Spring Break Edition: Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

I'm on Spring Break right now (woot!  woot!) so today I'm posting a 
"casual-yet-still-pulled-together" look that you can modify for the office.    

Right now, H&M has a great selection of brightly colored blazers!  

I love the punch of color it adds while still providing a conservative edge.

To make this look work-appropriate, simply replace the 

white shorts for white jeans or slacks. 

And look!!  I'm holding shoes that some might refer to as "reasonable."  

How'd that happen?

 As promised in yesterday's post, I'll occasionally show a 

few lower heel options with my outfits.  You asked for it...you get it!  

Well...within reason. :)

Bright blue blazer - H&M (Purchase HERE)

Shirt - Banana Republic

Shorts - F21

Belt - H&M

Clutch - H&M (Purchase HERE)

Earrings - Gift

Watch - Michael Kors (Purchase HERE)

Necklace - Nordstrom

Heels - Guess

Incredibly "reasonable" boat shoes - Kohls (Purchase HERE)

MOMENTS OF THE WEEK:

Bliss Moment

Did I mention I was on Spring Break? :)

Panic Moment

Many acquaintances in my life do not know about my blog (at least I think they don't?)  

+

I take nearly all my own photos

(and yes...I am getting a new camera and will be taking classes.  I realize I could do better!)

+ 

I live in downtown Denver and shoot the majority of my 

photos within few blocks of my high-rise

___________________________________________

= NEVER did I think an acquaintance would walk right by me during a shoot!

See this wall?  That is where I shoot many of my blog photos?

  

See that sidewalk?  Yeah...that is where she walked by.

And if you think I could play it cool and just wave and smile...you're wrong!  

I dove behind my car and nearly broke my ankle.  

Why?  Because I am just that smooth...  

What the Heck is Going On? Moment

I was in IKEA killing time (did I mention I was on Spring Break?) 

and this is what every single aisle looked like:

Can you tell what's missing??

Where are all the flippin' people?  I mean, I'm not complaining, but I felt so odd roaming the empty walkways and talking to myself (you're allowed to talk to yourself when no one is around.  It doesn't mean you're crazy).  

Then...all of a sudden...the fire alarm went off!

I stood there for a minute and looked around (seriously wondering if I am stuck in some weirdo dream) until I see an exit door and make my way outside.  

Then I see this:

I decided that this was all a sign that I should go home.  

So I lugged myself down the 4 flights of stairs in my "super unreasonable" 

heels and drove home. 

Have a wonderful weekend friends!!

XO - Marion

"How Do You Wear High Heels All Day Long?"

Can you guess what the #1 question is that I receive from readers?


Here is a snapshot:


"I teach first grade, meaning I'm on my feet all day long (as you are, too) right now I'm sticking to my dansco's. I know I know lame but I have a REALLY hard time finding cute comfy flat shoes (that don't break the bank). I have a REALLY hard time with heals at work...I can't make it through the day with out changing into flats."
- Morgan


"So I absolutely LOVE wearing heels and used to wear them all the time, but somehow I just find that working out and 4 inch heels are not as compatible as I wish. Do you just tough it out, do you wear flats more often than your pictures show, or have you just grown accustomed over time? I'd love to hear your secret."
- Elisabeth

So here are my personal thoughts when it comes to heels:
- I love heels.  Adore them.  
- I was not gifted with the lean, thin body that looks great in flats.  It's just a fact that I've learned to accept.  Therefore, I almost always have a small heel on my shoe (unless I'm working out...in which case I'm not caring about a heel!)
- I always balance comfort with style. 


My shopping rules for comfortable heels:
- For comfort, I always look for a 3 inch heel or less.
- Wedges are a great comfortable option.
- When at the store, walk on the hard surface when trying on the heel.  It really reveals the cushion quality (or lack thereof).
- I hate saying this...but oftentimes the more expensive heels are the most comfortable.  Cole Haan is such a great shoe.  They cost more but the cushioning is unbelievable.
- Invest in the "necessity" colors - black, beige, brown and gold.  These are the colors in which you should buy more expensive shoes.  Save the less expensive shoes for the neon green!


