Mink

Mink Rewards & Mixie Trunkshow!!

2012-01-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce an awesome new rewards program to benefit all our best and loyal shoppers---that's YOU!! Here's the breakdown: Every time you visit the store and spend $100 or more you get a punch. When you earn 10 punches you get $50 off your next purchase! We will be hosting a kick off party to celebrate our awards program, and that party includes a trunk show from one of our favorite brands--Mixie!! You will see an enormous collection of Mixie's dresses--it's going to be so much fun and if you're a Mixie fan (we know a lot of you are), this is one event not to miss! AND on Saturday 1/21 you earn DOUBLE CREDIT on your shiny new Mink Rewards card! Saturday is going to be so much fun! A preview of some beauties that will be at the trunk show:

Fashion Boot Camp Day 2

2012-01-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

Fashion Boot Camp day one was pretty hard and took up a lot of my day, especially chronicling it all on film. I did get a comment letting me know that I was showing my underwear on the web. Yes, it's true, I'm not shy! I hope I didn't offend anyone by posting my foundations online. I am a voyeur and would love to see inside pretty much anyone's closet who would want to show me. When I was making decisions on what I would and would not post I decided I would celebrate my voyeuristic nature and show you the intimate details of my closet. Well, now we're onto day 2---TOPS.

I went through my clothes and I decided to get rid of all of these:

Let's focus on tops today---here are a few that I love (I do love everything I buy, at the time I buy it), but had to say goodbye to:

I have been holding onto this for several seasons. I never felt like myself in it. I like the shade of green, but the lurex made me feel a wee bit like a dressed up elf, and I'm not a fan of winter weight short sleeve cardigans. What's the point?

I bought this sweater cause it reminded me of a vintage cardigan I had and loved once upon a time. But alas, it's NOT that cardigan, that cardigan I wore so much is literally fell apart. This cardigan makes me feel like my grandma, hence why I've worn it only once in the last two years. The floral is just too big for my taste. So, to Goodwill it goes...

I loved this Weston Wear top. I wore it, and wore it, and wore it, and wore it. I wore it so much I'm utterly sick of it. It still looks great, still has it's shape, still looks like it could be worn for many more years to come, but on someone else. These are just a few examples, there were many more, but I don't want to bore you.
Next I organized my tops by color. I put black in the front where there's the most light, next charcoal and then brights.

Okay, that's it for tops. Next installment---dresses!

View Fashion Boot Camp Day 1

Fashion Boot Camp---Day 1

2011-12-29T11:52:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been waking up early to go to a fitness class called Boot Camp. It's a class that works on every muscle group and my helps my body coordination. I've been spending so much time working out my mind and body that this "shaping up" thing has inevitably spread to all sorts of other areas in my life.
Since the end of the year is near, it seems like the perfect time to subject my closet to a little Boot Camp of its own. I tend to be the opposite of a hoarder, and easily part with items I don't use or wear. I also don't like to keep worn out things unless they're super-comfy to wear around the house--but I don't need many of those since I (unfortunately) don't spend much time lounging. Still, it's too overwhelming for me to clean my whole closet in one fail swoop, so I usually break the cleaning into a few days.
Day 1: Foundations!
We'll start with bras. Any bra that's been in constant rotation for a year has to be tossed. Ladies, undergarments are SO important and need to be changed out frequently!

This is what my bra basket looks like now.
This is what I'm getting rid of:

As you can see above, I use a hanging organizer for things I wear everyday (bras, underwear, nighties, workout clothes), and use baskets for less used items.
Here's a full view of my closet so you can see what I mean:

I have one basket devoted solely to slips, lace cami's and Spanx. Here's what it looked like to start:

What a mess! I got rid of these:

And here's the end result: notice how everything is organized by style and color.

The last thing on my list for Day 1 is my underwear. Yes, you do have to organize your underwear and it's good to toss out those undies that have seen better days. Here's what my underwear "drawer" looked like to start with:

I had to dump them all out to get
perspective! For me what's really important is dividing my cotton underwear from my seamless undies. I always wear seamless undies with jeans and workout clothes, and cotton undies with dresses and skirts. I want to be able to find what I need in the dark, early hours when I'm half asleep, so here's what I ended up with:

This is what I ditched:

And that's enough for one day! Be on the lookout for Day 2, when we'll tackle tops! Please feel free to email any questions about your own closet makeover: Carla@shopmink.com---happy organizing!

