mall of America

We spotted Carling out shopping while grabbing our afternoon coffee at Starbucks. Her style remains classic with a J. Crew button-up that will never go out of style, but she punches up her look  with a bold tribal necklace and trendy loafers.  It could just be the perfect shopping outfit if I do say so myself.

The competition is heating up as NBC’s “Fashion Star” nears it’s final episode! The challenge this week for the inspiring designers was to create two looks that any of the retail outlets could would be interested in purchasing. This week, H&M buyer Nicole went all out. She bought four ensembles from three different designers that can all be found in store today at MOA™!

The first frock is a fun printed racerback dress with a playful bow and collar designed by Kara. Next, and my personal favorite, is a short straight-cut dress with folded pleats and two front pockets. Designed by Ronnie, this dress is perfect for any occasion! Finally, Orly adds an element of  romantic appeal to a far from traditional blazer to compliment her wide leg trousers. Pair this blazer with your favorite skinnys and heels and you’re ready to hit the town! 

For previous “Fashion Star” looks (some of which are still available in-store at H&M at MOA™) check out these past blog posts:

“Fashion Star” for H&M: Week 8

“Fashion Star” for H&M: Week 7

“Fashion Star” for H&M: Week 6

“Fashion Star” for H&M: Week 5

“Fashion Star” for H&M has winning style!

Those who know me would definitely not put me in the health nut category(stop laughing friends). Lucky for me, I’ll be able to get a daily dose of Vitamin C from my wardrobe this season. If you haven’t already heard, Tangerine Tango is THE color this spring – followed closely by her friends mango & carrot- and our MOA™ retailers are definitely taking heed. Whether you’re ready to go all-out in a citrus colored frock, or want to keep it low key with a fun desk accessory, orange is a necessary addition to your spring shopping list that has major a-peel.

This week’s winning look is an gorgous royal blue number designed by the fabulous Ronnie. The decorative pleated detail down the back was a phenomenal choice to add a little edge to elegance. The style is short and fitted and pieced together by woven fabric with a satin lining. Throw a blazer over the dress in the morning that you can take off in the evening and, “Viola!” the perfect work to happy hour, or day to night look!  I’m definitely going to need to try this one on! It’s available now at H&M at MOA™. 

For previous “Fashion Star” looks (some of which are still available in-store at H&M at MOA™) check out these past blog posts:

“Fashion Star” for H&M: Week 7

“Fashion Star” for H&M: Week 6

“Fashion Star” for H&M: Week 5

“Fashion Star” for H&M has winning style!

Headed to the race track this weekend? There are no rules when it comes to derby day head wear. The more outrageous, the better. Part Southern tradition and part specticle, the Kentucky Derby hat parade is much of what makes the day unforgettable! While it tends to be the ladies flaunting the eye-catching top wear, men are starting to pick up on the high-street trends as well. We found a variety of hats at Mall of America® for those who dare to don.

For the Ladies:

1.  Women’s Fashion “Garden” Hat $69.99 – Chapel Hats

2. Ralph Lauren “Striped Grosgrain” Sun Hat $45 – Nordstrom

3. Straw Hat $14.95 – H&M

For the Gents:

1. Tommy Bahama “Panama Outback” Hat $88 – Tommy Bahama & Chapel Hats

2. Bailey Hats “Astor” $189.99 – Chapel Hats

3. Peter Grimm Fedora $37.99 – Chapel Hats

I love spring and summer in Minnesota because my favorite clothing items are dresses and sandals. Ladies – don’t you just love throwing on a comfortable dress and some flip flops on a warm summer day?

I was walking past Desigual and in an effort to step a bit out of my comfort zone, I popped in and happened upon this dress. It’s the perfect throw on and go type of dress. Love.

 It ‘s challenge number seven for the aspiring designers this week and last night, the mentors worked one-on-one with the contestants to expand their reach and design further outside their comfort zone. Let’s see how it turned out…

John works with Orly to expose her talent beyond her “convertible clothing routine.” In turn, she creates a beautiful blue blazer-inspired dress that blows the judges away. She recieves not one, but two bids on her dress and as the bidding war caps out at $70,000, Orly chooses to go with H&M (Yay for us!).

Luciana’s dress also caught the eye of both Saks and H&M. Nicole from H&M raises her bid by $10,000 making Luciana the first designer to sell to all three buyers! Although I loved the soft muted hues on her runway dress, I can’t help but be drawn to the bold + bright water color print dress H&M chose.

You can purchase both of these looks instore NOW at H&M (Level 1, West) at Mall of America®!

Check out past episode coverage and winning looks:

Episode 6

Episode 5

Pilot

Set in the 1960s, based in New York, ”Mad Men” showcases the competitive world of advertising.  In its 5^th season, the show has been captivating audiences with its dramatic plots and stylish characters for a while now.  Don Draper, Joan Harris, Betty Francis, and Peggy Olson all bring the show to life with their enticing lives and fabulous outfits. We visited Fox 9 studios to show viewers how they can portray the characters of “Mad Men” by putting a modern twist on this 1960s trend. The trend is all about the classic shapes with updated features that will make you feel as if you stepped onto the set!

Trying to decide what your child should wear during this tricky-weather season is no easy task. With these few simple tips you’ll be on your way to having your child dressed for anything Mother Nature sends our way while looking adorable at the same time! First, layers are key. Layering your kid’s look will allow them to easily shed pieces throughout the day as the temperature is on the rise.  Next, hoods are a great way to keep natural body heat in as half of our body heat escapes from the tops of our heads.  Finally, sending your kid off with a cute bag or backpack is always a smart idea so they have a place to easily store all of the layers they may take off during the day!

Sara Rogers stopped by the Twin Cities Live studio to show us how to successfully layer our kids! Check out the video here.

In this week’s episode of NBC’s “Fashion Star” the remaining designers were challenged to step outside their comfort zone and create something they’ve never tried to make before. Unfortunately for Barabara, the panel wasn’t loving her attempt at crafting a bohemian look and she was eliminated. Fortunately for us, Ross took a risque, er, we mean risky, shot at vintage-inspired lingerie and walked away with a bid from H&M while Nzimiro won Nicole over with his show-stopping dress also landing him an exclusive spot in H&M stores. Drum roll please…!

This week’s winning looks:

Without a doubt, I’ll be the first one into H&M (Level 1, West) at Mall of America® this morning to try on Nzimiro’s purple dress (I’ll update this post with feedback). Remember, H&M at MOA™ is the only location in Minnesota where you’ll find these one of a kind pieces! Nzimiro’s dress also comes in black and you’ll find Ross’s lingerie in a satin white color with teal lace as well.

Previous episodes:

Check out the maxi dress and cropped jacket that stole the show last week: “Fashion Star” for H&M: Episode 5

For more information on “Fashion Star” for H&M, check out my premiere post: “Fashion Star” for H&M has winning style!