Trend of the Month Link-Up: Pattern Mixing

 So...I couldn't decide on a look for this link-up...so I did two!  

Check out my Facebook page to see the second style and vote for your favorite!

Shorts - Nordstrom 60% off right now!

Top - F21

Clutch - H&M

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelet - ASOS

Necklace - H&M

Shoes - Guess

And just a quick note...I really want to thank everyone for all the sweet messages yesterday.  It means more to me than I could possibly say in words.  I never knew when I started blogging that I would feel connected with so many incredible women.  So thank you for being here.  I appreciate you. :)

And now...time to see all the mixed print looks!!

RULES:

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

**Must be a NEW blog post specific to this challenge...old posts will be deleted.**

2. Link back to Marionberry Style.  

Be sure to visit other cool bloggers who linked-up their styles! 
Stay tuned next month when we announce the next trend!

Also linking up with Rolled Up Pretty + The Pleated Poppy!

So...I'm Pregnant!

Phew!
I've been wanting to share this news with you for so long now!  The husband and I are thrilled about the news and feel so blessed.  Like many couples, we experienced heartache along the journey to start a family.  It certainly makes me that much more thankful for the little life growing inside me now :)

How far along are you?
I'm currently 15 weeks.
Which means that the baby is the size of an apple.  My husband really loves it when I give fruit analogies when explaining the baby's size:

Me: "So the baby is approximately 3 inches long now."

Husband: "But what type of fruit is that?"

Me: "Um, it says here it's the size of a lemon."

Husband: "Oh my gosh...Wow!!"

It's been more and more difficult to hide it!

Will there be any changes on the blog?
Well, I'll certainly be looking a little bigger around the waist in my photos :)  But the blog's focus and emphasis will stay the same: style and trends that are wearable + accessible.  But I honestly don't know what to expect with this whole pregnancy thing...I've never done it before!

Any fears?
Absolutely.  Many of you know that I don't have a mom...so I have been going through a few difficult periods of "How will I know what to do?" and "Who is going to teach me?"  I seriously walked into Babys R Us and had to turn around because I felt so overwhelmed and lost.  How can something so small need so much stuff?  As I walked out to my car, I wanted to cry.
Needless to say, I will likely be leaning on girlfriends and readers who can give me their best "mom advice!"  So if you have any - please know that I'm grateful for any bit of knowledge :)

How are Bogey and Palmer feeling about the news?
They are excited and crossing their paws that it's a beagle (I didn't have the heart to tell them about the human vs. dog thing.  Maybe in time...).

So...there it is!  I'm so excited to share it with you finally!!

XO - Marion

PS - SO excited to see all the Pattern Mixing in tomorrow's "Trend of the  Month Challenge" Link-up! 

Click HERE for more details!

Black and Blue

STYLE TIP: 

A minimalist color palette often calls for a minimalist approach to accessories.  

Resist the urge to throw on every bracelet, earring, and sparkly-do-hicky in your closet.  

Simple can be good.

Sweater - J.Crew

Shorts - Trouve (similar HERE)

Heels -  Enzo Angiolini (Similar HERE and HERE)

Necklace - F21

Clutch - Urban Expressions (sold out)

I wore this for date night this weekend.  The husband said I looked like a "beautiful bruise."  This from the same guy who saw my sweater from Friday's post and exclaimed "Did you get that from Pat Benatar's closet?!"  

Good thing he's so darn good looking.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for a super exciting announcement!! :)

XO - Marion

I hope you'll join us on Wednesday for the "Trend of the Month Challenge!"  

I can't wait to see all your mixed pattern looks.  

Click HERE for more details!

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

 This sweater was one of my buys from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!  I love that it's lightweight enough for summer and fall but cozy enough to take me into winter.    

Sweater - Hinge on sale now!

Jeans - Paige on sale now!

Watch - Michael Kors

Bag - Fossil

The Same Cheesy Look in Every Shot - All Me

Moments of the Week

Embarrassing Moment

This fence is next to the wall I'm taking my style photos.  On the other side of the fence, there are occasionally a few homeless men who sleep under some bushes.  I was so focused on my photos that I forgot that they could be there.  

So I'm busy taking photos and talking to myself.  And I'm busy telling myself all kinds of interesting things...when I hear from the other side of this fence, "We hear you...You aren't alone!"  

