I Spy

There are two things you should recognize in the following picture:




One is the First Lady and one is a Shabby Apple wrap dress!

How about this one:




If you guessed the President of the United States and a Shabby Apple dress, you are right again!

Shabby Apple and I have officially made our debut at the White House. To say we were thrilled is something of a (massive) understatement.

And now we want to know, what's the favorite place you've worn your favorite Shabby Apple dress? A fancy vacation? A hip concert? To meet the President? (Or your new mother-in-law?) Send your stories and a picture of you in your dress to blog@shabbyapple.com and we'll feature your favorite moments, too!

(Now if only we could get Michelle Obama in a Shabby Apple dress of her own...)

Color Me Yours

Bright bottoms, especially colored denim, are hot in a big way right now, and I am not always a fan. I think colored denim can look tacky and weird (I've seen Fergie in some particularly bad variations), but I love the way the girl in the middle of this picture pulls it off.


{Image from The Sartorialist}

First of all, she picked a great color. Three cheers for fuschia! It matches the season and it's bold but tasteful at the same time. I also love how she lets the pants speak for themselves, by pairing them with simple black sandals and a classic white shirt. The subtle details on the shirt, like the ruffles and buttons on the front, have just enough edge without being overwhelming.

It gives me hope for bright pants after all.

(Plus, I totally want to ride bikes with that girl.)

What do you think of colored denim?

A flop? Or totally fab?

Pic-Nic, Pic-Chic

It is the season of picnics. (I happen to have one later this week.)





Here are some things I love about picnics:





Lemonade!


Sunshine!


Croquet!


Lots of dessert!


Outside, outside!


Checkered table cloths!


Potato salad!


Bare feet in the grass!





Here are some things I don't love about picnics:


Mosquitoes!


Ants!


Any and all bugs!


The possibility of being a bird poop target!


Flimsy paper plates!


I can't keep my different foods from touching each other!





And, of course, what to wear?!? You need something that will keep you cool while still looking cool. Something that is not schlumpy (yes, I made up that word. And I bet you know exactly what I mean, too) but that can still get a little messy (that croquet can really get out of hand). Something cute and summery and light that you can still wear while sitting on the ground without giving away the farm.





Ah, the dilemma.





Never fear, my picnicking posse! Here are some solutions.





Bermuda Traingle


Bermuda shorts or walking shorts are a great answer to the question: What will keep me cool, comfortable and covered up? Instead of a heavy denim, go with khaki or a fun seer sucker fabric. Pair your shorts with a light-weight top and you'll look and feel cool until the cows come home.



A not-too-revealing sundress, especially one with a longer skirt, is also a good option.





Top It Off


A hat or visor is a perfect accessory for your outdoor ensemble. It's a great way to add a little picnic pizzazz, and will also keep you safe from too much sun. Go with a wide brim for the maximum coverage and style.








Avoid Accessories Overload


A casual picnic is not the place for your fancy jewelry. Besides the fact that it might get lost, it will also be sorely out of place you might wish that you could lose it. Instead of glittery baubles, stick with a simple watch and maybe a small pair of earrings or an understated necklace. Anything more will be too much.





Take a Tote


A tote can fit everything you need-- a camera, cell phone, sunscreen and even a sweater for the cooler evening hours-- and gives you a chance to add both style and function. (Oh, how I love efficiency!) Consider sticking with a darker color that doesn't show outside dirt so easily.








Canvassed


As is often the case, footwear can be the biggest challenge to your picnic duds. You won't be running a half marathon around the back door, so sneakers seem like overkill, but if you'll be playing frisbee or volleyball sandals don't quite cut it either. The answer lies somewhere in between. Go with a low canvas skimmer or another sporty slip-on. It will be just right.

And now, off you go!

Just save some lemonade for me!



{Like what you see? Shorts and visor from Nordstrom, tote from ebags and skimmers from Nordstrom. Loving style advice from me.}

Who's Your (Customer Service) Mama?

Happy Friday, Shabby Apple fans! And welcome to another installment of our Seedlings feature. (Still super proud of that name, BTW.)

Today I am delighted to introduce you to one Mary Braun, the happy voice on the other end of the line when you call with questions or compliments about your Shabby Apple order. (Let's hope it's more of the latter.) I would love to have given you a picture of the face to go along with the voice, but Mary is a little preoccupied right now having a baby, so pictures will have to wait. In the meantime, here are some of Mary's thoughts on a few Shabby Apple favorites.



One of the most interesting (and completely awkward) jobs I’ve had in my life was working with a DNA company. I would call people up and ask them to share their stories of different DNA testing they had done, sometimes learning WAY more about a stranger than I ever thought possible over the phone (think serious Jerry Springer material).

