The Short and Shorts of It

Putting away summer clothes can always be a little traumatic, and it is always right about now, in the dead of winter, when I am piled high with sweaters and leg warmers and coats and hats, that I start dreaming about the easy-breezy style of shorts, a T-shirt and a comfy pair of sandals. Wishful thinking, right?

Maybe not.

Trendsetting stars have been seen pairing the short shorts of summer with tights and other winter accessories to keep them going throughout the winter. Behold!

{image from People.com}

Not an idea that would have come readily to my mind, but it might be growing on me.

And what do you think? 

Would you wear this trend?

Also, don't forget! Voting for your favorite bridesmaid dress ends tonight! Hop to it already!

3, 2, 1... Vote!

Hello, friends! Just a reminder to vote for your favorite bridesmaid dress design. Voting closes on Thursday, January 29th and the three winners will be announced soon thereafter!

I know you want to.

It is your civic duty, after all.

Tie One On

{Image from moeys.net}



Whether you live in cold weather (I feel your pain) or warm weather (I hate you), temperatures are bound to drop some time, and when they do, a nice scarf is the perfect accessory to keep you feeling warm and looking good.

And scarves aren't just for outerwear anymore either. A lighter-weight scarf in a trendy pattern (I hear buffalo plaid is in) or a unique fabric (knit! sparkly!) is the perfect accent to a graphic T-shirt or a solid-colored blouse.

Now, if you are like me (and I hope at least one of you is), wearing a trendy fashion scarf is a sort of intimidating proposition. I am always afraid I will look, well ridiculous. But, Shabby Apple friends, never fear! Follow these simple guidelines (with examples set by our celebrity friends!) and you'll look flawless every time.

Do: Choose a classic monochromatic look.

Tone on tone outfits plus scarf look best with neutrals, such as black, navy, camel and cream. Up your sophistication, and keep your outfit from veering to boring, by mixing fabrics, including satin, velvet and wool. {Image by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images}

Don't: Think a scarf can save a bad outfit.

If it looks bad without a scarf, it won't look any better with one. Another hint: save skinny scarves for more fitted tops and jackets.

Do: Wear a flattering color next to your face.

If you wouldn't buy a chartreuse shirt or sweater, you probably shouldn't buy a chartreuse scarf either. But a flattering pop of color can add excitement to a fluffy winter coat.

Don't: Overwhelm your look with a scarf.

If people feel like they need to stop your scarf from choking you, it's probably too big and too knotted. And what is the point of putting on a shirt at all if you are just going to cover it with an enormous scarf? Instead of going for a huge knot at your throat, drape longer scarves, or tie them with a loose not further down. {Image by Amy Sussman/Getty Images}

Do: Make a scarf your spotlight accessory.

A simple scarf in an elegant fabric, such as pashmina or cashmere, is a perfect winter substitute for showy jewelry. Choose a bold, clean color that contrasts nicely with the rest of your ensemble for a winning evening look.

Don't: Throw on a scarf as an afterthought.

You can't just toss on a polka-dot scarf with a cocktail dress and expect anyone to think you put a lot of thought into it. Make sure the style of your scarf matches the tone of the rest of your outfit. And, if the scarf takes away instead of adding, skip it. Just because scarves are stylish doesn't mean they look good all the time.

Do: Wear a scarf for dressy events.

A broad scarf in a classy color, such as red, and a classy fabric, such as pashmina, can add color and warmth to more formal ensembles. Wrap a longer scarf loosely around your neck once and let the ends hang down, or drape a scarf around your shoulders and toss the ends over either side. Use a sparkling decorative brooch to keep it in place. {Image by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images}

Don't: Overaccessorize.

Put a floppy hat with a long scarf and a pair of sunglasses, and you'll look more like a fugitive than a fashion-plate. Remember that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and make sure your accessories are not competing with eachother. (Also, if a hat and a scarf got in a fight, who do you think would win?)

Do: Try a print scarf.

