walk to Lake Michigan, I did gain a whole chain of small lakes equally close by, and arguably more pedestrian-friendly.

Uptown is still in demand, and seemingly even more so with the recent spike in "luxury apartment" construction.  There's no shortage of places to grab a drink, dine, and walk out with a new dress, vintage shoes, or even a fancy gas grill.  But, similar to the laments heard in any city, the place has changed.  Long before I arrived, Uptown was grittier, edgier.  More punk rock types hung out here than those flocking to H&M and CB2.  During my short tenure, I've watched the transition continue.  The Tibetan restaurant, the vintage book store, and various indie clothing shops fell to make way for chains.  The North Face appeared in their place.  Incredibly, Columbia Sports popped up next door to it - yes, two fleece-filled stores in a row!  When we watched them raze the next building, it was hard not to snark a "What's that gonna be?  Patagonia?"  

The bitterness was especially strong for some people with that new vacancy.  Because the rubble belonged to a neighborhood institution.  Home to many old-guard regulars and anyone needing a hangover cure in the form of grease and more booze, the Uptown Bar was our local.  Bathed in a cigarette haze for years (til the smoking ban hit), you waited for a table with a large Bloody Mary or screwdriver in hand.  Once seated, you finished off your drink, ordered another, and enjoyed it with a massive, heart-attack-inducing skillet.  My favorite one was a delicious mish-mash of Polish sausage and hash browns, smothered in cheese and soaked in grease.  Pretty much everyone was welcome.  The bar also had a stage, which hosted many bands over the years, including a hometown fave, the Replacements.  Over the years, one could argue the Bloodys were getting weaker, or the crowd looked like they'd rather see Maroon 5 than the Velvet Underground.  Still, something about walking into that dive bar felt comforting and right.

Apple opened its glassy doors on the old bar site.  While I'm thankful a third technical-apparel outpost did not rise from the Uptown's ashes, it still makes me (and a lot of others) sad when we pass by the sleek, new building.  We get it.  Things don't last forever.  But watching the death of this legendary spot - where those who'd moved from Madison, either of the Dakotas, or even Chicago would take their visiting pals and call it "their bar" - felt like someone had taken "change" and underlined, italicized, and bolded the word.  Upsized it to a 100 point font.  And then thrown a pair of smartwool socks at it.

Which all brings me to this little shirt pictured above.  My husband's birthday present to me.  Limited run shirt that brings back memories of hanging out with friends, whether it be in those sticky booths or at a table near the stage, bonding over our love of all things artery-clogging and liver-damaging.  Whether we'd closed down some other spot a few hours before, had just hit the gym or run around the lake, or simply slept in, the Uptown Bar was a great autopilot destination.

Old friend, you may be gone, but you'll always live on in our hearts - grunge, grease, and all.

SIPDJ: Numero Tres

You know what's funny?  As I pore over my Vogue, and admire the photography, textures, and articles, I keep coming back to my dang InStyle for images I want to share.  Like this one:

What a gorgeous picture, and I wouldn't mind borrowing that dress, either.  Maybe it's the model, which brings to mind Keira Knightley a la Pride and Prejudice.  Perhaps it's the dark background, from which she seems to pop.  It even feels a trace McQueen.  Gothic, regal, and perfect for the cooler weather.

Yes, please.




Image:  InStyle

File Under "Meh": The Rug Sweater

So every here and there, I'll post something that makes me go, "Hmm..."  Something that makes me stop and scratch my head.  That note to self whispering, "Um...  what?"  And then my wallet sighs a bit because whatever I spied, it's not going into any wishlist or cart.

This is my first one for the Cloffice Buffet.  It's from Tory Burch.  Now, I love Tory.  Really do.  But this just looks like something that would appear on the complete other side of the department store from where I'd expect to find her clothes.

It's a sweater.  One that secretly wants to be a rug, straight out of an antique-y Americana shop.  There, I said it.

I don't know...  what do you think?  For those of you who also know or love Tory, does this seem kinda random?  Like a knit with an identity crisis?

The colors definitely announce Fall.  And it sure looks cozy.  But...  all I can think of is lying on it next to a fire, instead of wearing it.







Image:  shopbop.com

SIPDJ: Numero Dos

I happened to be at the Mall of Insanity this weekend and had to restrain myself from stopping into the Hugo Boss store.  Because I would've been hunting for this spectacular dress.  And I'd probably wind up getting escorted out for excessive admiring and touching of the fabrics.

Because...  what a perfect Fall frock.

What have you seen that has left you drooling all over the page?




Image:  InStyle

SIPDJ: Numero Uno

That would stand for:  September Issue Pick Du Jour.

As I start to dig into my annual required reading, I'll post selected images that make me daydream about all things fierce, beautiful, and whatever else I wish found their way into my closet...

I'll kick it off with this "Oh please, please, please" dress from McQ, of course.





Image:  shopbop.com

The Pilgrimage

So, I've been off the radar for a few days, thanks to a work trip that sent me to Seattle.  Oh, the horror, having to travel to an amazing city with all sorts of delicious things to eat and drink, and lovely sights to behold.  Such as, the mothership of my favorite department store!  How could I not stop into such a place while spending a few days in its homeland.

On the search for any goodies that can't be bought at the other locations, I ended up on the top floor.  Among the homewares and few local selections sat a grand fish tank.  There were other displays sprinkled about that I don't see at my Twin Cities outpost.  But boy, I'd be OK with a pretty case  of fishies vying for attention among the pretty outfits and shoes.