If you're interested in where I go to boot camp, I actually work out at two gyms. Basically every class Studio X offers is a boot camp regardless of what they call it. I'm in love with Studio X, and have never worked out so hard in my whole life. I also do personal training with Janan Begiege at Studio X. I can't say enough wonderful things about her.

The place where I take a class that's actually called "Boot Camp," is Proforce Athletics. I am a former high school athlete and Deshawn Fontleroy works with athletes. What I love about him is that he really works on getting my speed up, improving my hand eye coordination, and offering tactics to help me perform at my best.

I recommend Studio X and Proforce Athletics equally for different reasons! Now it's a new year--let's shape up EVERYTHING!

Tis the Season Sale!

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Look at some of our sales items online

Come celebrate the holidays with us!

2011-12-01T16:13:00.000-08:00

Holiday Stroll and Party!

2011-11-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

We are super excited for this year's Holiday Stroll! We thought this would be a great day to host our annual holiday party as well! Win/win for all you lovelies!
What to look forward to from Mink:

15% off any one item only on 12/10/11 and a gift for all purchases over $150, while supplies last!
A Kelly Lane trunk show!
A percentage of sales donated to Fish Emergency Services
Festive drinks and sweet treats
A super fun holiday atmosphere and a great time to get all your gift shopping done!

What to look forward to from the Stroll:

Holiday wreath giveaway! A raffle ticket is awarded with minimum purchase--win a wreath and everything on it! Mink will be giving away some fun gifts on its wreath along with a $50.00 gift certificate!
Roaming holiday carolers
Special events and wreath raffle going on at all participating businesses
A main event tent at 36th and Hawthorne that will be focused on kids events---bring the whole family!
And SO MUCH MORE!!

This is one event not to miss! We are beyond excited and hope you will join us on Saturday, December 10th for the most fun shopping day of the year!
XOXO--Mink

What I love about holiday--

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'll start off this blog by saying that I love giving gifts as much as receiving them. With that being said, I love getting presents! I've always have and I always will! So I'm thrilled when people go shopping for me! I always make a list...and give it to the folks who shop for me..ahem... (husband, mother, brother and sister-in-law), this year I thought I would share my visual list. Yes, it's true, I want all these things. I hope Santa brings me a couple.
1. Echo touch gloves---keeps my hands cozy and warm while I talk, text and surf.
2. Grayling Solar Wind earrings. A little bit naughty and nice. Edgy but demure, love!
3. Velvet brand Rosenda dress. Oh my gosh! I soooo DO need another LBD!Can't get enough of this one!
4. Amy Olson Rutilated Bullet Drop. Vintage-y-tastic! Love the texture of the rutilated stone and those little gold bullets on the bottom make these earrings such a stand out.
5. Favor Aperure necklace. An everyday necklace that still makes a statement and I love that it's made out of all recycled materials.
6. Lollia hand creme. The BEST hand lotion ever. Hands down.
7. Minx Lacuna Tote. The architectural elements of this handbag makes it unforgettable and I love it when my friends drool over my handbag. Extremely drool-worthy.
8. Elise M. Meadow belt. Maybe the cutest belt ever. Love the color and the edgy-yet-boho vibe this belt puts off.

And if someone who's shopping for me can't find anything on my list, or just wants to splurge and give me the gift of my own little shopping spree, I never scoff at a gift certificate! At Mink you can also purchase them online.

Happy shopping ladies---see you soon!
XOXO,
Carla

Black Friday and Little Boxes! It's going to be awesome!

2011-11-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

Skip those long lines at 3am and odd hour super sales, because this Black Friday we have signed up to be part of something truly awesome! We are joining forces with over 70 local boutiques to offer you an exciting holiday shopping experience!

Join us Friday, November 25^th between 10am until 8pm, as well as these other great Portland boutiques for LITTLE BOXES, a city wide shopping event that includes an amazing raffle! Just come on in, ask for a raffle ticket and you’ll be entered to win. Prizes include an iPad, tickets to OVO by Cirque du Soleil, $200 to Wildwood Restaurant and so many more.

