Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

 STYLE TIP:

If you are not having a "good tummy day" (which is like a bad hair day and usually happens to me after indulging in salty foods and pizza), throw on a tunic and a fitted blazer.

The tunic's relaxed style allows for some much needed breathing room while the blazer adds visual structure and fit.  

Blazer - Gibson 

Tunic - Bellatrix (limited colors)

Necklace - c/o Amour Boutique

Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Jeans - Jolt 

Heels - BCBG

Be sure to check back next week for a fantastic gift card giveaway!

Moments of the Week

Trend of the Month Link-Up: Statement Necklaces

Baby bump at almost 20 weeks!

Dress: H&M

Necklace: J.Crew (Thanks Tira!)

Clutch - Nordstrom

Heels - BCBG

I love that a statement necklace like this one can transform a simple inexpensive dress (that retails for $12.95!) into something a little more special.  It's kinda like that saying about putting lipstick on a pig.  Except this dress isn't a pig.  But you get what I'm saying...right? :)

And now...time to link-up your statement necklace 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 linked up with The Pleated Poppy + Rolled Up Pretty!

DIY Jewelry Organizer

Weekend Wear

 I included this photo even though it's super cheesy.  

Cheesy is what I do.

Skirt - Bobeau (similar HERE)

Hat - Nordstrom (Similar HERE)

Shirt - Threads for Thought

Sunnies - Tory Burch

Heels - Steve Madden

Bag - Fossil

The husband had his golf clubs stolen.  From the airport.  As a former professional golfer, this has been beyond traumatic for him and he has spent this past week knee-deep in the grieving process.  

Just imagine if all of your shoes + bags were stolen...you would be pretty upset, right?  I used this analogy to help empathize with him.  I think he appreciated the effort at least :) 

So what do his stolen golf clubs have to do with this outfit?  Well, this is what I wore this weekend when we ran errands.  One of those errands included four (yes...four) hours at the PGA Superstore supporting my husband as he tried out new golf clubs.  I am a good wife.  

Have you ever had anything stolen?  It really is an awful feeling...

Happy Monday!

XO - Marion

Can't wait to see everyone's styles for the Trend of the Month Link-Up this Wednesday!  

This Month's theme: Statement Necklaces.

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

 STYLE TIP: 

For a more casual laid-back look that still looks pulled together, 

throw on a cotton t-shirt under a blazer.

 Blazer - H&M (on super sale in some stores!)

T-shirt - Threads for Thought (via Nordstrom)

Jeans - Hudson

Necklace & Bracelets - Jewelmint

Bag - BCBG

I am wearing two things that I may not be able to wear again for a very long time:

1) This blazer.  The color represents summer to me so I wanted to wear it before August leaves us!

2) These jeans. The baby told me today that I am not to wear these jeans again.  Apparently he (or she!) needs more breathing room...

Moments of the Week

Statement Necklaces: Save or Splurge?

The Trend of the Month Challenge was announced yesterday!  This month's theme?  Statement necklaces!  

This is a challenge for me personally considering I don't really own any necklaces that qualify.  I know, I know...what kind of blogger am I?!  Oh well...looks like I need to go shopping (sorry honey!)

Here are a few of my favorites I've found in a variety of price points:

Splurge:  1   /   2

Save - Under $30:   1   /   2

Save - Under $15:  1   /   2

So which is your favorite?  Would you splurge or save with these options?

XO - Marion

PS - I hope you'll join in on the Trend of the Month link-up next Wednesday!  Details HERE.

Navy Blazer Fails to Hide Growing Baby Bump + August Trend of the Month Challenge

 I originally put this blazer on thinking, "This will be perfect to hide my tummy!"

Well, instead I looked in the mirror and all I could see was...well...my tummy!  

So I decided to do what every pregnant woman must do at some point...embrace the bump!  I added a gold skinny belt and a goofy smile and within seconds I had forgiven the blazer. :)

 The little one is the size of a pear now!  

Blazer - H&M

Top - H&M

Belt - F21

Bag - Nordstrom (old)

Bracelet - J.Crew

And now it's time to announce August's "Trend of the Month" Link-up theme!  I am really excited to see what you ladies come up with for this one. 

For August...style a look using one of the season's hottest accessories - the statement necklace!

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 nice and helps spread the word!

Link Up Date: Wednesday, August 29th 

Thanks so much for reading!

