XiaolinMama

American Express Small Business Saturday

Thanks to American Express for sponsoring my writing today about small businesses. American Express is presenting Small Business Saturday, a way to honor the local merchants who are the backbone of the economy, this Saturday, November 27. They're offering statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, and donations to Girls Inc. for "Likes" of the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook. Join the celebration by clicking the "Like" button and then visiting the Facebook page to learn more about the program and read the terms and conditions that apply.

Shopping at mom and pop shops for holiday gifts is a must do in my book. They are filled with unique finds that you just can't find at Target, Best Buy or Macy's. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the big box stores (Where else am I gonna get an Xbox360?), but there is nothing like a gift found in a tiny shop that you know will be perfect.

On Clement Street in San Francisco, you'll find Fleur*t. One of my all time favorite urban flower shops,where "french country meets London industrial".   The shopowner has a great eye and assembles an eclectic mix of sophisticated new and found pieces that will make your home or office pop.  Whether you pick up a NEST candle or a small watercolor, you are sure to find something that you couldn't pick up at Pottery Barn.  

And of course, you can also buy flowers!  Sure you could get roses here, but why would you when she can put together something amazing with flowers as unique as the gal you are giving them to.   A more extensive post about Fleur*t is up at Lookiloos.

Across the street is Urban Color, another shop well worth a side trip. A few months ago I wrote about this bright spot on Clement Street and stop by as often as I can. Stop and chat with owner Kendra Lock - store owner, art teacher and artist. Thank goodness I don't live too close or I would be broke! 

As a complement to Black Friday and CyberMonday, American Express is supporting mom and pop shops by getting the word out about Small Business Saturday.  American Express holders who buy something at a small shop get a $25.00 credit!  So whether you are buying something online at ebay or Etsy or you choose to cruise on over to your favorite brick and mortar shop, go shopping! It's on AMEX. Woot.

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I am also a partner at Clever Girls Collective.

Putting it all Together - Shoes are Like a Window to Your Soul!

We're talking shoes this week here for the Putting it All Together series. This episode is being led by two of my favorite bloggers, Kelly aka Mocha Momma and Ree aka Pioneer Woman.   Be sure to head over there to join in on the fun.  

Since the topic at hand are shoes...I thought I'd take a photo of my perfectly organized shoe closet. And then I realized, my closet is no where near organized. (I apologize for the bad iphone picture - it's dark in there.) Now don't get me wrong.  I am a Virgo. I am pretty darn organized generally. I usually have my shoes arranged into four categories, boots, flats, heels, flip flops and ugg boots.  But life is crazy, so my closet look more like this.  I know, it hurts my eyes too!  But once you get past the mess, you'd find I actually have some pretty darn cute shoes - my leopard print flats, my croc heels and my favorite grey suade boots. Most have a story to tell. You'd also notice that I have more pairs of flip flops than should be allowed.  These are my favorites - $10 on clearance Lucky Brand.  Almost worn everyday, with my yoga pants. 

My husband has learned to look the other way when it comes to shoes.  Seriously, I probably have 50 pairs of shoes.  He has like 4 pairs, the brown pair, the black ones, the running shoes and soccer cleats.  Oh and flip flops!  We ARE married for a reason. heh. But what is it about the typical girl DNA that makes us want - ahem, NEED five pairs of black flats? 

Here are ways I rationalize my obsession:

• Shoes always fit, even after I've eaten a carton of ice cream.  My favorite heels and flats don't care if I am bloated or put on a few pounds.
• Bonding over shoes is the quickest way to a girl's heart.  No matter how icy a gal may be to you at first, compliment her shoes and she let's down her guard. Try it, really! It works, maybe not with a police officer if you are getting a ticket, but try it with sales person and somehow they bend over backwards to help. 
• Shoes say a lot about their owner.  A great pair of stylish heels says you are taking the situation seriously.  She wants to impress, and does cuz she is usually looking confident and actually balancing herself.  Scruffy shoes can say she just doesn't care or maybe that she's just busy - or mama, just paid for summer camp, so had to hold off on buying cute sandals this month.  Knowing the appropriate shoes to wear with an outfit says she is versatile and is prepared for anything.  I wear flip flops with most outfits, I  suppose that my "beach casual style" attitude towards most things translates to my shoes.  My ugg boots say , "I hate being cold".

So why do you think women have shoe obsessions? It's not just me, right?

Don't forget to enter the contest below, where you'll be entered to win a $100 Macy's gift cert!

Putting It All Together - PioneerPalooza Episode 1

Girlfriends, laughter, cowboys, and talk about clothes all make for a perfect afternoon on The Pioneer Woman's Ranch. The gals and I are thrilled to unveil the first episode of the Putting it Together Video Series produced by BlogHer and sponsored by Macy's.  

The goal for the project was is for every day women to chat about how we keep it together or "put it all together".  And I got the opportunity to chat with Loralee and Ree about fashion.  We're not fashion plates (though Loralee and Ree are gorgeous!) and we're not designers.  But like many of our readers, most days we actually have to get out of our jammies and talk to people (even if it is just the Fedex guy sometimes), so looking presentable is key.  

Check out our video and do marvel at how wicked smaht my co-hosts are - cuz you know they are. Thanks everyone for leaving comments and questions, we tried to figure out how to incorporate them into the segment. (Read toughest part of it all!) I had so much fun gettin' dolled up and talking that I plum forgot to be nervous or worry about how dumb I sounded until I got home. Gah!

