Summer Style Spotting
Summer’s first official day is June 21, but here in Tampa summer weather starts long before that.
Last month I shared some of my favorite spring trends with you. This month I’m going to tell you about some of my favorite summer looks as I’ll definitely be rockin’ them in May!
For me, it’s all about comfort in the summertime. When the temps start creeping toward the 100- degree mark, I’ll do anything to stay cool. That doesn’t mean I sacrifice style for comfort, however. Style and comfort can co-exist. My signature look is a maxi dress paired with sandals and a statement piece of jewelry.
Nothing is easier than throwing on an easy-breezy maxi, T-strap sandals and a [vulgarity] ring or cuff. It’s so easy to tie in spring trends with an outfit like this. Keep an eye out for maxis in floral prints, black and white stripes and pastel shades. A maxi made of any of these would look fabulous with metallic sandals that have long been a summer staple of mine. Gold sandals are definitely one of my summer go-tos. I’ll forever love a flowing white dress paired with gold sandals and turquoise or coral baubles! To really keep things current, invest in a pair of ankle-strap metallic sandals and rock those with your favorite summer dresses. I mentioned ankle-straps in my spring trends article and this trend definitely works for summer too, especially in metallic hues.
Another summertime favorite of mine are Bermuda shorts. Luckily Bermuda shorts are a hot spring trend, so a bevy of options exist from which to choose. You can often find me running my errands in a white tank, Bermuda shorts and flat sandals. Adding a straw fedora is a cute way to make my errand running uniform a little more interesting. I can even take Bermuda shorts from day to night by switching out the tank for an on-trend peplum top and the flat sandals for heels! I’m all about multi-purpose pieces. Mamas are short on time and having pieces in our wardrobe that serve a variety of functions is most necessary!
After you throw a maxi dress, ankle-strap metallic sandals and Bermuda shorts on your summer shopping list, don’t forget to pick up a few baubles and maybe a bag or two. A bold metal cuff, for instance, is crazy versatile. It works equally well with daytime and evening looks. And a straw clutch just screams summer. After all, every outfit can use a little accessorizing!
I stopped by one of my favorite boutiques, Crème de la Crème on South Dale Mabry Highway, in search of some summer-ready pieces to add to my wardrobe. I found several gems that would be perfect ways to set off my summer style!
Who’s ready to join me for a little shopping?
By Kristin Swenson
Kristin Swenson loves fashion and is one half of the BonBon Rose Girls, Tampa’s hottest fashion, shopping and lifestyle blog at http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com<./p>
Spring 2013 Fashion Trends
I just love springtime…and especially spring fashion!
This year the spring trends really are enchanting. Designers sent glorious, bold, floral prints, pretty pastels, and graphic black and white looks down the runways in spades. And they were joined by one of spring’s biggest shoe trends − the ankle-strap heel.
I’ve been updating my sandals collection the past few weeks and one of my first purchases was a pair of ankle-strap sandals. I’m totally chomping at the bit to style my new foot candy with my favorite spring trends. I’ll forever be a Florida girl at heart, so any season that calls for me to bust out my sandals collection is A-OK by me.
I always love going trend-spotting at Neiman Marcus, so I stopped by the International Plaza store to take a look at how they were interpreting the spring trends. I wasn’t disappointed! They styled their mannequins in some of spring’s hottest trends, like leather, lace, black and white, florals, pastels and global prints. It’s a good thing the hubs was with me or I might have done some serious damage with my plastic.
My favorite trend this spring, by far, is black and white. I’m definitely a color lover, but there is something so chic about a look dominated by black and white. Plus, I’m ridiculously addicted to stripes and bold black and white stripes are huge this season. Marc Jacobs and Oscar de la Renta sent stripes down their spring runways that were so gorgeous they took my breath away. We’re talking seriously swoon-worthy stuff!
Black and white is the perfect palette to pair with a pop of color. Bright pink lipstick, a current beauty trend, would look amazing with a black and white print or stripes. Adding color in accessory or shoe form would be fabulous as well! Personally, I’m looking for a great bag in Pantone’s color of the year, emerald, to wear with my black and white outfits. My wedding anniversary is coming up next month and there is a certain emerald-hued Marc Jacobs crossbody that I’m coveting. Just sayin’. That was a not-so-subtle hint for the tall drink of water in my life.