Oh... 

Worst.Grocery.Shopping.Moment.Ever

I'm at Whole Foods filling up my cart with all kinds of goodness.  It takes me almost an hour (I'm a label reader...it's a problem).  I get to the cashier and start unloading my items when I peer into my purse and realize that I am missing my wallet!  The guy is already ringing me up and I have to stop him.  He gives me this look that is pure "Are you serious lady?" and I quickly tell him that I'll just put everything back in the cart, race home and then return.  

So that is what I did.

50 minutes later I am pushing my cart out in the parking lot when I GET HIT BY A FREAKIN' CAR.  Seriously.  It backed up right into me and nailed my cart.  Right there!

Obviously, it wasn't enough to cause damage (unless you count my chipped nail when I was trying to keep the cart from falling over).  It's just a good thing I have Jason Bourne-type reflexes otherwise this coulda been the "Ouchie Moment of the Week."

Big Sigh Moment

I received my first piece of "Back to School" material in the mail the other day.  

Sigh...only 3 more weeks to raise heck before going back to work.

And I just realized I'm thumbing her boob. 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

XO - Marion  

Women at Work: The Value of Dressing Professionally

Earlier this week, I was interviewed by The Grindstone - a fantastic publication geared toward the professional working woman.  The topic?  Appropriate dress in the workplace.

I thought I would share just a few of the questions + answers...

My typical "Casual Friday" look...

Judging from your outfits it seems the answer is yes, but can you still be fashionable working around little kids all day? Is it limiting? Has your wardrobe changed from when you were an event planner to now?

This question really gets to the heart of why I started my blog! As an event planner for nearly seven years, my clothing and appearance was critical to my business success. If I can’t look pulled together and stylish, why would a CEO hire me to make his company’s party pulled together and stylish?

Now that I’m a school psychologist, I try to bring that same approach to fashion into my workplace. Kids see that I put thought, effort and personality into my style and they comment on it nearly every day. Schools are overflowing with teachers sporting Crocs with socks, tied-dyed t-shirts and ill-fitting baggy jeans. I want to help transform this ideology that “if you work with kids you have a free pass to look sloppy.” Professional and polished doesn’t mean uncomfortable and impractical. Can it be limiting when you work with kids?  Absolutely. Is it possible to be fashionable while working with kids? Absolutely.

What do you think is the most common mistake women make when dressing for the office?

Here are my top offenses:

• Showing cleavage

• Not paying attention to fit. Too tight and you look inappropriate. Too baggy and you look sloppy. A good tailor is critical.

• Celebrating Casual Friday on Tuesday.

On your blog, you do a lot of incorporating trends into work wear (neon, mixing prints, etc.) Do you think any trend, if done correctly, can be translated to work wear?

Unless you work in fashion or in a very liberal work environment, the answer is no! Please don’t introduce colored hair tips to your law firm or fabric cut outs to your accounting office. There are some trends that should be labeled “Weekend Only!”

Go HERE to read the full interview!

So I would love to hear what YOU think!  

- Do you agree that certain trends should stay OUT of the workplace?  

- What about common office dress mistakes?  Does anyone at your work rock the ample cleavage daily? :)

XO - Marion 

PS - Starting next week I'll be sharing a few of my "comfortable and reasonable" shoe + clothing picks.  I can't always play duck-duck-goose in high heels :)

And be sure to join us next Wednesday for the "Trend of the Month Challenge!"  

Click HERE for more information.  

J.Crew Stripes + The Trend of the Month Challenge

STYLE TIP: 

With a large print (such as the stripes on this skirt), consider mixing in a bold color!  

It provides contrast and balance.

 Skirt - J.Crew

Sweater - J.Crew

Necklace - J.Crew

Bracelet - J.Crew

Heels - BCBG

Sunglasses - Tory Burch

And now it's time to announce the theme for the Trend of the Month Challenge!  Very excited about this one... it's been a huge trend this summer and is slated to be even BIGGER this fall/winter:

HOW IT WORKS...IT'S AS EASY AS 1 - 2 - 3!:

1)  In the middle of every month, I'll announce a new trend that is either here or forthcoming.  You'll have a week to pull together a style and take photos. 

2)  When the date arrives, simply link-up your specific post using the link widget I'll have posted on Marionberry Style. This MUST be a NEW post...please don't link old blog posts.