Not only do you get the chance to win some of these fantastic prizes, but you will get 10% off at one Little Box for showing a receipt from another Little Box.

New stores and new prizes are constantly being added so please make sure to follow us on Facebook for updates!

This Black Friday is going to ROCK!

See you Friday!

*****

links:

"these other great Portland boutiques" http://www.littleboxespdx.com/littleboxstores.html

"LITTLE BOXES" http://littleboxespdx.com/

"so many more" http://www.littleboxespdx.com/prizes.html

Pretty Picture Contest!

2011-10-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

Click here to get to our FB page

We are running one heck of a contest! Email us (info@shopmink.com) a picture of yourself wearing your favorite Mink item and enter to win a $50.00 gift certificate! There is no limit to the amount of times you can enter and each photo counts as one entry. Feel free to post the pics on FB as well, but FB posts DO NOT count as entries. The winner will be chosen randomly.

Entering this contest allows Mink to use submitted photos in promotional materials. We will also post all submitted photos to our Facebook wall. Please let us know if you don't want your photos used or posted and we will comply with your wishes and it does not affect your ability to win. Good luck ladies, may the games begin! Email us at: info@shopmink.com

Carla & her dad. Carla's wearing a Velvet dress and Grayling jewelry all compliments of Mink!

Jan wearing Mink From head to toe! Joe's jeans and a Bailey 44 jacket.

Mink's Facebook page

Fall is our favorite time of year!

2011-10-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong, I love summer. But in fashion, fall is absolutely TOPS! I mean, if you've ever picked up a fall fashion magazine you've probably noticed that it's mighty thick and heavy. Fashion is always buzzing around fall. Why? Well, designers get to showcase their looks in many different ways. There are sleeves and layers, and a much larger variety of fabrics to be used.

WestonWear Annie Dress,Weston Wear Angelisa top,Weston Wear Jerry Dress,Weston Wear Caterina top

There's the luxe hand of cashmere, the lovely drape of merino wool, and silk woven into jersey is warm and absolutely divine! What's there not to love? At Mink, fall is our favorite time of year! We ALWAYS overdo it just a bit, but in a good way! There are tons of choices and our racks are absolutely brimming with new arrivals. Our fall inventory runs the gamut from denim to ponti-weight skirts, Jacquard pencil skirts, fall dresses, cashmere, layering basics, one-of-a kind tops and just about everything in-between. This year is especially exciting because we found a cashmere line that retails for under $100.00 (well, it's 30% cashmere. You can't get 100% cashmere for under $100 unless you hijack a cashmere goat farm). We've also brought back our best-selling cashmere leggings. We ordered heavily into Veronica M's winter line and have so many amazing tops, pants and skirts that I can't even figure out where to start!

Veronica M cowl dress, Veronica M drop waist, Kerisma Shea Cardigan, Kier + J cashmere leggings

I think you're just going to have to come in and do a little shopping! I seriously feel like I walk into clothing heaven everyday! See you soon.
XOXO, Carla

Mother daughter shopping spree

2011-10-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

So...you may or may not be surprised, but I don't get to shop for myself all that much. But it's true, because I pretty much work all the time. When you don't see me in the store, I'm holed up in my office working away. Hey, I'm not complaining. I LOVE my job! This weekend was different though. I decided to take a whole weekend off and go visit my mom in the Spokane area. Every fall season I do a major "fall shop." This year I split my fall shopping up between Mink and my trip to Spokane. The idea was that my mom would pick me up at the airport and we'd have a "girls' day out" shopping. Even though Spokane is not what one would consider a shopping metropolis, I was super excited. I never get to do this! We decided to hit downtown Spokane because there are both department stores and boutiques, and I pretty much needed a little bit of everything from denim to bras and underwear to boots. So, here is my Mink/Spokane fall shopping spree (keep in mind I lost a few pounds so I need a little bit more than usual this year):

Fall shopping list:

1. New denim, dark wash. I buy denim every year in the fall. My favorites from last season have usually been worn to death so it's time to invest again. Since none of my jeans fit right now, I bought one pair but am still looking for 2 more.