The right pattern can set of your outfit perfectly. For example, a colorful plaid is the perfect compliment to a muted pea coat. And a lighter-weight scarf with a trendy pattern is a great way to spice up a simple black or white T-shirt.

Now, once you have the perfect scarf picked out, there are as many ways to tie it up or twist it around as there are people reading this blog post. (And, by that I mean a lot. There are a lot of you reading this blog post, right?) For example, do you want to wear a scarf around your head? As a belt? Under a coat? If you are looking for a little inspiration, here are some pointers on how to tie a scarf.

Good luck!

And tell us, is a scarf one of your go-to winter accessories?

That's Tight

I came across this image on The Sartorialist earlier today, and was reminded how much I love boldly colored and patterned tights. In fact, I am wearing bright pink, knit tights as we speak and I'm not going to lie. They look pretty hot.

Bright and patterned hosiery made a scene on the runways this season and, unlike mile-high hats or dresses with huge pieces cut out, this is one trend that translates into real-life as well. Not to mention that bright colors, bold stripes and funky patterns are a great way to warm up the dreary winter months and your little leggies.

Here are a few tips to help you put your best stockinged foot forward. 

Leg up

Keep your clothes simple and let your tights take center stage. For example, if you're wearing tights with a geometric pattern, don't wear clothes with a busy pattern as well. If you're feeling adventurous and want to mix subtler patterns and textures, stick with solid colored shoes and go with a head-to-toe monochromatic color scheme. {'Heather Hip' Diamond Tights from Nordstrom}

Mute button

If you are afraid you can't pull off some of the season's more outrageous colors, such as lime green or fuchsia, you can still follow the trend but keep a lid on it, with more muted colors such as plum or khaki. 

Left to the Imagination

Another way to ease yourself into a bold print or pattern is to just show a little glimpse. Pair an eye-catching geometric design with a skirt and boots and let the pattern fill the gap, without overwhelming you or your outfit. 

Wear the Pants

Who said hosiery always has to go under skirts? The season's hottest colors and patterns are available in thigh-high, knee-high and ankle-high options as well and can be just as striking when paired with pants, especially if you finish off the look with a killer pair of shoes. Round-toed shoes, court shoes, sling-backs and strappy sandals add a little vavoom and let the colors and patterns show through. {Image from Nordstrom.com}

Layer Up

Why only wear one trend when you can wear two? If you are looking to pack a punch in both color and texture, layer a pair of fishnets over a pair of colored opaque tights for a unique, runway worthy look.

And that's not all! Check out this photo slideshow from About.com for more hints on how to get the most out of every kind of hosiery.

Then tell us: what's keeping your legs warm this winter?

First Lady Fashion

All politics aside (and the side is so often where politics belong, don't you think?) , our new First Lady, Michelle Obama, has been rocking styles fit for a president's wife since her husband hit the campaign trail, and yesterday's inauguration was no exception. 

Want to relive the fashion highlights? Check out this slideshow from People.com to see Michelle's winning wardrobe in the days leading up to Jan. 20. One thing I really love is how Mrs. Obama mixes high-end designers and quirky up-and-comers with affordable basics, like gloves from J. Crew! (Those gloves held the Lincoln Bible. Holla!)

And, though it drew both criticism and praise, I think Michelle's white, one-shouldered ballgown fits in perfectly with other famous inauguration dresses.

Even the Obama girls are stepping up to the fashion plate, sporting stylish, age-appropriate and affordable frocks and ensembles of their own. (More J. Crew!)

Are you also a fan of the First Family's fashion?

What is your favorite political ensemble so far?

Mighty Good, Mighty Goods

Let's hear three cheers for the magic of the Interweb! (Thanks, Al Gore.) 

Mighty Goods, a totally-big-deal design and fashion blog, recently featured two little black dresses from Shabby Apple! I am going to keep the suspense going about which ones, but you can see one dress here, and the other dress here.

