Trend of the Month Link-Up: Boots and Booties

 STYLE TIP: 

Consider substituting oxblood for basic black.  

Sweater - BCBG (old)

Dress - H&M (in stores now)

Tights - Hue via Nordstrom

Booties - H&M (similar HERE and HERE)

Bag - H&M

Scarf - J.Crew

Sunglasses - Tory Burch

I can't wait to see all the creative ways you ladies styled boots + booties!  

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! 

**Just a few days left to enter to win your choice of a $50 gift card OR any two clothing/accessory items from Florence Adams!  Enter HERE.**

Also linking up with The Pleated Poppy.

One Thing You Should Do Today...

I'll never forget it.

Several years ago, I was dragged out by some friends to attend an opera.  I say "dragged out" because I was going through a particularly rough time in my life and just wanted to stay home with my dog and a generous pour of pinot.  It was during intermission and I was in the ladies restroom washing my hands. I looked up and a kind-looking woman was looking at me in the mirror.  I smiled a little awkwardly at her and she immediately commented, "Oh my!  Your teeth are so white.  You are quite beautiful you know?!"

And at that moment, I gave her what felt like my first genuine smile in weeks.  

Now she could have been a little crazy in the head, suffered from horrible vision problems and perhaps was a tad too kind...but the point is...I didn't care.  Without knowing it, she gifted me with a moment of happiness.  I blushed, told her thank you and walked out of that restroom holding my head just a teeny bit higher than when I entered.

This complete stranger taught me to spread the joy.  At least once a day, I try to give a compliment that has a little thought behind it.  Oftentimes it is directed to a child I pass in the hall who spent a little extra time on her hair that morning.  Or the teacher who is wearing a kitten heel in place of her usual crocs and socks uniform.

Although there is a little human psychology that goes into a truly great compliment, resist the urge to over think it.  The best compliments are of the spontaneous + heartfelt variety :)
 

So this is just a little public service announcement: Give a compliment to at least one person today.  Maybe it's your co-worker, your husband, or a complete stranger in a public restroom.  You just never know...they may think back on that moment several years later and smile.

xo - Marion

Can't wait to see everyone's Boots + Booties style for tomorrow's "Trend of the Month Link-up!"  Click HERE for details!

image credit: James Nord

I Like Red + Giveaway

 I love the color of this blouse!  

When wearing the color red, you really don't need to add a lot to your look...  

the color speaks for itself.

Blouse - c/o Florence Adams

Necklace - J.Crew

Watch - Michael Kors

Blazer - Banana Republic

Jeans - Hudson (Maternity)

Shoes - BCBG

Clutch - Nordstrom

As many of you know, I am a big believer in mixing high-end pieces with more affordable finds.  Well, today I am so excited to introduce you to Florence Adams, an on-line company that has recently expanded their offerings to include super affordable + cute women's clothing!  (You would never guess the price for the blouse I'm wearing!)

GIVEAWAY CLOSED
And the winner is.... Elissa from Professionally Petite!  I'll be in touch :)
Thanks so much to all who entered!

Snow Style + Moments of the Week

Coat - BCBG MaxAzria

Sweater - Nordstrom

Jeans - Hudson Maternity

Boots - Steve Madden (old)

Bag - c/o Francine Collections

Scarf - H&M

Moments of the Week

My Favorite Student Conversation Moment

This conversation took place between myself and a favorite 1st grade boy. 

Me: "Great work today Sam!  Now it's time for you to see Ms. H."

Student: "Who is Ms. H?"

Me: "You know who she is.  Think really hard..."

Student: "Oh, that's right!  She is the librarian.  I married her last week."

Me: "Oh...well...no, only adults get married."

Suddenly he gets a serious look on his face +  motions for me to lean-in closer to him 

Student: whispers "This is very important.  Listen to me."

Me: "I am listening."

Student: "Always remember to tell them to show you the carfax."

Me: "Oh, that is..."

He cuts me off as he throws his head back dramatically and yells loudly...

Student: "Show me the carfaaaaax!!!"

My Husband's Supportive Comments Moments

The husband and I went to our first "Prepared Childbirth" class this past weekend.  It was...well...a learning experience for both of us. 

I looked around the room and noticed several husbands holding their wives hands lovingly as the instructor talked about pain management.  Many of the husbands leaned in and whispered what I imagine were sweet + supportive statements as we watched a video showing a woman experiencing pain that I have never seen.

Here are my favorite moments from my husband during this special 6-hour class:

1) We are watching a video of a woman giving birth without drugs.  She is making noises that I have never heard and I swear my eyes were the size of saucers as I took the whole thing in.  My husband leans over right after she is done and whispers, "Well, that doesn't look so bad!"

2) The instructor is talking about pain medication options.  Husband leans over and whispers in his most positive tone, "Good thing you're so tough honey!  You don't need to even listen to this part!"