In honor of some of the tips I've picked from many of my favorite bloggers, here's a list of some of my favorite style and fashion bloggers.  Some are super fancy and others are more of the "gals" sharing what works for them. Hope you love them as much as I do.  Special thanks to SueBob and Elz, who also shared their faves with me on Twitter!

• She's Still Got It
• Friday Play Date
• Wiksten-Made
• Maggie's Mighty Closet
• Petit Elephant
• Sartorialist
  
• DesignMom
• Godammit

Got any others to add to the list?  Would love to check them out!   

BTW: I posted a tour of the Pioneer Woman's Lodge up on Lookiloos.

Check it out.

Be sure to check out the rest of the series which now moves over to Friday Play Date. The lovely Susan is leading the charge and asking us all to weigh in on how we "give back" to our communities. Leave a comment there and your thoughts just may end up on the video!

Getting Dressed Up for a Night Out

It's clear that we love our jeans and yoga pants!  BUT, there are times when we must get gussied up and I admit it - I love it.  When I was younger the epitome of dressing up was getting ready for prom! I remember pining over the perfect dress for months - looking through magazines and combing the mall.  While I may have thought I looked awesome that night; looking back, clearly all those hours of worry were not worth it.  I shoulda focused on classic looks and great jewelry, rather than the height of my hair, ruffles and whether the corsage matched my date's bow tie, which of course matched my dress.  LOL!   (BTW - You must check out mah girl Kristy's new blog Promtacular, where the BEST prom pictures have been unearthed and become fodder for all our enjoyment.) 

Today for most smart gals, dressing up to "go out" is more about comfort and fit.  I wear jeans most of the time, but am also ready for when the occasion calls for cocktail dresses or something more fancy.  I have a few key Little Black Dresses, just in case I need something quick - a classic shift dress from Jones New York, a fitted cotton sundress from Target and a wrap dress from Shabby Apple. All can be dressed up or down with jewelry and shoes.  City Mama and Dear Bad Kitty are my makeup go-tos and have shared their secrets on applying false eyelashes, which is my newest favorite accessory!

But there are times when I am looking for something special, and that requires looking in unique places.  I love going to thrift shops for vintage jewelry.  But that requires wading through a ton of junk and some days that is just not happening. So I have discovered Ebay! Check out these great time outfits that are for sale now. 

   

Both for sale at the Thriftwares Shop on Ebay

You can also find more formal outfits like this vintage 50s silk floral cocktail dress ... who would not look awesome in this dress?  Starting bid $70 at the Red House Vintage Shop on Ebay.

Ebay is such a treasure trove.  But be warned remember the rule of anti-prom dressing - classic styles, high quality and nice jewelry are key. Cuz you don't want to find this on your doorstep. While it may look good on some of you, it would look like I escaped from the Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome movie set.  Admit it you all want "this python detailed bandeau bandage dress with gem stone strap details".  It is sure to take GNO in a whole 'nutha direction.

FYI: The other option for a new look for a night out is checking out your girl friend's closets! I have found many an item in my roommate's side of the room:)

So where do YOU go for outfits when you do need to gussy up?  The Mall, online, vintage shops or your sister's closet?  What am I am missing? Any must-check out shops?

Don't forget to enter the contest below - $100 Macy's gift cards given away each week!

Putting It All Together - Dressing up Jeans for Day or Night

I have fantasies that on date nights, I look more like Julianne Moore - glammed up and looking hot.  Rather than a normal Friday night, where I am sporting flip flops and sneaking burritos into the movie theater (Who said I don't know how to have a good time?) 

Through the Putting it Together series, we have been exploring what real women do to keep it together. We asked the question, "What do normal women really wear on a daily basis?"  The answer was a resounding - Jeans!  So whether you are running your own business or/and a bustling home, jeans allow women to have it all. Comfort, versatility and a whole lot less to think about. Jeans and t-shirt are an effortless look for day time, but how do you pull it together for a great night look?

Here are a few ideas from readers and a few looks to dress up jeans that I am in LOVE with these days:

Day time chic:

• Plaid tops - Gwen Stefani looks uber boss in this casual top that is bringing a whole new cache to country attire.
• Cute tops that flatter any shape like this pink one from Forever 21. (Only $19.80!)
• Sweaters that have character, perfect for a business meeting or lunching with the girls.

     

Dressing up jeans for a night out, whether it is bowling or a night at a club can be equally effortless with the right top and accessories. 

• A blazer and a great necklace can dress up your favorite skinny jeans or trousers.
• A crepe top that simultaneously say romantic and sassy - perfect for Spring!
• Classic styles in a color that works FOR you and does not overshadow you.

 

This indigo Michael Kors top says high style and would look great with a skirt, slacks or jeans.  While I could never afford the $500+ price tag, I love that it has an interesting neck line is very modern, yet classically styled.  I bet this would look good on almost anyone.

Moreover, Eva Longoria Parker looks stunning in this classically styled top which compliments her skin tone.  Lesson - you don't need a fancy pattern or to spend alot of money, when the color enhances your look.   (Let's be clear neon pink or orange looks good on NO ONE.)

Actress Mandy Moore demonstrates that a great jacket can pull your look together and make your jeans look great too! 

 

 
What are your favorite tops or tips for dressing up jeans for day or night? Please share!