If you're not reading Mighty Goods, you probably should be. (Their motto, "Hooray for stuff!" is something I think we can all support.) And, if you're not buying these dresses, you should probably be doing that, too. 

After all, Mighty Goods said so. 

In The Apple-light: Ali

Hello, friends! May I introduce you to someone?

Meet Ali, full-time mama to Logan, a five-year-old girl who is all about pink, and Callen, a three-year-old boy who is all about cars, and writer and co-founder of Mama Manifesto, a Web site for moms with daily nap-sized musings, product reviews, tips and recipes for the modern mom. (Watch for a little Shabby Apple shout-out there soon.) Oh, and Ali just went into business with her husband, as well. Tired already? Keep reading!

Tell us about your family: After having an infertility struggle, I feel utterly thankful to be a parent. My children are often the best this about my day, as well as often the most challenging aspect to my day. Being a mom has definitely rocked my world in every way. I just spent a big chunk of my day driving an hour and a hald to track down a beloved blankey for my son. The things we do for love now! My husband is still the man of my dreams after 10 years of marriage, and is by far the best friend I will ever have. He works a corporate gig and is an amazingly talented musician on the side. (Check out Drew Bray on iTunes!)

Favorite color: Right now it is probably a tie between green and a vintage aqua blue. I think I like these two colors because they always feel fresh and fun. I am debating painting my old farm-style antique dining table aqua blue.

Favorite food: Does coffee count as a food? It is my favorite way to start the day-- a hot steaming cup of coffee with lots of cream and a splash of agave nectar. I am not officially awake until the first few sips.

Favorite movie: I am a total sucker for romantic comedies! One of my all-time favorites is "When Harry Met Sally..." I think it reminds me a bit of my husband and I as we were really good friends before the chemistry kicked in. I also love the old people sharing their stories throughout the movie. I cannot wait to sit on the couch next to Drew some day and be wrinkled and squishy and still giggle at each other.

Favorite indulgence: Dessert! I would choose to eat a plain chicken breast at a fancy restaurant just so that I could indulge in a heap of yummy dessert. I am not that picky about my sweets, but I definitely appreciate anything with chocolate in it.

What makes you special? I appreciate my ability to pause and reflect. I have learned a lot over the past year about gratitude and now I can choose to live life with a more aware perspective on how blessed I am. It has revolutionized my life in a very short period of time. I can also entertain a lot of kids at once-- it's the former camp counselor in me!

What is your greatest accomplishment? The daily nurturing of my beautiful family. It feels like a beautiful tapestry that changes always time, and always becomes more beautiful.

How do you get in a creative mood? I love to sit with a favorite magazine and a cup of tea in a quiet space and flip through the pages. Just seeing the photographs will usually inspure some sort of project, whether it be to paint, change my home decor, sew or sit down and write for my Web site. (Magical favorite magazines include: Country Home, Country Living, Coastal Living, Martha Stewart Living.) Also, my secret garden of inspiration is my local Anthropologie store. I can go and just wander through the store and leave feeling so inspired. Well, maybe I feel inspired and utterly depressed at the same time because I cannot afford 99 percent of the items sold there! (Amen, sister!)

What are you listening to right now? The chatter of my daughter playing with her ponies on my bed. Pinkie Pie is teaching the other ponies how to catch butterflies.

What is your favorite place you've lived or traveled? It is hard to choose a favorite. A very cherished place for me is the Italian Riviera! There is nothing like it. But, probably the place that has the most nostalgia for me is "Deep Creek Lake" in Maryland. My family has been going there for more than 25 years. We now take our children every summer and it is my own little haven. I love everything about it... tall grass, crickets, the lake, homemade ice cream, fresh farm-stand corn, seeing kids make s'more after s'more, and of course, time with family.

What is your worst habit? Allowing anxiety to creep into my head.

What would you do with $1,000 right now? Treat my husband and I to a massage and a mini-shopping spree.