XO - Marion

Color Obsession: Oxblood

Husband walks in and glances at this post as I'm writing it...

Husband: "You're doing a post on the color red?"

Me: "Well, actually it's called oxblood...but yes."

Husband: "Well it IS a shade of red.  But I'm no color expert."

Me: "Yeah...okay.  But it's called oxblood..."

Husband: "Kinda morbid if you ask me.  I'd just call it red and be done with it." 

Belt   /   Boots   /   Shorts   /   Bag

So whether you call it oxblood, maroon, dark red, or just plain red...this shade is a serious MUST for fall.  It's richness makes it almost a perfect substitute for standard black.  

If you haven't already, you'll start seeing this color overtaking the racks at your favorite store!

So are you going to be sportin' this shade of "red" this fall? :)

XO - Marion

PS - Be sure to check back tomorrow for the "Trend of the Month" Announcement! 

Simple Colorblock

When pulling together a color block look, consider keeping it simple.  I thought about throwing in an accent color here but decided against it.  The blue/green/white is bold enough left alone.

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

In keeping with my "loud" theme I started on Wednesday, here is a loud print bag I found at Nordstrom Rack for $10.  I love this type of colorful pattern as it opens up SO many style possibilities and provides great inspiration!

 And let's be honest.  

My current "baby bump" looks more like I had one too many Baconators for lunch.

 Shoes - Guess

Shorts - F21

Blouse - Jason Wu for Target (similar HERE)

Bag - Nordstrom Rack

And I have a couple sexy burns on my elbows from my last workout.  This girl thought using a matt for extended plank holds was for wussies.  She was wrong.

Moments of the Week

Top 10 Fall Essentials (Part II)

Are you seeing the fall fashions hitting stores right now?

I've been making a list of the top items I would love to have in my closet for fall.  The first 5 items included a few of my favorites (and I maaaaay have gone shopping the day I published that list to buy a few of them).  Here are the final five:

Coated Black Jeans 

High Heeled Loafer: Orange   /   Black and Tan   /   Brown

White sweater

Patterned Blouse:  Red Tie Blouse   /   Ruffled blouse

Riding Boots:  Black   /   Brown

So if you could have one of these for FREE...which would you choose? :)

XO - Marion

I'm Sorry...I Couldn't Hear You. My Dress Was Too Loud.

 Dress - Nordstrom Rack

Heels - Moda

Belt - F21

When accessorizing this loud but fun dress, I couldn't decide whether to go with cheerful yellow or a conservative gray.  I wasn't even going to post the gray option...but here it is:

Top 10 Fall Essentials (within every budget!)

"What are your top shopping picks for fall?"

"What essentials should I have in my closet to be ready for the colder weather but still fashionable?"

"What trends do you love this fall?"

These are the main questions filling up my email inbox lately...so I decided to pull together a lil' shopping guide featuring my top 10 picks for fall fashion!

So without further ado...here are the items on my fall shopping list:

Ankle Boots: Versatile  /  Sexy  /  Super comfy

Ribbed Tights:  Gray  /  Fuchsia

Something Leather:  Pencil Skirt  /  Flowy skirt

Jeweled Collar:  Metal collar  /  Black collar

Bright Sweater:  Blue  /  Yellow

Umm...Marion.  There are only 5 here.

And that is because this is just Part 1.
Check back this week for Part 2!

So which is your favorite trend in the list above?!

XO - Marion

Black and White for Back to Work

I found myself reaching for black and white when pulling together my back-to-work outfit.  

Not sure what that means (although being a school psychologist I can certainly make a few inferences!)

 STLYE TIP:

Don't be afraid to liven up a black and white look with a punch of color!  

This could mean a bold statement necklace, a belt or fun shoes.

Blouse - F21 (similar on sale HERE)

Pants - BCBG

Heels - Chinese Laundry (similar HERE)

Clutch - Urban Expressions (similar HERE)

Necklace - Ann Taylor Loft

Bracelet - Nordstrom (necklace wrapped)

Black and white is a big trend this fall!   

Just make sure you add personality through pattern, accessories or a dash of color.  

Are you one of those girls with too much black and white in your closet or not enough?  I find that you're either one of the other :)

XO - Marion

Congratulations to Sami!  You've won the Francine Collections Park Avenue Sleeve!  I'll be in touch.  Thank you to everyone who entered.  xo

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

This is going to be embarrassing.