3)  PLEASE link back to Marionberry Style from your site so this "Trend of the Month Challenge" stuff makes sense to your readers.  Plus it's the kind thing to do and helps spread the word!

LINK UP DATE: 

WEDNESDAY, August 1st

I hope you'll join!!

XO - Marion

Oh wait...2 more things:

1) I'm guest posting on one of my favorite blogs today - J's Everyday Fashion!

2) I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy!

Update Your Skirt Wardrobe Without Breaking the Bank

Look in your closet and find your skirts.  Are they on-trend?  Do you have a nice variety (work, weekend, dressy, casual, etc.)?  Or could you use a new member to your skirt family?

I'm always looking for new members to my skirt family.  One of my favorite places to adopt new pieces is ASOS.  Here are just a few of my picks, available on-line right now!

Yellow Bell Skirt

Polka Dot Skirt

Black Peplum Skirt

Lace Pencil Skirt

Blue Print Maxi

Floral Maxi

I am seriously obsessed with the yellow bell skirt above. This is an example of a versatile piece that is gorgeous for work, church AND date night.  Well...date night if you were dating a fancy gentleman.  If you are dating "Stealth" whom you met the last night of Comic-Con or Vinny from apartment 102, then maybe take a more casual approach.

Which is your favorite?!

XO - Marion

PS - Be sure to check back tomorrow for July's "Trend of the Month Challenge!"

Celeb Inspired Style: Raspberry + Tangerine

Do you ever run out of style ideas?  Me too.  

Here's a tip: 

When you see style photos you like on-line, break out your phone and snap a quick photo.  You can look back on them later for inspiration! 

I loved the colors at play here on Chelsea Kane and thought I would give it a go!  

 STYLE TIP: 

Bold colors are a big trend right now AND are slated to be big for Fall/Winter.  

Don't be afraid to invest in a little color...

Shorts - Express

Blouse - H&M (similar HERE and HERE)

Earrings - ASOS (similar HERE)

Heels - LC by Lauren Conrad (on sale!)

So do you take inspiration from photos you see on-line?

XO - Marion

PS - My friend Tira, who writes the fashion blog Style Eye, has a great idea for capturing and using inspiration from your favorite magazines.  Check it out here!

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

I love a casual summer scarf.  

Throw it on over a tank or a t-shirt and you have an easy, not-too-fussy accessory.

 STYLE TIP: 

When picking out a summer scarf, pay special attention to the "fluff-factor."  

I stay away from scarves that have a lot of fabric.  

No one wants to look like they have an anaconda around their neck when it's 80 degrees out.

Scarf - J.Crew (love this style for both summer + fall!)

Tank - Hinge

Jeans - Hudson (on sale!)

Bag - Target (old)

Bracelet - J.Crew

And THANK YOU to everyone who encouraged me to go with the ombre hair color.  I think it's a perfect transition style for summer into fall.

Moments of the Week

Awkward Moment #1

While in the middle-of-nowhere-Colorado, the husband and I ate at this little diner.  Our waitress was wearing this dress and I was so captivated by it, I asked her if I could take a photo.  The following was our exchange:

Me: "I love your dress!  Could I maybe take a photo?"

Gun Lady: "Are you being serious or are you making fun of it?"

Me: "Um, no I like it.  I'm not making fun of it."

Gun Lady: "Well...good.  Cause I've started a list of names of folks who don't like this dress."

Me: speechless but trying to smile

Gun Lady: "Well your photo ain't gonna take itself now is it?"

Seriously...what the heck is she going to do with a list of names?  

Awkward Moment #2

I'm walking the dogs this morning.  We're super happy and admiring the scenery when I hear a man call out, "Hey bitch!"  I whirl around to face this meanie and see a friendly looking man waving across the street at someone.  He calls out again and this time it's clear that he is saying, "Hey Mitch!"  

I chuckle and when he gets closer to me I say, "I thought you were calling me a bitch.  Haha!"  He scrunches up his face, looks at me all weird and asks me, "What did you just call me?" 

Before I could respond he gives me a mean look and walks wide around me to make his way over to his buddy Mitch.  Awesome.  

Just a thought:

You shouldn't name your kid anything that rhymes with a naughty word.  Mitch, Puck, or Hick are not smart choices.