What is your favorite Shabby Apple dress? I LOVE the entire line of dresses and think that it is brilliant to make clothing for a specific body type. God bless you for that. (Well, thank you very much!) My favorite is probably Nantucket.

What is your favorite item of clothing? My Paige denim jeans. They are the first pair of "luxury denim" I have ever purchased, and they are also the first pair of jeans that have ever fit me really well. I love them!

Who is your style icon? I think Gwyneth Paltrow is a classy gal. I enjoy her style quite a bit.

What is one New Year's Resolution you are determined to keep? To fight to be in the present every moment I have with my precious family.

Describe yourself in one word: Well-rounded.

And that's Ali! I hope you enjoyed getting to know her as much as I did! Don't forget to check out Mama Manifesto for more Ali, and some great stuff from Shabby Apple, too.

Want us to make you famous?

Leave your name and e-mail address in the comments section below, and you could be next under the Apple-light!

Always a Bridesmaid

The only time I was ever involved in a wedding party, it was for my aunt and uncle's Chuck-Wagon Wedding and I was a flower girl. They got married on horseback and I wore a denim skirt, a cowboy hat and red Keds. It was awesome.

Unfortunately, cowboy chic doesn't work for very many nuptials, and I think we've all probably witnessed some pretty bad attempts at bridesmaid fashion. (Raise your hand if you have a shiny, teal, puffy-sleeved dress in your closet. I thought so.) Finding the perfect dresses for your bridesmaids can be almost as difficult as finding the perfect dress for yourself.

Which brings me to the following wonderful news. Shabby Apple, that friend that always has your best interests at heart, is introducing a line of hip and flattering bridesmaid dresses! (Applause.) And, it gets better! We want you to help us choose! That's right. This isn't a one-way street, people. Your input matters.

Below you will find a total of 11 designs, from two incredibly talented Shabby Apple designers. (I'll just warn you now to hang on to your socks, or else they will get knocked off.) Each design has been assigned a number. Here's what we need you to do: vote for your favorite one. That's all. Just vote. Just one time. (Please, please, pretty please, just one time!) The three designs with the most votes will get the green light, and that eternal bridesmaid dress dilemma will be solved forevermore.

So, without further ado, the contestants are:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6. (left), 7. (center), 8. (right).

9. (left), 10. (center), 11. (right)

So, to sum up.

1. Shabby Apple is going to introduce a line of bridemaid dresses.

2. We want you to help.

3. Hop into the comments section and vote for your favorite design, using the number it has been assigned.

4. Only vote one time, for one design, unless you want me to die of an anxiety attack.

5. Check back here to find out who the winners are!

6. Buy Shabby Apple dresses, bridesmaid and otherwise.

Voting will end TWO WEEKS from today, at midnight MST on January 29th, so get on it. After all, bridesmaid bliss awaits.

Coming Soon...

Just wanted to let you in on a little something soon to come on the much-beloved Shabby Apple blog. It's a bridesmaid dress design contest! Can you stand it?

Keep your eyes here because in the next few days I'll have the first batch of designs up and ready for you to peruse. You know what to do, right? Check out the options and vote for what you'd like to see in the Shabby Apple bridesmaid line. And please, friends, let's all remember to play fair this time. OK?

So, go grab your Diet Coke and your popcorn, and we'll see you back here soon!

{like what you see? visit the new york times for more.}

Fashion-omics

Looking for an economic crystal ball? Well, look no further than hemlines.

According to this interactive piece from the New York Times, (and I am pretty sure they always tell the truth), fashion trends can be an indicator of economic trends. Money might be short, for example, but skirts are getting longer. A shift in fashion can even occur before the reality of an economic change has sunk in.

Check it out! And tell us, are your hemlines coming down?

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

While the official gift-giving season might be over, we all need ideas for good presents all year long. (And, if you are anything like me, you might still have some leftovers on your Christmas shopping list.) I think we can all agree that coming up with the perfect gift can be a challenge (as a result, my poor dad always gets stuck with socks), but clothes can be a very good and often-overlooked option.