If you’re craving head-to-toe color, a bright hued floral print might be just what you’re after. Moschino, in particular, offered up really fun, punchy florals. I also really loved the flirty florals that Rebecca Minkoff showed. Pretty pastels made an appearance in her collection as well, which brings me to another sprint trend…
I know not everyone is a fan of pastels, but I just adore them. You won’t catch me in matronly pastels, but you will find me wearing something like pastel skinnies with a leather jacket. Pastels combined with edgy pieces make for a killer combination of sweet and saucy.
With all the great options, there’s no reason not to feel inspired to try out some of these fabulous spring trends!
By Kristin Swenson
Kristin Swenson loves fashion and is one half of the BonBon Rose Girls, Tampa’s hottest fashion, shopping and lifestyle blog at http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com<./p>
Spring Shopping at Seedlings
Can you believe that March is hopping in already?
Spring weather in Florida is just so beautiful. The weather isn’t the only thing I love about spring, however. I’m a total Easter fanatic too.
I’m like a broken record with this, but I always say that the holidays have become much more fun since I had my kiddos. This will be my lil’ lady bean’s first Easter, so I’m all kinds of excited about filling her first basket with goodies. Obviously, said goodies won’t include candy yet, but she can expect to find some cool, little trinkets that will help keep her entertained. That girl of mine is crazy alert and one spot where I’ve been able to find safe and engaging toys for her is Seedlings, located at 1530 S. Dale Mabry Highway.
I started shopping at Seedlings shortly after I had my son. I turned into a loyal customer almost instantly. I haven’t found any other shop in Tampa with Seedlings’ unique mix of children’s clothing, gear and toys. I can always find lots of my favorite brands like Stokke, Tea Collection, Haba, Aden + Anais, Boon and many more. Seedlings is like a children’s product wonderland. Practically anything that your baby or young child could possibly need or want is right at your fingertips.
On a recent trip I was introduced to some of Seedlings’ new brands like Janod, a French company that makes the sweetest little play kitchen that you’ll ever see! I can so picture my lil’ lady bean pretend-cooking away while wearing an apron that matches mine− I also had to snatch up some mommy-and-me apron sets when I saw them. Having a little girl really is a trip!
Of course, having a little dude is a blast too. I had no idea that a girly gal like me could have such a good time playing cars. Seedlings stocks one of our favorite kinds of toy cars, Automoblox. The Automoblox car is such a creative toy! You can assemble and disassemble the cars for endless hours of fun. My son has nearly every color car and he loves to interchange them. I do believe the Easter Bunny will be leaving another one in his basket this year. And the lil’ lady bean will probably find some wooden Haba toys and perhaps the Manhattan Toy Stella Doll. I’ve totally been itching to buy her a doll!
If you’re expecting a little one or know a mama to be, you must check out Seedlings’ sixth annual baby shower on April 13. I went last year before my daughter was born and I had such a fabulous time. They had a ton of amazing vendors and gave away some incredible door prizes! My friend and I both walked away with some killer booty. Don’t miss out on the fun this year!
By Kristin Swenson
Kristin Swenson loves fashion and is one half of the BonBon Rose Girls, Tampa’s hottest fashion, shopping and lifestyle blog at http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com<./p>
The Place for Valentine’s Somethin’ Somethin’
It’s February…You know what that means, right?
Valentine’s Day will soon be front and center! Smart husbands everywhere will be making dinner reservations and wrapping up pretty little boxes filled with baubles. Or, if they’re like my significant other, they’ll be thinking about what kind of pizza to order and which movie to rent from On Demand.
Back off ladies −he’s taken!
Now, I’m not necessarily one of those girls that insists on a fancy pants night out on the town, but I do appreciate it when the hubs acknowledges heart day. And what better way to do that than with a little something that sparkles?
This month’s boutique spotlight is one of my favorite spots to find beautiful baubles. Zoey Bloom, located at 1710 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., is pure heaven for accessory lovers! It’s a divinely chic shop with minimalist modern décor that perfectly showcases their gorgeous jewelry, bags and more.
I’m all for inexpensive costume jewelry. In fact, I’ve found the perfect statement piece at Forever 21 more than once. Nothing, however, can compare to good quality statement jewelry. You’ll find it in spades at Zoey Bloom.
Jewelry enthusiasts can expect to find trendy pieces in the latest it colors and in materials like emerald and druzy! I picked up the most darling emerald and gold stacking rings on a recent shopping trip at Zoey Bloom. While I was there, I couldn’t help but drool over the gorgeous druzy pieces, namely a large and in charge cuff, on a nearby display.
I hope you’re reading this, darling husband. Your wifey is diggin’ druzy!
Just sayin’.