For nearly two years now, I’ve worked at Shabby Apple, handling almost all of your customer service inquiries. Although I have never had to personally pry for your information, I have had some good laughs about how much women divulge about their bodies to complete strangers through email, over the phone, and even face to face. I’ve talked with many of you about the havoc pregnancy wreaks on your bodies and the challenges that come from being exceptionally petite to extraordinarily tall. We’ve talked boobs, thighs, torsos, the mom pooch, broad shoulders, legs, you name it. It’s all been up for discussion at some point here.

I have often wondered if any of you have ever considered who I was and what gave me so much authority and expertise on fashion and why I am ever so willing to give advice so freely. I’m here to set the record straight once and for all:

I’m actually a man.

(No, but seriously, would you die?!)

I am 100% female—just ask my husband. (Yeesh! I can produce some serious lady drama!) I can completely relate to all your dress-finding concerns, because I have those concerns myself. I think I’ve been a sturdy size 12 since the 9th grade and, although I love my lean calves and sexy ankles, would not be opposed to getting some type of trade out for my flabby arms and doughy tummy. HOWEVER (and it’s a big however) that hasn’t exactly happened yet. My best kept secret is that I still wow the crowds because I have subscribed to the Shabby Apple ideology: All women can look awesome in a dress!

Apart from the fact that I am about 47 weeks pregnant (okay 39, but come on already!) I do have some dress favorites that make me feel anywhere from drop dead gorgeous to dang stinking adorable—even as an incredibly pregnant mama. If you haven’t jumped on these dresses yet, it’s ‘bout time to get busy, ladies:


Antiquated: Would any of you be opposed to slipping on this sexy number for a romantic night out with your favorite guy? I highly doubt it. The flattering cut and stretch of this fabric makes it a winner on almost every body type.



Daisy: This dress screams adorable! It comes with a yellow ribbon, and I love to pair it with some matching yellow flats. But switch it up with something like lime green ribbon and pink shoes and you have yourself an entirely NEW (and still adorable) ensemble to traipse around town in!


Barefoot in the Park/Pretty in Pink: If you’ve ever been pregnant, you know how important it is to feel comfortable and still look cute. This dress, although not listed in our maternity section, is still a great option for pregnant women (I would just order a size up). Dress it up with a dangly necklace and bangle bracelets for a nicer event, or throw on the flip flops for an easy breezy look.



And, until you find your perfect Shabby Apple dress, keep the inquiries and stories coming. I’m always up for some great conversation!

Frustration Station

Our very own Ms. Athelia is posting over at Dare to Dream today, daring to share some (fortunate) life frustrations that led her to a little venture called Shabby Apple.

Have you heard of it?

It's a great reminder that sometimes even bad things turn out to be good.

And now we want to turn your frustrations into something good, too! Just hop into the comments section and tell us about your biggest fashion frustration. Is it trying to find the perfect pair of jeans? Struggling to look professional and not lose your style soul? Contemplating accessories for hours? Let it all out, ladies!

(And if you've managed to solve your frustration somehow, we'd certainly love to hear about that, too.)

Simply leaving a comment instantly qualifies you to win a 90 Words Per Minute secretary dress, plus some accessories and style advice catered specifically to you.

Nothing frustrating about that!

Rain, Rain, Come Again

I am learning many things since my recent relocation to the East Coast. One of which is that you should have an umbrella with you all the time. At all times. All the time. No exceptions. It rains here a lot. You might say it rains all the time.

The good news is, while the prim and proper businessmen of D.C. have to carry big, black, boring umbrellas, I can add a little flair with my rain protection. And so can you. Check out these adorable options.

If you want to blend in with what's happening above your head, try this rain drop patterned umbrella from umbrellas.net.

Or if you want to offset the gray skies, try these bright and bold stripes, also from umbrellas.net.



For a little old-fashioned flair, check out these custom umbrellas from signaturebella.com. The pagoda-style canopies have just the right amount of vintage flair, and the handles come separately, so you can mix and match all you want.





And if you want a better view of what's coming down, maybe one of these clear options will appeal to you, both from umbrellas.com. (A little rain and a little love? Yes, please!)

With one of these in your hand, you'll be begging the rain to stay.

And, around here at least, the rain just might oblige.

Tippy-Top Model

There is never a dull moment around Shabby Apple HQ.

Which is probably just what you would expect for an awesome place filled with awesome people.

And now you can be part of the excitement! Right here! On this very blog!

Starting today, and on every other Friday forevermore, we will feature a piece from one of our fantastic Shabby Apple interns. I think we shoud call them seedlings. How about you? Our seedlings are going to keep us in the loop about everything that is happening at Shabby Apple, and in their own not-too-shabby lives.

How does that sound?

To start us off, here is a little something from Seedling Rodney.

Enjoy!

