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To Stripe or Not to Stripe
By Lisa Steinke
It all started when I decided I wanted to wear stripes. Yes, the Nautical, horizontal kind that make you look like you’re about to set sail. And yes, the same kind that every celebrity has been seen in them lately (albeit they’re all twigs and don’t have to worry about looking larger). I clipped a page out of Vogue and studied pictures of Kate Moss and Sienna Miller (of course) both wearing them. But could I pull them off? Unsure, I put the magazine clipping aside and decided if I was meant to stripe, I’d stripe. I just needed to wait for a sign.
And then the signs just started coming. First, I saw J.Crew’s creative director, Jenna Rowley on Oprah. And she was wearing stripes. (The J.Crew vintage bateau top pictured above) with a khaki blazer (similar to the solid lieutenant jacket –pictured above and on sale right now for 39.99!) and a lot of fun, chunky jewelry (also available at J. Crew.) And she looked really good and not at all wide.
And as I watched the interview, I started to fall in love with this gorgeous woman who apparently had recently given the store and the catalog a much-needed fashion facelift (last time I checked, it was all argyle and flat front pants- not that I’m knocking those things as I went through a serious preppy phase in college). And I decided that Jenna Rowley, whose name I’d only learned in the past 32 minutes, could wear stripes, then so could I! Yacht or not, celebrity thin or not, I was empowered to stripe. It. up.
Then the universe sent me another sign- literally. The day after Oprah, a J.Crew catalog ended up in my mailbox. And as much as I once loved their argyle everything and ultra-preppy clothes, I hadn’t shopped there in years (Sorry J. Crew, but I am back now!). So to find the catalog felt like fate. And I flipped it open to the middle- to a section called “Jenna’s Picks” (also can be found on the J.Crew website) full of everything from the Dahlia cluster ring (pictured above and on sale for only $29.99!) to a to a die for Jericho tote (pictured above) (and you know how I love my totes).
And I decided that not only did I have my next blog post because there’s a rockin’ J.Crew in Mall of America, but I had my answer. Yes, I could pull of stripes and now I knew exactly how to do it. And if I didn’t get so damn nauseous on boats (guess I need to stop fantasizing about going out on Diddy’s yacht), I might’ve just taken my stripes out to sea!
Glam it Up with a Bib
By: Stephanie Hector
From classic pearls to oversized sparkle, vintage glam jewelry is in style for those summer date nights. Bib necklaces overflowing with beads, ribbon, bows, crystals and pearls are a style that easily accessorizes your entire outfit with just one piece. These bibs are all found at MOA™ (left to right: J. Crew, Banana Republic & Bloomingdale’s).
Summer Versatility For Under $100
By: Sarah Van Nevel/Guest Blogger
May marks the beginning of everyone’s busy summer social schedules, and after I begin receiving invitations to parties and barbeques, I usually start panicking about what I’m going to wear. This $100 or under outfit is perfect for any graduation, shower, or “meet the parents” brunch you have to attend this month. The floral dress is a sign that summer has arrived, but the crisp white blazer keeps the look classic and put together. The fun tan wedges are comfy and a bit dressy, and a pair of gold-rimmed aviators complete the look and add a touch of glamour. All of the pieces are available at Mall of America stores.
Dress – Heritage 1981, $19.90
Blazer – Old Navy, $29.50
Shoes – Old Navy, $24.50
Sunglasses – American Eagle, $15.50
Total: $89.40
Meet the Summer Essentials
By: Stephanie Hector
Sun-kissed Floral
Discovered at: Everything But Water
Bio: Whether you are headed on a much needed vacay or want to skip over to Lake Calhoun for an afternoon, this bouquet of floral is “a must” to accompany your fun in the sun. This flirty triangle top and side-tie bottom create a fresh start to any beach look.
Perfect Father’s Day Gift
Discovered at: Bloomingdale’s
Bio: It’s over a month out, but these cute trunks are not going to be in stores long! This gift will give Dad a subtle yet sizzlin’ hint to retire his short shorts and be a cool, stylin’ dad this summer!