Joe's Honey in Lainey wash

2. Fall pants, on-trend style. This year I went for skinny cords.

Kut from the Kloth Skinny Cord

3. Tops. I always buy 3-8 new tops. Does that seem excessive? There are 7 days in a week and I go through my favorites really fast because I wear them so often. So to me, no, it doesn't seem excessive. Especially when I'm including basics in there! Here's a few I bought:

From Left to Right: Bailey 44 Half Time Top, Velvet Nahlah Top, Nic + Zoe Jaquard Top, Velvet Merina Top

4. Must-have dress. I always buy fall/winter weight dresses because I love to pair dresses with boots. Plus, fall dresses help me feel better about myself because they have more structure and a little more material:). I've bought 2 this year, but am still looking for 3 more. We have big orders due today and tomorrow in the store, so maybe my new dress(es) will be in there! A couple I purchased:

Velvet Charrie Dress & Bobi Modal Collar Dress
5. Cardigans. I buy 3-8 of the lovelies. We live in Oregon, after all, so that makes us layering people!
A few Cardigans I just couldn't resist:

Kier & J cashmere Cardy, David Kahn Puff Sleeve Cardy, Covet Slashed back cardy, Bobi Circle Cardy.

6. Fall jacket. I cleaned out my jacket closet and got rid of 3 old jackets that had seen better days. I felt great about this one I plan to have for many, many years!

Bailey 44 Gigolo Jacket

7. Bras. A good bra has about a year of life before the elastic is shot and the "ladies" no longer look perky. I just got two new bras and my bust has seriously never looked better (well except maybe when I was twenty-one). The bra I bought and love. Got it in two colors:

Wacoal bra from Macy's

8. Boots. Okay, I'm not going to lie. I bought 3 pair this year. To be fair, though, I only bought one pair last year and I wore them to death! I just needed to have more boots in rotation so they will ultimately last longer. I'm not a shopaholic, I'm not a shopaholic, I'm not a shopaholic...
Boots I bought:

Frye Carson Lace up From Imelda's and Steve Madden Intyce boots from Nordstorm (bought these in this color and black)

9. New undies. I splurged on seamless Calvin Klein hipsters. LOVE them and the fact that I just kissed my underwear lines away!

Calvin Klein Hipster Invisibles

Although I still have a few more things on my list, I need to recover and recharge a bit. All that shopping wore me out!
Spokane shops we loved:

My mom loves Jigsaw. Perfect for gals over 50. My mom found 2 very cute tops she couldn't walk away from!
I loved Cues. I bought a sweater from them and wanted a lot more...but as you know I get almost all my clothes from my store, so I felt like I majorly splurged by buying any clothing outside of my four walls!
Please let us know if you need help with your fall shopping list. Remember we're here to make you look and feel fabulous!
XOXO,
Carla

Cut it out: How cut outs can take an outfit from drab to fab!

2011-09-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

I've gotta say this is one trend I'm 100% behind. "Why?" you may ask. The answer is quite simple. A cut out is a minor twist on a basic top, sweater, or dress that imbues any outfit with a boatload of style and chicness! Let's say you're feeling uninspired one day, so you throw on a striped shirt and jeans. A little ho-hum, frankly. But when you put on this striped shirt...

Bailey 44 Half Time Top

You've added a third element to your outfit. A flash of skin adds a third color, texture and a hint of playfulness to an outfit that would otherwise be, well, predictable. Did I buy this top for myself? Well, yes. I just couldn't help it! Are you not yet convinced about the virtues of the cut out? Then please do read on.

Covet Slashed Back Cardigan

I absolutely LOVE this piece. Why? Well from the front is looks like a normal cardigan. Here, let me show you the front view:

The lines are great. It's slim through the hips and has a nice circle shape to the hem, which is flattering on just about anyone (because it cuts on the diagonal over the thigh, making the legs appear slimmer). And when you see the back...BAM! There's texture, excitement and drama! This cardigan is actually how I like my friends - they seem normal at first glace, but get to know them and there's all sorts of excitement...but I digress. I've worn this piece with a pop of color underneath to play up the slashed back, or a subtle black to play it down. Either way I've gotten tons of compliments. Plus, this sweater makes me feel both demure and edgy, which is usually very hard to pull off. So of course it's been on constant rotation since it came home with me.