Now, I am not talking about some horrible, itchy sweater like the kind you get every year from your Aunt Mildred. I am talking about classy or funky pieces with real style and flair, things that really express something about the giver and the receiver.

Giving clothes can be scary, of course, but here are some tips to set you up for success.

Size Does Matter

Make sure you know the exact size of the recipient. Clothes that are too big or too small can be viewed as an insult, so let's all stay away from that, shall we? If you're not sure of the receiver's

size, go with her to try on a few items and then return to the store later to purchase them. You can also put a photo of the item you want to give in a gift envelope with a gift certificate for the right amount, and let the receiver go back and choose the best size for herself. Paying close attention to size will ensure your gift is the best one ever.

Style Matters, Too

Knowing the style of the recipient is also key to giving the gift of clothes. You don't want to give a baggy T-shirt to a fashionista, or a prim, starched dress to a boho chic chick. Pay close attention to your friends' style and taste and give a clothing gift that matches.

The Shoe Doesn't Fit

Gifts of clothing are tricky enough, but shoe gifts are fraught with peril. Fits can vary widely, and so can style preferences, so it's best to just stay away. If you have a real shoe horse on your gift list (that would be me!), scope out a funky boutique or local shoe store she might not have shopped at before and go with a gift certificate.

Do Your Homework

Scouting out gift guides in your recipient's favorite magazines can be a good way to get a feel for what she might like. Teen People, Mademoiselle and Seventeen are a good place to look for hip, trendy and inexpensive gift ideas for teenagers, while Vogue, Marie Claire and InStyle can offer some insight into what to buy the chic women on your list. GQ and Esquire can steer you in the right direction if you're looking for something in the men's department. Also, remember that you can almost always find cheaper alternatives to the expensive styles you see in magazines. Browse to get some ideas and then hit the bargains to find what you're looking for.

Use An Accent

If you are uncomfortable buying a shirt or a pair of pants as a gift, there are plenty of other clothing accent pieces that might not seem so daunting. Consider a warm and stylish scarf for someone living in a cold climate, or a brightly printed swimsuit cover-up

for someone living in warmer weather. Your dad might be sick of them, but your friends would probably

be delighted by a pair of patterned socks (some argyles were one of my favorite gifts this year) and statement headbands and hats are good options as well.

Don't Take It Personally

Giving clothes as a gift is a gamble, even after you follow this sage advice, so the biggest key to success is not to get upset if the recipients wants to trade in your gift for something new. After all, the real purpose of a gift is to give something that someone else wants, right? And it truly is the thought that counts.

What is the best clothing gift you've ever received?

And the worst?

{looking for something? photos for this post were found using Google image search. type in "patterned socks" or "statement scarf."}

Nature and Nurture

Happy New Year, Shabby Apple fans! I am sorry things have been a little slow around here on the blog, but you know how the holidays get. Right? Before you know it, it's 2009 and time to start it all over again. (And also time to redouble your efforts in praying for no.more.snow.)

To get the new year started off right, let me direct you to this fabulous site that has just come to our (rapt) attention. Meet All Natural Mommies. All Natural Mommies specializes in products, including baby clothes, baby carriers and cloth diapers, that are good for the planet and good for your little one. Get 2009 started off right with a handmade baby carrier...

... organic (and stylish) green tea leggings...

or, my favorite, the all-natural Booby Tubes breast pack for all you sore breast-feeders out there.

The site also has some great gifts for expecting and new mothers. Pair a set of inspirational cards for mom with a dress from the Mama Apple line, and you'll have kids named after you for sure! (And, really, isn't that what we all want? I have been begging my friends to name their kids after me for ages. So far, no go, but I am sure it's coming.)

Visit All Natural Mommies for more safe and friendly products for moms and kids alike.

And tell us, what baby odds and ends can you simply not live without?