Safari Gurus
Discovered at: Lucky Brand Jeans
Bio: These wild wedges are on the loose and on the prowl to enter your closet! A safari print to un-tame that simple dress or pair of cuffed shorts is a perfect look this summer.
The Bottomless Beach Bag
Discovered at: Nordstrom
Bio: Summer is right around the corner and the perfect beach bag is essential for any day in the sun. Not too big, not too small… this bag fits all of your must-haves for memorable hours at the beach or on the lake.
Secret Ingredient to Summer Nights
Discovered at: Harry & David
Bio: Nothing tops a Minnesota summer evening on the deck with a BBQ and good company. The secret ingredient to make it even more wonderful? An ice-cold glass of tea deliciousness in mouth-watering flavors: lemon-strawberry, lime or cherry. Perfection.
Jenn’s Spring Picks
By: Jenn Hartley
Beautiful Botanist
Image: Floral Rings, Nordstrom (NW Corner)
From beautiful baubles to petal-power pumps, everything is feeling the floral fever this spring. It’s a simple way to turn any outfit into a fresh, scent-sational look.
Turquoise Tranquility
Image: Tory Burch Sunglasses, Bloomingdale’s (SE Corner)
What is the perfect complement to sun-kissed skin? Noticable yet subdued turquoise hues. With pieces such as sunnies, totes, accessories & shoes, this statement yet serene color will whisk you away from the office and deliver you to calming tropical waters. Ahhhh…. bliss.
Perfected Pastels
Image: Michael Kors Chronograph Watch, Nordstrom (NW Corner)
Watch out, Easter. Your favorite hues of baby blue, pale yellow & politely purple are no longer all for you! These graceful colors are proving that it doesn’t take bold, bright hues to turn heads. Pair solid pale T’s with metallic flats or boyfriend denim shorts for a pretty & polished look.
Creative Kicks
Image: “Amsterdam” Slide-on, Puma (Level 1, North)
Tired of those solid white tennies & boring flips? Well, with global & fine art inspired prints, you can provide your hard working feet with a little culture this spring. Tres chic!
Trend Bites
By: Stephanie Hector
Cute Baseball Attire at Victoria’s Secret Now Available
Just in time for the Twins home opener at Target Field, Victoria’s Secret has the girly girl fans covered. MLB partnered with Victoria’s Secret’s PINK collection to produce a new line featuring logos of 11 teams including the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees,. Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs & Los Angeles Angels. The youthful gear will feature sayings like, “I Only Kiss Angels Fans” and “Love Love Love Twins.” Prices will range from $19.99 to $58. (Level 1 North and Level 2 South)
Macy’s Featuring Madonna ‘Material Girl’ Collection
The trendsetting icon is launching MG Icon LLC – a fashion venture that will introduce an exclusive ‘Material Girl’ clothing line found only at Macy’s. The collection will include back-to-school clothing, footwear, handbags and jewelry. The collection will launch this August and is designed by Madonna and her daughter Lourdes, who will be the inspiration of the collection. This chic collection will be found at the Mall of America® Macy’s (SW Corner).
Payless ShoeSource to Launch Beauty Line
Payless ShoeSource is dipping its toes into the beauty business with plans to launch a line of beauty and body care products. Partnered with Maesa Group, a beauty company that creates products under brands Zoe & Zac and Unforgettable, the collection will launch this fall. In addition to lotions, creams, butters and shower gels, the line will also include fragrances, mists and color cosmetics starting at $2.99. Check out the new line this fall at Payless (Level 1, North).
Rain, rain don’t go away
By: Erica Dao
Okay so I’m not a huge fan of rain, but Mother Nature has to do her thing. Luckily, I found a way to cope with the gloomy, cold & wet days. The remedy: a pair of pea green Hunter boots. These boots definitely add a patch of brightness to a dreary day. I live in the Uptown area of Minneapolis and spend a lot of time on my feet exploring the city. If you’re like me, these boots will definitely come in handy. Hunter is the oldest manufacturer of rubber boots in the UK. They’re reliable, comfortable, and waterproof – just what you need to navigate through those nasty puddles. They come in a variety of colors and look uber cute with just about anything you wear – another plus. I just picked mine up last week from Nordstrom and if you want a pair, you better act fast. Sizes and colors are limited at Nordstrom; they actually had to order mine from a different location. Another option is to check out Bloomingdale’s and with the nifty Friends and Family discount we just posted on our Retailer Promotions page, you can save a few dollars 
So rain, rain don’t go away just yet. I’m having too much fun with my brand new boots.