Wedges for Work:

Gorgeous wedges for a casual work day or weekend wear.

J.Crew Wedges - Purchases HERE

These Kate Spade Wedges are a classic....you'll surely be reaching for them every morning when you are in the mood for a comfortable yet gorgeous shoe.

Purchase HERE.

Heels for Work:

These are Cole Haan...one of my absolute favorite brands of shoes!  They have the Nike Air Technology so they are always comfortable.  They may be a bit more 

expensive, but in my opinion they are worth it.

Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan - Purchase HERE

These Ivanka Trump shoes are a gorgeous color and are of a high quality and design.  Although the heel is tall at 3 3/4, the hidden platform of 3/4 make 

it a comfortable shoe for all day wear.

Purchase HERE.

Cole Haan...again.  A minimal heel with an adorable color + design.

Purchase HERE.

Flats Semi-Flats for Work:

These Cole Haan flats have a small wedge heel and all the Nike Air Technology to make them super comfortable for all day wear.

Purchase HERE

The Tory Burch "Sally 2" Peep Toe Wedge are a classic departure from the standard Reva.  

So beautiful and sure to be a go-to for years to come.

Purchase HERE

I hope this gives you some idea of what type of shoe to look for when shopping for an all-day wear shoe.  Don't compromise style for comfort...you should be able to find both!

So do you have any brands that you recommend for comfort?

XO - Marion

PS - As I promised a few gals that emailed me, I will try to show more "flat" options in my styles.  Stay tuned tomorrow for a flat-first! :)

Can You Wear Pink to the Office?

"I had to earn the right to wear red."  

- Female CFO (and friend)

This statement was made by a former client of mine (back in my event planning days) and it has always stuck with me.  She works in the very conservative banking world and climbed her way up the ladder sporting a uniform of beige + black + grays.  But after 25 years and earning a big corner office, she feels she finally has earned the right to celebrate color at work.   

 So my question:

Can the modern working girl wear pink to the office?

 I say YES!  

Well, depending on your work environment and dress code of course. 

 But I tend to lean towards the feeling that NO color is truly 

off limits in today's modern working environment.

STYLE TIP: 

In a conservative work setting, embrace fun colors through accessories and layering.  This pink skirt may not work, but a rich pink scarf paired with a 

gray suit is beautiful + restrained.

The bow detail on the shoes mirror the fun bow details on this H&M skirt.

Shoes - Nordstrom

Skirt - H&M (Purchase HERE)

Blouse - J.Crew (Purchase HERE)

Clutch - DSW

Earrings - Nordstrom

Watch - Michael Kors (Purchase HERE)

Bracelets - Nordstrom

So can you wear pink to the office?  And if so, would you?

XO - Marion

Linking up with A Little Bit of Lacquer, The Pleated Poppy & Rolled Up Pretty today! 

One Easy Way to Add Spring Color

 Remember when colored skinny jeans burst onto the scene?

Well...think of colored shorts as the new way to add fun color for the warmer months!

 STYLE TIP: 

Do you love lemon yellow but it makes you look washed out?  

Or do you long for bright coral in your closet but it's just not the best complement 

with your hair and skin tone?  Never fear!  

Simply incorporate bold + bright colors on the lower half of your body.

 These shorts were under $20 and came in a variety of brilliant colors.  

Sunglasses - Tory Burch (Purchase HERE)

Top - Banana Republic

Belt - Nordstrom

Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Watch - Michael Kors (Purchase HERE)

Shoes - Steve Madden

Shorts - F21 (Purchase similar HERE.  Also LOVE options HERE and HERE)

And no...you don't have a piece of dirt on your computer screen.  That is a lovely scab on my knee.  Apparently this girl gets so focused during her workouts that she doesn't realize when she is halfway off her mat.  

And apparently she talks in the third person.  

So are you breaking out the colorful shorts this spring?  