And for those who like to take the literal route when it comes to gift giving, you can’t get more Valentine’s Day perfect than Leetal Kalmanson’s heart-drop earrings! The beautiful filigree is tres exotic. I can so see them styled with a tropical vacay-worthy caftan! Who’s ready to call the travel agent? This girl is!
If handbags are more your speed, you must check out the Hammitt Los Angeles bags that can be found exclusively at Zoey Bloom in Tampa. You might have noticed Hammitt bags on the arms of the super stylish gals on shows like Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl. I instantly fell in love with the vibrant hues in their spring collection. A Hammitt confetti print clutch and cobalt crossbody bag are definitely on my lust list this season! It’s nice to see that my happy color, cobalt, is still relevant because my closet is pretty much dominated by it. Hey…when you find a color that makes you feel great every time you wear it, it pays to invest in said color!
So, if you’re looking for a fabulous new bag to add to your collection or you need a place to send your honey for a little Valentine’s Day somethin’ somethin’, Zoey Bloom is where it’s at!
By Kristin Swenson
Kristin Swenson loves fashion and is one half of the BonBon Rose Girls, Tampa’s hottest fashion, shopping and lifestyle blog at http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com<./p>
Some Smarty Pants Shopping
Four years ago when my son was born, I struggled to find unique clothing for him outside of the typical sports or dog-adorned outfits.
While out shopping one afternoon, my mama and I stumbled upon Smarty Pants on South Dale Mabry Highway and instantly fell in love with it. It’s changed hands a couple times since we first set foot on the premises, but our loyalty hasn’t gone anywhere.
The current owner definitely has her finger on the pulse of the latest and greatest kids’ trends. Since I had my lil’ lady bean this summer, we’ve really amped up the number of our visits to Smarty Pants. Little girl clothes are ridiculously adorable, am I right?
Don’t get me wrong…I have a blast styling my son. Yet decking out my daughter in sparkles and ruffles galore is truly more fun than I ever could have imagined! I may have developed an unhealthy addiction to bow-adorned headbands. Don’t I have to make it obvious to the world that she’s a baby girl? Therefore it’s totally reasonable that she has a bin full of bows and headbands.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Some of my favorite brands that Smarty Pants stocks include Charlie Rocket, Mud Pie, Haute Baby, Trumpettes, Le Top and Toni Tierney. Not only is their selection second to none, but the artistically arranged shop makes for a pleasant shopping experience. Everything is bright and cheerful. The owner, Michelle Phillips-Nguyen, always has a smile on her face and remembers her customers by name. She has even pulled looks for us to check out because she thought of my daughter when she saw them. Quality customer service always earns my loyalty – plain and simple.
Not only can I find my favorite brands at Smarty Pants, but I’ve also scored quite a few personalized goodies there as well. From monogrammed bloomers and burp cloths to your favorite Florida college tees, Smarty Pants can do it all. Their personalized pieces also make perfect gifts. One of my favorite baby shower gifts is still the monogrammed, polka-dot trimmed burp cloth that my mama had made for me at Smarty Pants. I can’t be the only one who loves throwing a fancy burp cloth over her shoulder! (My husband thinks they’re ridiculous because of what ends up getting on them, but who said a baby can’t be chic while she’s spitting up?)
And I can’t forget their Gasparilla gear. We’ve bought my son’s Gasparilla ensembles at Smarty Pants every year since he was born. I can’t wait to dress up my pirate princess this year!
If you’re looking for skulls come January, Smarty Pants is your place. Your wee ones will rock Gasparilla in their Smarty Pants duds. You can bet my kiddos will be rockin’ theirs.
By Kristin Swenson
Kristin Swenson loves fashion and is one half of the BonBon Rose Girls, Tampa’s hottest fashion, shopping and lifestyle blog at http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com<./p>
Holiday Shopping Hot Spots
Who’s ready to talk about holiday shopping? You know this girl is!
I’m a last minute kind of shopper and while I know it would probably save me money to buy gifts throughout the year and stash them away, I just love the thrill of the traditional holiday shopping season.
My family is nuts for Black Friday, so every year we kick off our holiday shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I enjoy a good online deal as much as anyone else, but there is just something about cupping a Peppermint Mocha java in my hands while strolling through my favorite brick and mortars. It gets me all pumped up.
A most fabulous gift boutique where I’ve found many a present for my loved ones is Tate & Tilly on North Dale Mabry Highway. You may remember the shop as The Pink Cabana’s home once upon a time. Nearly two years ago, owner Tish Difelice took over, revamped the space and renamed it Tate & Tilly.