My Run-in with a Top Model
A Dream Come True for a Reality TV Fanatic


Recently I had the opportunity to head east to “The Big Apple” and just be a tourist in one of the most fascinating and talked about cities in the U.S. My wife and I set out with two missions: eat some incredible food, and spot someone famous. Although we didn’t reach our goal of rubbing elbows with Oprah or Obama (neither of whom live in New York City, but both of whom were there at the same time as us), we did have a run-in with a wannabe Top Model. It was Celia from the most recent ANTM cycle.

It was Saturday afternoon, and we were in Greenwich Village searching for a cold treat to cleanse our over-stimulated pallets. I noticed a very tall and skinny woman who suddenly became a familiar face. After all, we had watched her week after week battling it out with a house full of equally tall, skinny, and beautiful girls. She had made it to the final four and was our pick to become America’s Next Top Model. We asked for a photo and expected her to reluctantly pose and then move along, probably on her way to a casting or photo shoot.

What we didn’t expect was how down to earth and genuinely charming Celia would be. Of course she’s no A-Lister, but I expected at least a hint of beautiful woman syndrome. She took time to get to know us, and immediately admitted that she was “such a dork, just reading an article about myself on my iphone.” She was happy to be recognized and to have a couple of fans from a faraway place. After chatting it up on the corner of Bleeker and Grove, she told us she was on her way to get some frozen yogurt, and invited us along. What a treat, indeed!

One of the reasons Celia wowed the Top Model judges week after week was because of her personal style. She knows how to dress, and the judges even told her she could have another career as a stylist. She was able to find simple outfits that made lasting impressions. This day was no exception.

Her attitude about dress reminds me of Shabby Apple. Shabby Apple makes dresses that cover well enough so that women don’t have to add tank tops or slips. And their dresses are made for every body type, not just size 2s like Celia! Basically it’s an uncomplicated and sure-fire way to look good and feel comfortable any time you step out of the house.

Which is pretty important because as you never know when you'll be spotted, recognized, or invited out for frozen yogurt with a Top Model!

Use Your Head

I went to see a dinner theater performance of "High School Musical" last night. (Yes, you read that right. And no, it's not really any good without Zac Efron. And yes, saying that makes me feel a little creepy.)

Anyway.

You know that song, "Get Your Head in the Game?" Well, it got me to thinking about heads, and what sort of game they should be in (stick with me, everyone) and that brings me to... headbands!

Voila!

Luckily, one of our totally fabu Shabby Apple interns, Kate, had her head in the same place (that place being the game. Is this getting old?) and put together this totally fabu article all about this year's hottest head-gear trends.

So, get your head in the game and read away! (That was the last one. I promise.)

It seemed the headband might be headed towards fashion extinction.

Headbands came in with a bang (or, shall we say, with bangs. Get it? Joke!) in the mid-2000s with outlets from high-end department stores and speciality boutiques to Target and Claire's carrying the favored hair accessory in wide patent leather, stripes, polka dots and everything in between. Soon, nearly every retail clothing store in the book was carrying headbands, and suddenly what was once hip and cutting edge became expected and overly familiar. Nothing but another headband.

Had this hair accessory reached its carrying capacity in the world of fashion? Would this item’s overabundance lead to the wiping out of the entire headband population?

Such a grim outlook on the headband’s future has been decisively refuted by recent innovations and alterations. In fact, spring 2009 has seen such a complete reworking of the headband’s basic makeup, the season seems to offer the gift of a totally new hair accessory rather than a slightly modified regurgitation of an old staple.

For starters, we have the “headwrap” variation. With one or two bands crossing from the back of the head across the forehead rather than over the scalp, this take on the headband expresses a casual hippie look. Some are thin elastic bands embellished with small stones or braiding. Shabby Apple has also taken up the trend. Our women's accessories include headwraps made of thick and colorful bands of fabric, adorned with whimsical flowers. (You can't say no to whimsy!)


{Like this look? Try Urban Outfitters.}
{Like this look? Try Shabby Apple.}

The “new headband” for spring also appears in ultra-feminine varieties, including skinny headbands garnished with soft petals or bows fluttering near the ear of the wearer and headbands in soft colors, such as pink, and covered in soft materials, sich as satin and chiffon.


{Like this look? Try J. Crew.}

Another innovative take on the headband for spring expresses a vintage, 1920s flair. Colorful feathers decorating headbands call to mind the retro style of the flapper, but you don't have to travel back in time to get them. In fact, you only have to travel as far back as the Shabby Apple Web site for a fantastic collection to get you started.


{Like this look? Try Urban Outfitters.}


{Like this look? Try Shabby Apple.}

So, whether in a hippie headwrap, a girly, flowered skinny band, or a feather-embellished flapper style, the new headbands of spring 2009 can make any look head and shoulders above the rest. (Can you stand the hilarity?)

Looks like headbands might be here to stay after all.