3) We are touring the hospital and we walk into a birthing room.  The husband takes a look around and notices the huge jacuzzi bathtub in the room.  He turns to the instructor and asks, "Would someone be able to show me how to work the controls on the tub?"  She replies, "Yes, of course."  He then looks at me and says with a straight face, "Kinda cool honey!  I can have a nice jacuzzi bath while you are doing your thing.  Might help with my stress." 

He's lucky that he is so darn good looking. :)

Thank you so much for reading!

XO - Marion

Hope you'll join in this month's 

"Trend of the Month Link-Up!" 

This month's theme:  Boots + Booties

Trend of the Month Challenge: Boots and Booties

1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5  /  6  /  7  /  8

*I am obsessed with #3 and feel that #4 would be such a classic fall 

statement bootie season after season.

TREND OF THE MONTH for OCTOBER: 

Boots & Booties

This may be the easiest "Trend of the Month Challenge" ever.  And guess what?  That is okay!  Sometimes it's all about seeing how everyone takes the seasonal trend we all love and styling it in completely different ways!

I am hopeful that many of you have at least one pair of boots or booties in your closet.  If you don't...get thee to thy closest Nordstrom!

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, October 31

Horizontal Stripes Make You Look Skinny, Right? Oh Wait...

STYLE TIP:

When wearing a whole-lotta-pattern, choose accessories carefully.  

Sometimes too many ornaments on the tree just makes for a messy looking tree...

Dress - Old Navy on sale!

Blazer - F21(similar HERE on sale!)

Necklace - c/o Amour Boutique

Clutch - Nordstrom (similar HERE)

Heels - Enzo Angiolino (similar HERE)

So I put this dress on for work and looked in the mirror and just had to giggle.  Of all the patterns I could wear right now, of course I choose horizontal stripes.  But gosh darn it...I'm nearly 7 months pregnant and I'll wear horizontal stripes if I want to! :)

XO - Marion

Click HERE to see if you won the Daisy Rae Gift Card Giveaway!

What to Wear on Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

Jeans - Hudson (maternity)

Blouse - Splendid

Faux Fur Vest - B.B. Dakota (similar HERE)

Clutch - c/o Glow Kouture

Earrings - ASOS

Bracelet - J.Crew

Moments of the Week

The Moment I Just Couldn't Say the Right Thing

1st grade boy - "Ms. G...I am going to be there with you when you push it out."

Me - "Oh...are you talking about the baby?"

Boy - "Yes Ms. G!  I will be there.  It'll be good for you."

Me -  "Well, actually I will probably be with my husband.  And I hear they only allow 1 person in the room."

Boy - Immediately starts to cry and pound his fists on the table (there is a reason he is spending time with the school psychologist)

Me - "Oh no...it's okay!  You'll get to meet the baby soon."  (Quick!  Change the subject!)  "So are you going to watch the Broncos play tonight?"

Boy - sniffling "Yes.  You know I love Tim Tebow."

Me - "Well, actually Tim Tebow is no longer on the Broncos."

Boy - "WHAT?!  BUT I LOVE TIM TEBOW!" 

Bring.on.the.full.blown.tantrum.

Somedays I don't feel so great at my job.  Sigh...

Speechless Moment of the Week

Kindergarten boy - "Hi Ms. G!"

Me - "Oh hey Billy!"

Kindergarten boy - "I'm wearing women's panties."

Me - "Oh...okay."

Kindergarten boy - "They are so silky."

Me - "Oh...okay."

"Hey!  I Know That Place!" Moment

Did you happen to see this in the news this week?

Well take a look at THIS!

And after posting these pictures, it occurs to me that I am kinda bragging about living across the street from where a drive-by took place.  

I hope you have a wonderful weekend everyone!  Be sure to enter the  Daisy Rae Gift Card Giveaway if you haven't already.  Details HERE.

XO - Marion

What to Wear to Work When You're 6 1/2 Months Pregnant

 STYLE TIP:  

Neutrals are a BIG trend this season.  

If you are in a big rush to leave the house, reach for your neutrals and mix in black for a classic + chic style.

Dress - c/o Madeleine Maternity

Blazer - Gibson

Necklace - t + j Designs

Scarf - Nordstrom (similar HERE)

Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar HERE)

Heels - Via Spiga

Sunglasses - Tory Burch

Can I just be honest? 

Dressing for work right now is pretty tough.  I have crunched some numbers and I believe that at 6 1/2 months pregnant, I fit into approximately 12% of my current wardrobe.  Don't get me wrong...I love our little baby so much!  But this is a fashion blog so I'm going to talk fashion.  And gosh darn it...fashion is hard work right now!

My main goal with dressing this baby bump?  I don't want to wear anything that screams "Hey everyone!  I am a maternity dress!"  I find many maternity styles to be...well...kinda depressing.  