Tate & Tilly houses vendors like The Gift Box, The Baby Boutique, Mais Ouis Fashions, Magnolia Lane, All the Craze, Smock Couture, Inspired Christian Gifts and more. You can find everything from Scout and Buckhead Betties bags to Mud Pie baby goodies and even an impressive selection of Florida college gear. (I can never pass up an opportunity to mention Gator gear!)
Not only can you find a gift for just about every lady in your life at Tate & Tilly, but you can also score personalized ornaments. I had our family’s name festooned on a “Believe” ornament just the other day. We’re big Santa lovers in our house! I also had my lil’ lady bean’s name put on a princess ornament to commemorate her very first Christmas. It’s beyond adorable! Personalization is free, so stop by Tate & Tilly before their beautiful ornament selection runs low.
If you’re looking for some more hot spots to hit up for your holiday gift needs, here is a roundup of some of my favorite local boutiques:
• Seedlings on S. Dale Mabry Highway: for eco-friendly toys and children’s books
• Smarty Pants on S. Dale Mabry Highway: for kids holiday clothing
• The Gifted Fig on W. Bay to Bay Blvd: for decorative home goods
• Zooey Bloom on S. Dale Mabry Highway: for jewelry and accessories
• Keys Country on S. Dale Mabry Highway: for trendy gifts for teens
• KT Janes on S. Dale Mabry Highway: for personalized and monogrammed pieces
Happy holidays!
By Kristin Swenson
Kristin Swenson loves fashion and is one half of the BonBon Rose Girls, Tampa’s hottest fashion, shopping and lifestyle blog at http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com<./p>
A Gift Seeking Shopper’s Paradise
No strangers to South Tampa boutique hopping, my mama and I have covered more than our fair share on many a Saturday afternoon.
One boutique in particular, however, we return to over and over again! Crème de la Crème, located on Bay to Bay Boulevard, is a gift-seeking shopper’s paradise.
What started out as a vintage furniture store a decade ago transformed into Tampa’s cutest gift shop after a devastating fire nearly two years ago. After losing her store, its resilient owner, Sharon Yerrid Carneal, decided to pick up the pieces and try something new. Her gamble definitely paid off!
Are you on the hunt for a sweet baby gift or a beautiful birthday present for your sister? Would you like to take home a cute little tunic or some pretty new baubles? Crème de la Crème offers all that – and more.
While walking around this lovely boutique, one gets the sense that it’s dedicated to the quintessential Florida girl. There is a full selection of the ever popular SwitchFlops, as well as darling goodies from southern favorites like Mud Pie and Scout.
In the spring and summer, cover-ups and beach bags are on full display and even now, as we’re in fall’s midst, easy-breezy dresses hang from the walls. Clearly the owner knows that it takes a looooooooooong time for the temps to cool down here in Tampa and we gals just might need to stay cool in a maxi.
Our state schools are heavily represented as well. Whether you bleed orange and blue like me or prefer garnet and gold, you’ll find super fun game-day apparel options at Crème de la Crème.
It’s a rare day that I leave this adorable spot empty handed. Even if I don’t go in with an agenda, Sharon stocks her shop so full of must-have items that I have no trouble finding something that I “need.” On a recent trip, I found a dress for a bachelorette party, several bridal shower prizes and a fascinator for my Halloween costume. I even found strands of glittering butterflies to hang in my lil’ lady bean’s nursery!
One of my favorite things about shopping at small boutiques versus big brand stores is the availability of unique items. I love that I can be confident that everyone and her mother aren’t going to be walking around wearing the exact same accessories that I’m wearing or giving the same gifts to their loved ones. Plus, there is a personalized experience that you just don’t always find at larger stores. Case in point – Crème de la Creme has a delicious candy bar and a coloring corner set up to keep the little ones occupied. I may have indulged in the candy myself a time or two.
Just sayin’.
By Kristin Swenson
Kristin Swenson loves fashion and is one half of the BonBon Rose Girls, Tampa’s hottest fashion, shopping and lifestyle blog at http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com<./p>
Shopping Spotlight: Liz Murtagh Boutique
Located in the heart of Westchase in West Park Village is a glistening gem of a shop called Liz Murtagh Boutique.
Owned by local interior designer and artist, Liz Murtagh, this darling boutique should appeal to fashion and décor lovers alike.
