mall of America

The birds are singing, allergies are in full force and the avenues of MOA™ are filled with a-little-too-early bare legs and tank tops. Welcome to spring in Minnesota.

While I’m not ready to reveal my non-sunkissed legs quite yet, I am feeling the itch to free my arms and whip out my dresses. These breezy sundresses caught my eye at Old Navy (Level 1, East) and I just had to create my look around it. I’m not typically one to like denim vests but this one, paired with a floral fedora, created a Nicole Richie-esque vibe that was effortless yet edgy (not to mention comfy). It certainly confirmed one thing. I’m ready for spring.

Last August, I had my first encounter with the Mad Men Collection for Banana Republic (Level 1, West) when I showcased their original launch in this Playlist. Well they are back and, in my opinion, better than before.

The second collection from this Mad Men-inspired line is brighter, prettier and fresher than before with a playful mix of flirty florals, punchy pinks and sweet silks. I donned a more work-esque look last time so I went for a casual chic feel this go around. The collection is just different enough to stand out from the other BR staples but adds a subtle hint of Hollywood haute-ness that every lady needs.

OK, friends. I’m going comfy this week. It just seems to match the dreary skies and chilly temps. If I could (and trust me, I try), I would rock leggings every day of the week. Beyond my handbags and lipglosses, they are my most prized wardrobe possession because they go with almost everything. Sweatshirts, tunics, mini dresses, oversized tees… too much versitility to handle, really.

I knew I was craving comfy this week so I popped into Aerie (Level 2, East) to peek at their lounge gear. Their added details of lace, beading and prints are truly darling - 100% feminine to the last detail. I built this cozy chic look around their staple black leggings and the rest was history.

With all of the buzz about Diana: A Celebration opening at MOA™ this Saturday, I had Diana and the royal family top-of-mind when scouting for this week’s Playlist. Not only did Diana lay some serious fashion groundwork in her accomplished  life, but her daughter-in-law Kate Middleton has certainly paved her own path as well. Both of these stunning women are known for their understated yet head-turning wardrobe selections. This silk camp shirt from Cache (Level 1, West) touches on one of the hottest hues this spring (Coral) but remains loyal to the idea of simplicity. Paired with dark skinnies, basic boots and a chic tote, it creates a casual look often seen on Kate or her sister, Pippa.

If this Playlist taught me anything, it was that you simply cannot go wrong with the basics. Sure, new ‘it’ trends come and go but the feminine, timeless classics will always reign.

If there is one trend that I’ve stayed loyal to throughout the years, it’s nautical. There is something about symmetrical stripes and crisp, contrasting colors that creates this polished and playfully prep look. This chunky knit boatneck sweater was one of the first things I laid eyes on upon walking into Ann Taylor (Level 2, South) and it was a keeper. I planned the rest of the look around this piece and, voilà – a head-to-toe look, yacht-ready look. And these red cigarette pants? Need them.

Anchors aweigh!

P.S. Did you hear that we’re getting a new Ann Taylor concept? Read all about it the recent Pioneer Press article.

With a wedding now on my radar for 2012, my closet and love for shopping is taking a backseat. As sad as this seems, it actually gives me a great excuse to remix my wardrobe and sprinkle in fun, on-trend pieces at lower price points.

I bopped into Heritage 1981 after walking past some uber cute window displays and was pleasantly surprised. This budget-friendly store is owned by Forever 21 and offers the same mix of funky pieces but in a smaller, more shopable space. Normally I would shy away from color blocking but both of these pieces stood out to me. I rarely rock pink and the peter pan color on the dress is beyond darling.

Let this post be proof that while it may be scary at first, color blocking, pattern play or fabric mingling is totally acceptable. And cute.
 

OK. Let’s be real. Christmas is in four days. While most are stressing about last minute gift buying and getting their house prepped for visitors, I can’t stop thinking about what to wear to all of my festivities. Shocking, I know.

I conveniently walked by Club Monaco (Level 1, North) yesterday to just take a peek and fell head over heels. Besides attending Mass on Christmas Eve, I plan on being in full comfort mode at all times. But, as all fashionistas know, comfy does NOT have to mean sloppy. This knit boyfriend cardi from their new collection should be a staple in every girl’s closet. It’s beyond yummy and the muted rose hue plays beautifully with everything – skirts, over dresses, leggings or dark denim. Go ahead, treat yourself to a little early Christmas gift

 As I write this post, I am consumed with excitement about my upcoming weekend. I’m headed to New York with my mom for a weekend of shopping, ice skating, eating and holiday dazzle. And thanks to my generous best friend Marcy, I will also be attending Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden Friday evening. So jazzed.

So, what does a girl instantly think about when she is going on a weekend getaway via plane? The packing sitch. I started scouting the Mall for a frock that would take me from cab to dinner to concert in comfort and style while being carry-on friendly. This gorgeous cobalt chiffon dress from lola (Level 2, North) is light as a feather and versitile enough to wear more than once. And at $28 (pretty much free), you won’t have to feel guilty about buying new shoes and accessories to spice it up. Done and done.

See you soon, New York. One hand in the air for the big city…

Versatility. That is one of the things that makes Levi’s (Level 2, South) so great. Some guys might think that Levi’s means denim, and only denim, but they’d be wrong. If you are looking for a great new, complete outfit, they’ve got it. And everything they have is so versatile that it can easily be mixed and matched. Next time you’re here at the Mall, stop by Levi’s. You won’t be disappointed.

For purely selfish reasons, I was downright giddy about this week’s Playlist. I love me some Michael Kors. I’m the proud owner of many watches (simply the best) and a few handbags but had never browsed their apparel racks before. And, much to my wallet’s delight, it didn’t take long to fall for these pieces either.

Michael Kors (Level 1, South) at MOA™ offers racks of his latest and greatest, not to mention the walls (literally) of his signature bags, drool-worthy footwear and the recently-unveiled jewelry collection. This camel sweater stopped me in my tracks and, therefore, I had to create my full look around it. It was pretty simple with his easy-to-mix pieces. And these booties. Are you kidding? There are no words.