If you follow me on Twitter, you probably know that I moved this week.  The whole process of moving gets two giant thumbs down from me.  

So in lieu of a "Casual Friday Outfit Post," I thought I would share an embarrassing photo of myself as I really look right now.

Why?  

Because I have no energy to clean myself up, my new house is a mess, my husband has been out of town all week which is stressful during a move, and gosh darn it...sometimes I just want to make sure y'all know that this girl doesn't pretend to be perfect!  

So yeah...that is how I look right now.  No heels :)

Moments of the Week

Fashion Problem: When a Pencil Skirt is Too-Form Fitting for Work

Dear Marion,

I need some fashion advice! 

I have an awesome thrifted BR pencil skirt that I love. It's made out of stretchy material and really hugs/flatters my curves well. The thing is, I teach at a university and am a bit concerned that it might be a bit distracting. 
Is there anyway I can make it work appropriate by diminishing its emphasis on my butt?  Thanks so much! :)

- Christina

I love this question!  Especially now days since it seems every piece of clothing I put on my lower half is MUCH tighter than normal (thank you baby bump).  

Comfort + Stylish Shoes for the Woman on the Go

I have a problem.
I walk toward the shoe section at Nordstrom and I just.can't.help.it.
My legs are on auto-pilot and within seconds I find myself standing before the most beautiful selection of unreasonably sky-high heels!

For most of us, these gorgeous 4-inch heels are not ideal for everyday wear.  

So I spent the past weekend on a special assignment...doing research and finding stylish shoes + trying them on to gauge comfort.  And I'm happy to say that we have a few winners!

1  /  2  /   3  /  4  /  5

All of these shoes were built with comfort in mind.
The true test?  How do your feet feel at 5pm?

What are your go-to stylish comfort shoes?  
Any designers/brands we should know about?

XO - Marion

PS - Be sure to check out my giveaway for a gorgeous Park Avenue Sleeve!

Giveaway

Trying to find the perfect bag for work is like trying to find the perfect man: 
you want it to be both functional + nice to look at.  

There are way too many bags on the market that fit the bill in only 1 of these areas 

(which...let's face it...is also true when it comes to men!)  

 Thank goodness the Thoroughbred from Francine Collections (a woman-owned company!) has room for my laptop, work files, accessories 

AND 

I can take it with me to happy hour after work and not feel like I am...well...carrying a briefcase!

Pencil Skirt - Express (Similar HERE)

Blouse - Splendid via Nordstrom

Bracelet - J.Crew

Watch - Michael Kors

Earrings - ASOS

Shoes - Steve Madden

Bag - c/o Francine Collections

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Very excited to announce that Francine Collections is giving one Marionberry Style reader their very own Park Avenue Sleeve! 

 It is simply the most gorgeous + sophisticated way to carry your tablet/e-reader.

To Enter:

Follow Marionberry Style via GFC

Like Francine Collections on Facebook

Follow Francine Collections on Twitter

Additional Entries (+1 each)

Tweet about the Giveaway
Follow Marionberry Style via Blog Lovin'

Like Marionberry Style on Facebook

Follow Marionberry Style on Twitter

*Please leave one comment letting me know that you've followed the required steps.  
*Leave one additional comment letting me know which additional entries you completed.

Giveaway closes August 12.

Good luck and thanks so much for reading!

XO - Marion

PS - Francine Collections is offering Marionberry Style readers an extra 20% on-line!  Just enter the code "postsum12" at check-out!




Giveaway rules: No purchase or payment necessary. Open only to legal residents of the USA. Sweepstakes prize is valued at $39.99. Chances of winning do not increase by purchasing this product. By entering this giveaway, the entrant acknowledges that they are eligible for this giveaway according to all laws set forth by their home state or country. Entrants who do not meet these criteria will be disqualified. Winner is liable for any taxes associated with the prize.  The promotion period for this giveaway will close on August 12, 2012 at 5:00pm MST and a winner will be chosen via random.org sometime between August 12 and August 13, 2012.  The winner may be contacted privately and Marionberry Style may choose not to publish the winning entry on this site. A list of winner(s) will be available within 2 business days of the close of the sweepstakes, by request, and available for 6 months thereafter. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes sponsored by Francine Collections.