Another promise to post

It's been forever since I've written. I know this, and I sincerely apologize. But I have exciting news!

In the past few months I have become involved with an amazing photographer (http://www.dansheldonphotography.com/) who is well versed in fashion, portraits, weddings and the like. He has agreed to be my fashion photographer as I take this blog to the streets.

We have plans to go out on the town and capture true Twin Cities fashion. There will be quips and pics from those in Minneapolis/St. Paul who truly know how to dress.

Check back soon for updates. (They will happen, as Dan The Photographer threatens to withhold kisses unless I write!)

Soon to come: Notes and comments from the Laura Falk fashion show, on display during Minnesota Fashion Week.

Bye for now!

Sarah

Must. Post. Soon.

To all my eight followers: I WILL update soon! I know you all have been waiting on the edge of your seat for the last two months for a local Twin Cities fashion update. I know you have been wondering what you should wear and feel lost ever time you look into your closet because I haven't told you the upcoming trends.

This is my promise to you: I WILL post this week. I promise. And I am going to make it a habit to post regularly. Really. I swear.

Thanks for hanging in there!

Also, a fashion inspiration tip: Create an inspiration board from pages of your favorite fashion magazines (currently mine are Elle, Marie Claire, InStyle) taped on the wall near your closet. When frustrated creating an outfit, simply reference your inspiration to get creative with old clothes (hey, we're in a recession, right?). Let me know how this tip works for you!

Awaiting the glam!

I'm back just in time for New Year's Eve outfit shopping, and ladies get ready for the sparkle!

I was at the gym today catching up on my fashion reading while working my butt off (literally) on the elliptical, when I was struck by inspiration! The December Elle (I know, I'm behind on my fashion mags) has a great spread to inspire for New Year's.

Ringing in the New Year is the perfect time to get a little ostentatious with the dress. Really, it's the only time of year when glitter and sparkles are not only appropriate but expected! Maybe it's the giant ball dropping in Times Square or the bubbly in the champagne flute, but sparkle abounds on Dec. 31! Personally, I love it. Glitter on the shoes, shimmer on the dress and sparkle on the jewelry. Get flashy, get sassy and show a little skin. Speaking of, I need to get shopping!

I want to take this time to introduce a few new features of my blog: meet Favorite Seasonal Piece, Lust-Worthy Desire, Next-to-Buy Fashion Staple and Fab Find. They might pop in once in a while. Like today.

Favorite Winter Piece: my Banana Republic oversized, gray/cream wide-stripped sweater. You can belt it, pair it with a basic Gap cotton turtleneck over a pair of jeans, throw on a pair of brown boots and you're ready for a drink at the Blue Door (Selby Avenue).

Lust-Worthy Desire: Dolce & Gabbana organza sheath dress: (Christmas present anyone?) OK. I have been trying for half an hour to find a picture of this dress and the process shut down Internet Explorer. So I gave up.  All I could find was this scanned pic from the magazine.

Pick up the December Elle (shameless plug only if I was getting paid for this) and turn to page 152. Trust me, you will want it! How cute is this dress?

Next-to-Buy Fashion Staple: nude platform pumps. Jessica Simpson makes a great, affordable pair. They go with everything and elongate the legs. Nothing better than longer legs!

Fab find: Metal bib necklace (perfect layered over that LBD for a demure New Year's dress) for $18 at Aldo! $18 people! I'm already in my car on the way to Rosedale Mall to pick one up! I think bib necklaces are my new obsession. Must. Have. One.

Now, I have to apologize for my temporary hiatus. Fall, while being prime fashion season, is also travel season at work, which leaves little time for more exciting - and fashionable - exploits. I promise it won't happen again!

My promise to readers: I will post regularly!

Challenge to friends and fashionistas/fashionistos across the Twin Cities: Step it up! I am ready to take it to the streets!

Check back next week for my rant on resort season style (who wants to leave Minnesota for tropical weather? Not me!). And, I'm out!

Fall fashion is coming!!

While I am waiting to fix my camera so I can post pics of sweet outfits, I thought I would quick comment about the coming fall trends.

So, is anyone else waiting for the temps to drop to breakout your fall wardrobe? I know it sounds crazy in Minnesota - with our short summers we try to hang on to the warm weather as long as possible. But I for one am ready for fall fashion. I love to dress in comfy sweaters, scarves, jackets, turtlenecks... I can't wait!

As with every fall season, luxe fabrics are key, especially in Minnesota. We need our thick, cozy fabrics to keep us warm. I appreciate that plaid is back in fashion, because it never really left us here in the Upper Midwest. But now that it's chic, I can raid my dad's closet! Grab an oversized plaid button-down, throw it on over ankle-length leggings and cinch it with a thin or thick belt. Add some cute, metalic flats and it's the perfect back-to-school outfit! OOO! Better yet: add the amazingly chunky ankle boots with studs and metal accents, and you're ready for going out in Northeast!

This year, I'm super pumped about the feminine pieces thrown in with the chunky knits and rugged leather jackets. Satin and lace camis or a ruffled blouse peeking out under warmer pieces towns down the masculine feel of recent work attire. It's a flirty contrast in the colder months. Plus, it says: "I'm staying warm, but I'd rather stay warm with you." *wink*

Another great trend this year is the bright jewel colors that will really make everyone pop against a snowy background. We need some cheeriness in those long, dreary months of Minnesota winters.

Le sigh. I can't wait for autumn temperatures and cozy clothes. It's OK, you can all hate me for wishing this heat would go away. Since when is it 80 degrees in September, anyway?

Wanted: inspiration

I am looking for fodder for another entry. Does anyone have any fashionable happenings coming up this week or next?

Now, this isn't to say my friends aren't wearing anything fashionable right now. Of course they are! I just don't want to overload you all with pictures of my amazingly stylish friends. It may be more than you can handle! (Plus, I forgot my camera the last time we were out acting fashionable....)

Help! Send me suggestions!

Meet one more fashionable friend (briefly)

Now I take a minute to introduce to you another one of my fashionable friends (beware, there are many).

Meet Erin: An independent, carefree, slightly hippie-ish fashionable friend who is not afraid of any fashion rules, and I love her the more for it (even if I do give her a hard time once in a while).

The dress on Erin was from New York & Co. (I believe) in the late spring. The hat came from her parents' time in Africa (Erin, correct me if I'm wrong). Adorable puppy not included.

Below you will find the four fashionistas together - Nicole, Jenny, me and Erin - out to support a local band, and friends of ours, Dearling Physique on Aug. 1 at the Turf Club. (Thanks Nicole for letting me pirate your photo)

Case in point

Looking back to my introduction of Nicole, I thought I should include this pic to validate my point: spunky and feisty with cheeky dresses. She found this dress (actually a shirt) at Target in the tween section (to prove my point about her tiny frame).

Coming soon: consistent font.