A Hair Affair
By: Sarah Hennen
“Your hair is your greatest accessory.” We’ve all heard this saying before and I have to admit, I do agree with it for the most part. I recently decided to give up dying my hair and instead add flair and color with great accessories. Nothing makes a bigger statement than enchanted flower headbands or feathered barrettes and I can’t help but fall in love with all the fun and beautiful headwear I’ve been seeing everywhere.
These two accessories, both from Nordstrom, are so adorable and perfect for everyday wear. The yellow flower embellished clip is great for any hair style and aside from the pretty colors it comes in (pink, green, and turquoise to name a few), it also doubles as a brooch!
This sequin bow headband from For Love 21 is so cute and only $4.80! So, whether it’s a satin-wrapped headband, a sparkling rhinestone barrette or a floral head wrap, hair accessories are the easiest way to create an unforgettable look.
Jenn’s Style Playlist of the Week
By: Jenn Hartley
Hey MOA Fashion Sense-istas. Thanks for tuning in. This is my new regular blog feature and every month I plan on sharing a few of my fav ensembles from our retailers. Now playing is my style playlist from Club Monaco. Enjoy and tune in next time for my new style playlist. This is Jenn signing off. 
Kardashian Sisters Launch New Bebe Line
By: Stephanie Hector
Reality TV stars Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian will be releasing a new line at Bebe stores this month. The brunette sisters collaborated with Bebe to offer inspired pieces from their closets. The line consists of basic jersey knits, fitted blazers and leather separates. It’s sure to please fans that can now afford to copy the “Keeping up With the Kardashian” look. Check out the newly released line at the Bebe (Level 1, North).
All Aboard
By: Sarah Hennen
With spring right around the corner, it’s time to trade in those chunky winter boots for something just as comfortable and functional, but with a little more style. Featured on the runways of this year’s New York Fashion Week, boat shoes are making a statement. Not only do they play on the nautical trend we’re seeing right now, but they are the perfect shoes for any spring look – they combine sexy, sensible and sporty all in one!
My favorite pair by Sperry Top-Sider® (Nordstrom – $79.95) has the double eyelet tie and comes in an oat color that matches both black and brown. They have leather foot beds and air mesh panels that give my feet the support they need and on top of that, they are water-friendly. Be sure to check out Sperry’s entire spring line; from tie dye to pink patent leather, there is a boat shoe out there for everyone. I can’t wait to throw on my own pair with some shorts and head to the lake. Boat sold separately.
Trend Bites
By: Stephanie Hector
Cold Weather Accessories with Added Attractions
Crystals and pearls here, sequins and grommets there… embellishments make cold-weather accessories transcend the practical and become fashion statements. Bundle up in this year’s trendiest winter apparel all found right here at Mall of America!
365 Days of Images to Inspire
Automotive brand Smart has collaborated with tech company Visionaire on an electronic calendar that will feature images by 365 artists. (Get it? One new work of art per day!) Look for Hussein Chalayan and Richard Serra on a tiny screen near you. Keep an eye out for this new gadget at Brookstone at Mall of America (Level 1, West).
Lindsay Lohan’s 6126 Label to Launch Full Apparel Line
The starlet is set to expand her leggings label, 6126, into a full-fledged contemporary apparel line for fall 2010. The fall 2010 apprel line will comprise of 100 pieces. “The vision is to offer customers something that they don’t have in the marketplace today, items that go back with leggings: blazers, dresses and tops,” stated Kristi Kaylor, Principal of 6126 LLC in Beverly Hills. The line will be available where the leggings are currently sold: Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Nordstrom.
Best Dressed Celebs of ’09
Last year was jam-packed with events, milestones, and trends in every category from politics to pop culture. But 2009 was undoubtedly the year for fashion with the revival of old-school trends (such as plaid and the ‘80s look) and the arrival of fresh fashion icons.