XO - Marion

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

I'm honestly not a huge fan of this look.  

However I do feel it's important sometimes for me to show my "loser looks" 

so we can all learn from my mistakes!

STYLE TIP: When accessorizing with jewelry...know when to stop.  

Here I have layers of necklaces + watch + ring + headband.  

Earrings would have been waaaaaay too much!

Jeans - F21 (Purchase HERE)

Headband - L. Erickson from Nordstrom (Purchase HERE)

Necklaces - H&M (available in stores now)

Shoes - Cole Haan

Watch - Michael Kors (Purchase HERE)

Top - Nordstrom

Bag - Vera Bradley

So what would I have done differently for this look?  

Traded out the skinny jeans for THIS pair!

Moments of the Week

"Umm, Excuse Me?" Moment

A father shows up at school to meet with me about his daughter.  He is worried that she is going to get in more fights with other girls because "these girls be hatin' on her." The following exchange took place:

Dad: "My baby girl...you know what I'm sayin'...she just be trying to fulfill her destiny.  These lil' girls be trippin' on her and she be reactin' with her hormones!"

Me: "Okay..."

Dad: "Baby girl be reaching puberty yo.  She be getting bosoms now."  

Me: "Okay..."

Dad: "I mean, how old were you when you got your bosoms?"

(insert crickets)

Dad (looking right at my "bosoms!"): "10?  11?"

Me (completely red): "Um, I don't remember..."

Dad: "12?"

Oh, and did I mention his 8-month pregnant wife was sitting next to him the whole time?

"Things are Looking Up" Moment

So far so good!  

My goal this year is to beat the women who pick the teams based on how cute the mascot is or because they "had a friend go to Duke and they received a "really good education."  

Grrrr! :)

"What Just Happened?" Moment

I was in a first grade classroom doing my school psychologist "thing" and set my coffee down to help a student.  Well, when I'm done I turn around, grab my coffee and take a drink as I walk to another table.  This little boy follows me and taps my hip (yes...too short for the shoulder). He has the most gigantic grin on his face.  

Me: "Why are you smiling?"

Boy (giggling like crazy): "I like coffee!" 

Me: "Did you drink my coffee?"

Boy: "Maybe."

My responses fell into the following options:

a) "You owe my $2 kid."

b) "WTF!?  You're 6 years old.  I am not.  I need my coffee!"

c) "I just drank from the same cup as a 6 year old!?  That means I have his saliva in my mouth!  Oh golly I'm going to be sick!"

But being the professional that I am, I chose:

d) "hmmm, okay.  You drank my coffee.  Bring me your lunchbox."

And then I took his cherry-flavored Capri Sun.  Tit-for-tat I say!

Thanks for a great week friends!  

Please know how much it means to me that you stop by... 

XO - Marion

Link-Up: Trend of the Month Challenge

Welcome to the 1st

"Trend of the Month" Link-Up!

This month's challenge: NEON

 If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I picked up the last 

"Fashion Star" dress at H&M in my size.  

 Hooray for a $19 dress that shows some back yet I can still wear a bra!

 I am a firm believer in mixing up inexpensive finds with investment pieces.  

These neon yellow Jimmy Choo heels were made for my neon challenge!

(And yes...I am a klutz and already scuffed them a little during this shoot.  

This is the reason I am not allowed to buy white shoes!)

 Neon Style Tip: Mix up the neon!  Instead of two neon yellow pieces here, 

I threw in a saucy hot pink.  

You want to avoid looking too matchy-matchy.

 Dress Fashion Star For H&M (Check availability HERE)

Shoes - Jimmy Choo (Purchase HERE)

Earrings - Nordstrom (Available in stores)

Ring - H&M (Available in stores)

And now for the Link-Up!

RULES:

1. Link to your specific blog post...not your blog's main page.

2. Link back to Marionberry Style

3. Visit other cool bloggers who linked-up to see all the neon-goodness!

Thanks so much for joining me!  
Stay tuned next month when we announce the next trend! Leave any ideas in the comments below.