High-Maintenance Moment

We seriously JUST got back from a 3-mile walk when I took this photo.  All mommy wants to do is read a little...but Bogey will stare at me non-stop (even placing his paw on my leg occasionally as if to remind me of his presence) until I take him outside again.  I would say that he has me trained pretty well.

Hope you have a wonderful + memorable weekend!

XO - Marion

Can a Guest Wear White to a Wedding?

Dear Marion,
I have a fashion dilemma for an upcoming wedding that I'm attending, and I'm sure some of your readers have the same question...

I have the attached dress and would like to wear it to an upcoming wedding. I've heard the "no white to a wedding rule", but I'm wondering if it would be acceptable. What are your thoughts?


Thanks,
Krissy

Dear Krissy,
First off, thank so much for your question!  It is DEFINITELY one that I'm sure many of us consider when we are shopping for dresses during the wedding season.


For nearly 7 years, I was a wedding + event planner, thus this topic was one that came up from time to time.  
Modern etiquette allows for guests to wear white to a wedding as long as the dress is not overly bridal looking (tulle, lace, etc.)  THAT SAID, I personally would stay away from the color.  Why?  Simply because it's the bride's day and she really should stand out in the crowd in more ways than one.  Call it tradition or fashion etiquette...but it would be one day in 365 where you should choose a different color (this includes white, cream, beige, eggshell, you name it). 


Even if I know that the bride was incredibly fine with it, I know that I would be looking around the room wondering who is giving me the evil eye.  And believe me...Grandma Ethel over by the punch bowl is totally talking smack.  But if that doesn't bother you and you know that the bride is fine with it, then go for it!  But if not...then I would find another dress. 


I know it's not the answer you are looking for (and that dress is gorgeous) but I would save it for a special church service or an afternoon tea event.  


Thanks again Krissy!
XO - Marion


So I'm really curious to hear your thoughts on this topic!  
Would you wear white to a wedding?

T-Shirt at Work

STYLE TIP: 

Dress up a regular cotton t-shirt for work with a tailored skirt or pants. 

Then pile on the accessories!

This J.Crew top is so versatile:

- Preppy enough to dress up for work

BUT

- Casual enough to marry with jeans for a relaxed weekend look

Top - J.Crew

Skirt - H&M (Similar HERE)

Heels - Tahari

Necklace - J.Crew

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelet - J.Crew

Earrings - Vintage

Would you dress up a t-shirt for work?

XO - Marion

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy!

Too Soon?

When shopping for office-appropriate shoes this past week, I found myself staying away from the bright candy colors that have dominated the spring and summer...and instead admiring the new slew of snakeskin, gold tones and rich materials that are popping up as we inch closer toward fall.

I know, I know...it's still July!  As you clutch your margarita you might be yelling at your computer to tell me to stop talking about fall.  And I get it...but looking doesn't hurt anyone.*  Right?

1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5

So admit it...have you starting to think about fall fashion?  Or is this just all too soon? :)

XO - Marion

*I like to use this line when approaching the dessert counter at my local Whole Foods.
Dan-to-the-gerous.

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

Top - J.Crew (available in stores)

Shorts - F21

Clutch - Nordstrom

Belt - H&M (similar HERE)

Shoes - Moda via DSW

Moments of the Week:

"I Heart You Husband" Moment

Many of you know that the husband and I went to Telluride to celebrate making it an entire year as married folk.  It was a weekend full of special moments...

My "Almost a Hole-in-One" Moment

So it really wasn't all that close...but look at where my ball landed!  

It's the closest I've come to a hole-in-one.  

And yes...my ball is a shade of light lavender.  

The husband and I pose in our sexy rain gear.

 I am a Dork Moment

In case you ever mistake me for someone who is super cool...remember photos like this and know that I made my husband pull the car over so I could be Cartman. 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

XO - Marion

PS - Thank you to everyone who voted on my Facebook page for my hair appointment today!!  

You were such a big help.

Shopping the Zara Sale

Dress  /  Tweed Jacket  /  Peplum Skirt  /  Zebra Blouse  /  Yellow Sweater

Neutral Heel  /  Print Heel  /  Sandal Heel

These are my picks for the Zara Sale happening now!  Hurry...sizes are quickly selling out.

Which is your favorite?!

XO - Marion