Mall of America trend specialist Sara Rogers visited KSTP’s Twin Cities Live to recap the year’s hottest fashion trends set by icons Carrie Underwood, Katie and Suri Cruise and Michelle Obama. Click here to watch the Twin Cities Live segment and see where you can purchase the celeb looks right here at Mall of America.
With matching PJ sets this year, you’ll be trendy while staying warm – brilliantly chic. Visit GARAGE (Level 1, North) or Old Navy (Level 1, East) for dozens of styles & prints! Goodnight, sleep tight.
Garage (Level 1, North)
She’s adorable. She’s always cheerful. And she has one of the cutest entourages around. At only $7.95, these lovely little necklaces are a perfect gift the Hello Kitty fan in your life (or for yourself )
Sanrio (Level 3, North)
Puma (Level 1, North)
Stand out at your holiday or NYE soiree with this oversized chainlink necklace by our favorite fashion diva, Rachel Zoe. Her exclusive collection for QVC is now available and features a variety of baubles, bling & beautiful things. Tres chic!
QVC (Level 1, East)
It’s All Good in the Snood
By: Stephanie Hector
Move over skullies, berets and hoods- there’s a new headdress in town! Designers and retailers tout the half scarf, half hood as the new fashion trend this holiday season. According to the Wall Street Journal, retailers are turning to the snood, a hybrid of a scarf and a hood, as the breakout star of gift giving this holiday. The trend was all over the runway this fall, with designers like Burberry, YSL, Missoni and Donna Karan all showing snoods as part of their collections. Major retailers have also taken notice, such as American Apparel, and are selling their own versions. The traditional snood resembled a hairnet and was popular in the 1940s. By the 50s, the snood became a tube and “ski-slope staple.” Visit American Apparel (Level 2, North) to see for yourself!
Trend Bites
By: Stephanie Hector
Steve Madden’s Fresh Clothing Venture
Who doesn’t heart Steven Madden? And now you are going fall even more head over heels with the coveted brand. The footwear and accessories retailer has teamed up with L’Koral Industries to create a fresh clothing collection. The line, described as having a bohemian flare, will include trendy items such as pixie dresses, boyfriend jackets affixed with exposed zippers and hardware details. “I’m very excited about creating trend-right ready-to-wear for the Steve Madden customer,” said Mr. Madden, who founded the brand 19 years ago. The line will hit department stores in the spring of 2010!
Levi’s and Goodwill Forms ‘Tag Team’
Levi’s and Goodwill are teaming up through a program that uses product care tags to encourage people to donate clothing to the non-profit organization. The messages on the tags urge Levi’s customers to donate their jeans when they are ready to get rid of them. The partnership is designed to increase the lifecycle of clothes and to address nearly 24 billion pounds of apparel that end up in U.S. landfills each year. Clothing made with the eco-friendly tags will be available in the U.S. in January and in global markets next fall!
Something to Rah-Rah-Rah about Christmas!
A Gap holiday campaign ad that allows you to send a cheer e-card to a friend for a smile and giggle! http://www.cheerfactory.com/
Have a Latte & Do Good Too
By: Erica Dao
Being an avid coffee drinker, I absolutely have a crush on Caribou Coffee’s new product. Goodbye paper sleeves, hello cute reusable coffee sleeves – clever, right? I was lucky enough to get a couple in advance from our lovely friends over at Caribou (the sleeves I picked out are pictured on the left).
The sleeves haven’t hit stores yet, but will Nov. 12. Available in a variety of colors and textures – from faux fur and felt, to neoprene and cork -these environmentally friendly hand protectors are functional and stylish. The reusable coffee sleeve program is Caribou’s newest effort toward reducing environmental impact while providing an innovative, quality product for their customers. And at only $5 a pop, they make fabulous Christmas gifts for the espresso lovers in your life. Click here to see all the different designs.
Bootie-licious
By: Jenn Hartley
Ladies, there is a new ‘bootie’ on the block and it isn’t the one that Beyonce refers to in her hit single. Booties are all over the scene this fall/winter and are the perfect fusion of a stiletto & tall boot. I just picked up this delectable style by Steve Madden (“Zesst”) at DSW (Level 1, West) over the weekend – I couldn’t resist. The lower cone heel & supple suede exterior make it the ideal partner for tights, leggings, skinnies, etc. This is one bootie that doesn’t require hours at the gym to look good.