XO - Marion

PS - Also linking up with The Pleated Poppy & Rolled Up Pretty!

How to Ease into Spring Color

The first day of Spring is Wednesday!  

Are you ready?

Transitioning to spring colors does not need to be complicated.  
You can make it simple and fun simply by investing in a few bright colored accessories!  

STYLE TIP: It's no longer against the rules to match your belt with your shoes. 
To pull together a coordinated yet fun outfit, celebrate one fun spring color in your accessories and ground the look with a light colored neutral 
(camel and white are my favorites for spring).

Incorporate a print to add another layer of interest to your look!  
Stripes are a classic...but polka dots or a floral print would also look fun here!

 It was seriously windy today in Denver...I tried to take photos in-between gusts! 

 These platform pumps from H&M are so comfortable. 
Anytime I see a heel in a hot prime color, I am throwing it in my closet!

Top - Banana Republic (Purchase similar HERE)

Shorts - Forever 21 (available in stores)

Shoes - H&M (only available on stores,purchase similar HERE)

Belt - Forever 21 (Purchase HERE)

Bag - Nordstrom

This was my style for St. Patrick's Day.  The gentleman behind the counter at my favorite local liquor store told me that I was the "classiest chick he's seen all day."  

Sweet...I'll take it! :-)

Are you easing into spring color or diving in head first?

XO - Marion

Don't forget about the 

"Trend of the Month Challenge" Link-Up

this Wednesday!  

I hope you'll join us... Click HERE to read the details!  

This Month's Trend: 

Excited to be linking up today with Monday Mingle!

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

 Lace continues to be a hot trend this spring as the French/Romantic

look overflowed the S/S12 runways.

 Not that I want to look "romantic" at work.  

That would be weird.  I work with kids.

My blush pink casual blazer is the perfect cover-up for the cool morning air.

Lace Top - Forever 21 (Purchase Similar HERE)

Watch - Michael Kors (Purchase HERE)

Necklace and Earrings - Vintage

Blush Tank - Forever 21

Jeans - Hudson

Casual Blazer - Forever 21 (Purchase Similar HERE)

Moments of the Week:

WTF Moment - As a school psychologist, I spend time with kids who struggle with many things including emotional control, depression, impulsivity, anger, etc.  Well...as a reward for making good choices at school, I often let them play on an iPad.  This iPad has all sorts of educational games that have been downloaded by my school district.  

The other day, one of my (most emotionally unstable) students is playing a game called Doodle Hangman.  Well, I peak over his shoulder and see this image:

Apparently, in this version of Hangman, the poor dude actually dies by execution!  Kinda funny in an inappropriate way...but mostly awful.  Especially if I happen to be working with a kid on depression/suicidal issues! 

Needless to say, an alert went out to all in the district to erase the game from all iPads.  

Proud Moment - In other counseling news, I have a "girls group" to address self esteem, violence, gang exposure...you know...the usual.  Well I have developed a component to my this group to include learning about a certain young lady whom they could all look up to:

There is even a section on her fashion (Eeek!) which of course I spent a little extra time reviewing with the young ladies.  

So my proud moment?  When one of the "tougher" girls in the group asked me after school if there was an appropriate age to wear heels "you know...like Princess Kate."  

I believe my work here is done.

Giddy Moment - That very same day, I called H&M on my way home from work to see if the Fashion Star dress was still available.  It was!  So I raced through downtown Denver...

Actually no...I sat in this mess and imagined the last dress in my size being plucked off the racks by a mean girl who doesn't even like dresses but "it's only $19 so why not?"  GRRRR!

The good news?  I nailed princess parking a few steps away from the entrance, walked in, and raced toward the racks where I found my dress in my size (last one!!)   

I beat the mean girl!

Oh, and I found a few other things too... :-)

How was your week?  Any fun moments?

XO - Marion

Click HERE for details on the 

"Trend of the Month Challenge" Link-Up!

This Month's Trend:

  Rock as little or as much neon as you like...Just be sure to join the party!