Though my time inside this palace was short, I managed to find a couple fun Seattle-ish things, befriend a fabulous gal at one of the fragrance counters (more on that soon), and try on a pair of boots I'd been stalking online.  Which I maybe bought.

The Purrfect Present

One of my best friends (and shopping-partner-in-crime) sent me this awesome shirt for my upcoming anniversary of getting older.  Colorful, silly, and just a wee bit creepy - I wouldn't change a thing.  The brand is known for its whimsical tees, after all.  And guess who wasted no time making herself comfy when I laid the top down for a photo.  Both the ladies of the house approve.  Well done, Annie.  Well done!

Let It Begin...

It's started!  It's started!  The September issues are beginning to roll out!

Who sets aside a couple of happy hour allowances for their annual fashion mag indulgence?  And if you only choose one, which publication is your must-buy?  Vogue?  Elle?  

Like a teenager who used to throw open the back-to-school edition of Seventeen with glee, this incites just as much giddiness.  And this time around, I can enjoy the riot of colors, patterns, and styles with a glass of wine.

Out of Luck(y)

Apparently, this longtime magazine is about to fold.  I've been a Lucky subscriber for years.  One reason I liked it was its freedom from the typical articles in other mags that I found boring, irrelevant, and sometimes just insulting (hello Cosmo).  Lucky was about shopping and fashion, without the bloat of unsolicited relationship advice, or how I could amazingly lose 10 pounds by...  basically not eating.  Pass.

Interestingly, this was my annual Christmas present from none other than Snazzy Dottie.  Though her passing and this publication's imminent end are not related, I felt a sad twinge, like something aligning in my weird universe.

You can read more here via Racked.

Christmas in July

July means many things.  One of which is this epic Anniversary Sale, when all sorts of Fall goodies are trotted out at a discount.  When the catalog arrived, shortly before the event started, I found more "mehs" than "mine!"  But once I stopped by my local outpost and the sale took off, I ended up with a few things.

Funny how that happens...

Did you  go "sale-ing" this year?  Anything mysteriously jump into your cart, too?  I'll post a couple of my favorites soon.

Gone To The Cats

Two months ago tomorrow, we took a giant leap into the unknown and brought home a kitty from the rescue shelter.  Seriously, as we drove home with a scared little ball of fur "singing us the song of her people" (as the rescue lady explained), we were "WTH did we just do" all the way home in the car.

But welcoming Lila into our lives was one of the best things ever.  Any fear or shyness evaporated within a couple of days, and she is a true member of the family.

As it's International Cat Day, I found it fitting to dedicate this post to our own kitteh.  Though I grew up with dogs and still love them dearly, Lila just makes sense with us.  Granted, since all I know are dogs, she's learning "No!" and "Sit!"  And though you cat lovers might scoff at this, I swear she gets it.  Not that it'll stop her from doing something as soon as we're out of sight.  Anyway, she's made herself right at home:

As you can see, she's nothing like the first photo.  It's also pretty clear that we freaking adore her and are using up all available memory on our iPhones and cameras to prove it.  While I type this entry, she's sitting in my lap and occasionally stretching out a paw on my chest.

I also want to add a righteous shout-out to Feline Rescue, a fab no-kill shelter in the area.  They were patient with us (we stopped in 4 times at least before we found Lila), informative, and overall great.  Looking to add a feline family member?  I highly recommend this place for local Twin Citians.

So, here's to all the kitties out there and those who love them...  Cheers!

My Favorite Fashionista

Many people have inspired me with their sense of style, and my grandma Dottie, who would have turned 97 this week, was one of them for sure.  She worked for years as a ready-to-wear sales lady at her local JC Penney and was never without her blush compact and lipstick.  Up until her death last August, I never failed to meet people who adored her and remembered her as the "Penney's lady."  

She was the one who overrode her own daughter's objection to my wish of getting my ears pierced.  I recall her saying, "We're going!"  And off we went to Claire's at Woodfield Mall.  Not only did she get her own ears done a few years later, but so did her once skeptical daughter :)

This photo, snapped at her last birthday just a year ago, shows her love for fashion remained throughout her life.  She's proudly sporting an Orla Kiely for Uniqlo scarf that I snagged for her, as well as a cozy throw from the (in)famous Missoni for Target collaboration.

She is proof that style has no age, and she sure had fun exemplifying that.

Happy birthday, Snazzy Dottie <3

Step Inside My Cloffice

Meet Lila.  She is the resident keeper of the Cloffice and all its contents. Thinking of borrowing a pair of my shoes?

Kitteh proclaims, "Thou shalt not pass."

One Dish At A Time

Greetings from the Cloffice!

For those of you who have followed me over from my first blog, Mir Gefaellt Es, welcome to my new abode!  To my new readers, hello!  My second foray into blogging is intended to give you smaller, er, bites of all things I come across and want to share with you - primarily in the world of fashion and retail, but with side dishes of design, travel, food, and drinks.  And maybe some cat pictures.

My goal is to post more frequently and with less yapping :)  Please bear with me as I try out a new blog format and other things.  And feel free to chime in as we go along.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topics du jour.

I've got all sorts of things ready to be plated and shared, so stay tuned.  More to come very soon...

Cheers!
M