3 Winter Coats Under $100
By: Erica Dao
If you live in Minnesota, winter coats are what a fishing pole is to an angler – a huge necessity. I know we sometimes fork over a ton of dough to have a handsome jacket, but hey, just because it’s freezing cold out doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look good Our trend specialist Sara Rogers did some scouting and found three FABULOUS looking coats all under $100. Yes, under $100. So go ahead and add some variety to your existing coat wardrobe. If you want to see the Twin Cities Live TV segment on these coats, click here.
From left to right: Ashley – houndstooth coat $79.99 from Sears, booties $49.99 from Payless, black gloves $25.00 from Aldo Accessories, black handbag $34.98 from Aldo Accessories, pink turtleneck $$128 from Bloomingdale’s; Alisha – black puff coat $29.80 from Forever 21, striped gloves $38 from Bloomingdale’s, gray/black wedge boots $49.99 from Payless, gray handbag $50 from Aldo Accessories, teal turtleneck $128 from Bloomingdale’s; Sarra – green coat $52 from Nordstrom, purple leather gloves $59.90 from Nordstrom, cognac boots $140 from Aldo, cognac handbag $52 from Aldo Accessories, gray turtleneck $128 from Bloomingdale’s
Hair’s New Bestie
By: Jenn Hartley
Well, it looks like our favorite ladies of the Upper East Side aren’t the only ones rockin’ bold, avant-garde headbands anymore. With dozens of affordable yet darling styles, For Love 21 (Level 1, East) is the perfect destination to up your “OMG” quotient. This “Beaded Glamour” style will cost you only $4.80 but is guaranteed to turn heads all night. Whether you wear them to work or to play, headbands are a fabulously chic & easy accessory (just ask Ms. Blair Waldorf).
xoxo, MOA
Accessorize & Protect with…h20 Bottles
By: Erica Dao
Okay so you’re probably thinking why anyone would use a water bottle as a fashion accessory. You may reconsider with these KOR One water bottles ($28). These water bottles blend style and sustainability, and offer conscious consumers an elegant (and BPA-free) alternative to disposable bottled water.
But these are more than just water bottles. KOR’s mission to celebrate and protect water, so each of the four different colors the bottles come in represent a specific water-related cause (Ice Blue=Ocean Protection, Orchid Pink=Global Water Crisis, Sawgrass Green=Watershed Protection & Sunrise Orange=Container Recyling). KOR will donate 1 percent of of their annual sales to the non-profits representing each of the causes. Bottoms up to that!
These stunning works of art can be found exclusively at Sundog Trading Company at Mall of America or the Weisman Art Museum. Sundog Trading Company is located on level 2, south.
Move Over Flip Flops…
By: Mandee Hayes
Whether we want to admit it or not, summer has said goodbye and fall has arrived like a diva. The crisp, cool air doesn’t allow us to run around in flashy little flip flops anymore, but that’s ok! The Flips store at Mall of America has brought tube flops to town. Created by the funky footwear company called Sanük, tube flops are simply flip flops connected to those crazy leg warmers you see in all the 80s movies. But they’re not so crazy anymore because 80s fashion is the “it” thing this fall. While the ground is still snow free, tube flops are an innovative way to keep wearing your flip flops a little longer. And they’re perfect for hanging out in those chilly dorm rooms while lounging in your favorite pajamas. Flips is located on level 1, South.
If the Shoe Fits…
By: Mandee H.
Finding the perfect shoes for the homecoming dance was always the most stressful part of shopping for me. Of course, I wanted the sparkle, glam, and the whole she-bang because that’s what homecoming is all about. But comfort was important too–who wants beaten up feet after dancing the night away? The Flips store at Mall of America has the answer. Flip flops aren’t just for simmering summer days at the beach anymore. Flips holds a variety of stylish flip flops perfect for your homecoming dance. They have all the bling and embellishments found on those four-inch stilettos that will make your feet cry, yet they’re still amazingly comfortable. Flips is located on level 1, South.