The boutique opened for business in February and I’m only sorry I didn’t discover it sooner. When I first entered the store, I was struck by the rich colors and feminine details that blanket the space. Vintage and new decorative accents serve double duty as décor for the shop and inventory for sale. Even the changing rooms have been dressed to the nines with shabby-chic style furnishings.
It’s difficult to pinpoint what I liked best. I was equally drawn to a tray of emerald-hued baubles as I was to a distressed side table. And if the finish on the table wasn’t to my liking, I could have had it custom refinished for an affordable price. The boutique even offers design services, as well as furniture refinishing. (It’s not every day that the words custom and affordable can be used in the same sentence!)
As a busy mama, I appreciate places that accommodate my need to multi-task. The fact that I can pick up some accessories for a night on the town and a mirror for my guest room at the same time earns Liz Murtagh Boutique a thumbs up from this girl. I also enjoyed the very personal touches, including her own artwork that Ms. Murtagh has inserted here and there. I’m not really a dog person, but one of her lovely paintings managed to make a pup look charming to this cat enthusiast. (No, I’m not a crazy cat lady! I only have one…for now.)
I brought my 3-month-old lil’ lady bean for company on my shopping trip, but if you prefer to shop with companions who can actually talk back to you, Liz Murtagh Boutique has a fabulous option for you. Not only can a girl outfit herself and her home with the boutique’s pretty trimmings, but she can party there too. Grab 10 or more of your best girlfriends and take advantage of their Girls’ Night Out events.
During your Girls’ Night Out, the boutique will open from 6:30 to 8:30 or 9 p.m. for your party alone and you will be served wine and munchies as you shop to your heart’s content. Did I mention that you’ll also receive a 10 percent discount on regularly priced items? They only ask that you book a week in advance.
Shopping with my ladies while sipping some vino definitely sounds like my kind of soiree! I’m seeing a night at home alone with the kids in my husband’s near future.
Stop by Liz Murtagh boutique at 9904 W. Linebaugh Avenue and see for yourself why it’s worthy of becoming one of your favorite shopping haunts.
By Kristin Swenson
Kristin Swenson loves fashion and is one half of the BonBon Rose Girls, Tampa’s hottest fashion, shopping and lifestyle blog at http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com<./p>
Fall Fashion Trends Roundup
It’s that time again. Fall is in the air!
I’m a wee bit giddy as autumn is one of my very favorite seasons! College football is on the tube. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are on the menu and the September issues are delighting fashion lovers like me everywhere! Nothing beats the glorious weight of a fashion-heavy September issue. I can’t be the only girl out there who cheers on her team of choice (the Florida Gators, in case you were wondering) and flips through her Vogue at the same time, right?
Viva la fall!
After I finish pouring through my favorite glossies and once fall is officially on my radar, I head out to my favorite local boutiques, and, of course, International Plaza, to see how the latest fall trends are being displayed. A Gator game, a cuppa Joe and a shopping excursion…that’s my idea of a perfect fall day! Who’s with me?
On a recent shopping jaunt to International Plaza, I saw many of the trends that I had drooled over when they hit the runways in February. Neiman Marcus was my first stop and it didn’t disappoint. The fall trends this year are deliciously wearable and Neiman Marcus’ gorgeous mannequins put them on full display!
Some of my favorite fall trends include snakeskin, velvet, lace, menswear-inspired pieces, animal prints, leather and sparkles. What I especially love about the trends this year is how interchangeable they are! Pick any two and you can figure out a way to style them together. Now, I probably wouldn’t put bold snakeskin and leopard prints in the same look, but that’s just me. I’m sure there is some fabulous fashionista out there who could sport them together. You just won’t find this girl doing it. I’m a thirty-something mama of two who’s willing to take fashion risks, but I can only go so far without veering toward the ridiculous side of the street.
As for trends I would style together in a second? I would rock-sequin pointed toe flats with a schoolboy blazer for the perfect mix of rakish charm and glamour, for instance. I would also pair snakeskin pumps with a feminine velvet frock. I’m all about fashion contradictions and my favorite looks combine sweetness with a healthy dose of edge.
Over at Neiman Marcus, they mixed menswear and animal prints with lace, leather with snakeskin and sparkle with just about everything, which particularly tickled me. After all, every outfit can use a bit of sparkle.
So, when you head out to update your fall wardrobe, keep in mind that trend mixing could result in some amazing ensembles. Just don’t throw every single trend that I’ve mentioned on at once. Only Carrie Bradshaw could make that work.
Happy shopping!
By Kristin Swenson
Kristin Swenson is a mother of two and co-editor of Tampa’s hottest fashion and shopping blog, http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com.