So I was thrilled to discover Madeleine Maternity.  Incredible fabrics + fit + design for the modern woman who still wants to look stylish while pregnant.  And a bonus?  I will still wear this design once our little man arrives :)

I just had to stroke his lil' beard (I am so not a model!)

Marionberry Style readers can use the code "WEEKENDCHIC" to save 20% off their order at Madeleine Maternity.  Be sure to let any expecting girlfriends know!

XO - Marion

Be sure to enter the $30 Gift Card Giveaway for Daisy Rae Boutique!  

Details HERE.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy!

Can You Wear Open-Toed Heels with Tights?

You send me so many great fashion related questions via email + Facebook, that I thought a Q&A post would be fun!  So read and be sure to share your take in the comments below.  

Cause let's face it...I've been known to be wrong.*

Can you wear brown boots with gray jeans?

Absolutely!  Brown really adds a richness to the coolness of a gray jean.  I also like that it's a bit unexpected.  Most gals just reach for black with their gray.  Mix it up!

So I've seen celebs wear open-toed heels with tights...but is it really "okay" for us average girls?

Again...absolutely!  Wearing tights with your open toed shoes is a great way to give new life to your heels usually reserved for warmer weather.  It adds instant chic when done right...just keep a few things in mind:

- Please don't wear tights with re-enforced toes for this look.  

- Consider color: Black tights with a black heel will elongate the leg while cream tights with a black heel will make your legs look a bit shorter/wider.  Have fun playing with jewel-toned tights in the colder months.

I love wearing shorter skirts...but how short is TOO short for work?

The answer depends on where you work.  But the rule of thumb is no higher than 2-4" inches above the knee (in many work environments, 4" is pushing it).  But if you are standing in the dressing room trying on a skirt and you look in the mirror and think, "Huh...I wonder if this is too short for work?"  Than your answer is yes.  

There are so many gorgeous work-appropriate options now for skirts that you should have plenty to choose from.  J.Crew + Zara + LOFT + The Limited all carry beautiful skirts for the office that are perfect length and on-trend.  

The bottom-line: When in doubt...go longer.  

Do you have any fashion-related questions?  I'd love to hear from you!  Drop me an email or write on my Facebook.

So what do YOU think?  Would you wear tights with open-toed heels? 

XO - Marion

*It happened once in 3rd grade and I've never quite fully recovered.

Be sure to enter to win a $30 Gift Card to Daisy Rae Boutique! Click HERE!

image credits:  floral heels; brown boots; open toed heels; pencil skirt

Casual Weekend Wear + Giftcard Giveaway

 These leggings are actually compression maternity tights.  Oh-so-comfortable and my legs feel super energized even at the end of a long day of shopping + dog walking + cooking + baking a few cookies (I couldn't help it!)

Sweater - H&M (similar here)

Jacket - Rubbish (old)

Leggings - c/o Preggers

Bag - Rebecca Minkoff

Shoes - Dolce Vita

Sunnies - Tory Burch

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelet - Necklace worn as a bracelet from F21

Necklace - Vintage

I'm excited to be teaming with Daisy Rae Boutique to giveaway a $30 gift card!  

Daisy Rae is a chic + affordable online shop that just so happens to be owned by one of the most beautiful bloggers I know - Kacie with the blog Kacie's Kloset.  

The leopard top I wore in this post was from her shop!

Giveaway Closed

Thanks to everyone who entered!!  

Congratulations to:

A Not-So-Casual-Friday + Moments of the Week

Dress - c/o Isabella Oliver

Blazer - Gibson via Nordstrom

Heels - Cole Haan (similar)

Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Necklace - JewelMint

Sometimes big meetings are scheduled on a Friday.
Jeans are inappropriate for certain meetings and professionalism always wins for work attire...whether or not it's "Casual Friday."

So I glanced longingly at my comfy maternity jeans this morning but reached for something a little more appropriate but equally as comfortable - my new dress from Isabella Oliver!   I just adore the fabric, cut and color.  It is a maternity design, however I will definitely be wearing this dress for years to come (the fabric is stretchy and will cover a flat stomach just as beautifully).  

Moments of the Week:

"Makes Me Laugh Every Time" Kind of Moment

Every single time a Pitbull song comes on the radio, I SWEAR my baby starts dancing like no one's watching (which no one really IS watching...I guess that is a bonus for dancing in a uterus).  He's throwing elbows and kicking up a storm.

I have the rhythm of a newborn rhino, so this is how I imagine him dancing in there:



Dork Moment

I had just purchased pillows at Crate and Barrel.

For some reason, purchasing pillows makes me extremely giddy.
When I get giddy, I get distracted.
When I get distracted, my brain goes on auto-pilot.
When I'm on auto-pilot, I walk into glass doors.

There is a part of my brain that just assumes every door is an automatic door and will open for me as I approach it.   Sigh... :)

Thanks so much for reading!
XO - Marion