I'm clearly inspired by these designs. Fall has arrived, so get your booty in here and let us help inspire you! The store is absolutely brimming with new arrivals and amazing clothing! Hope to see you at Mink soon!

XOXO,

Carla

Style Alert: the Slouchy Shirt

2011-09-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

Fall is settling in, the leaves are beginning to change and fall fashion is here--and it happens to be a little bit different this year. As we move into fall, fashion always moves away from dresses and starts focusing on separates. In this “separate world” you should notice that top trends are taking on a new silhouette. Now, we realize change is hard, but just because the silhouette is different doesn’t mean it’s bad; it just means we are going to have to learn how to wear it! So, without further ado….we present to you the slouchy shirt:

1.Velvet Nahlah Top, 2. Elson Straight Legged denim, 3. Bailey 44 X-Men Top 4. Kut from the Kloth Dianna Skinny leg cords, 5. Splendid Loose Knit button cardigan 6. Citizen's of Humanity Personal slim boot cut denim

In this collage we've shown you three different styles of the slouchy shirt. Every single one of these cute shirts can be mixed and matched with the pants shown with them. Slouchy shirts look best with a straight leg, skinny leg, or slim bootcut. Remember, when outfitting you want to achieve balance--meaning if you're going over-sized on the top, the bottom should be slim. Conversely, if you're wearing trousers or a wide leg pant make sure you are wearing a fitted top. Neither tight nor over-sized from head to toe are the looks we are going for!

Hot tips for varied body types wearing a slouchy shirt:

Straight body type: go for the skinny or straight legged jeans or pants with the slouchy shirt. You also can wear leggings and ponti pants for a great look!

Hourglass body type: go for a straight leg or a slim boot cut. Too skinny of a leg will make your hips look a little wide.

Pear body type: Go for a slim boot cut. Avoid skinny legs and leggings, this will help minimize your hips.

Apple body type: Go for a skinny leg, jeggings, leggings and ponti pants! Your legs are your asset, work this look!

Okay ladies, let's embrace fashion and freshen up our fall looks! See you in the store soon!
XOXO,
Carla

Dreamy Denim Sale!

2011-09-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

If you are an online customer use the coupon code dream for 10% off of all pants. Remember, free shipping and no sales tax! Happy shopping! XOXO

Veronica M. Trunkshow!!!!

2011-09-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

Oh-my-gosh! We are BEYOND excited! I did a lot of finagling to make this happen, but I DID IT! Yes folks, it's true, we are having a Veronica M. Trunk show! That's right hollar and woot-woot because you will get first dibs on tons of Veronica's fall styles! We are bringing in full size runs--XS-XL--on most styles and yes, this trunk show will be happening ONE DAY ONLY! So mark your calendars already and plan to come to Mink on

Friday, September 9th from 10am-7pm.

And, just in case you're wondering we are the only womens clothing store in Portland that is hosting a Veronica M. trunk show this fall!
P.S. If you are someone who likes to shop for your body shape, Veronica M. is a must-have! Her styles are always flattering! You will notice your Veronica pieces get a lot of mileage in your wardrobe; at least mine have! Weekly wears--always!

The Hawthorne St. Fair is coming!

2011-08-21T22:51:00.000-07:00

We are so excited for the Hawthorne St. Fair! How could we not be? It's such a great celebration for the whole family! This year the fair boasts 2 beer gardens, amazing food, crafty vendors, entertainment stages, and performances and sales throughout.

Here at Mink we are celebrating two ways. First, we are hosting a trunk show with the lovely Amy Olson. She will be showing and selling her whole fall collection. We've gotten a sneak peak and it's absolutely stunning! Here are a few examples below...

Second, all our summer stock will be deeply discounted! Look for 30%-70% off all summer styles! These will be our largest markdowns of the season and we invite you to come on in and find yourself some amazing deals!

originally $152 fair price $69

originally $86 fair price $36

originally $82 fair price $39

And of course the store is stocked with TONS of amazing new arrivals. We are looking so great right now, this may just be our best fall to date! So mark your calendars and don't forget to join us on Sunday for the best Street Fair in the city!

XOXO,

Carla

Weston Wear Presents: Julienne W!!

2011-08-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

Some of you may be familiar with Weston Wear, one of our favorite labels here at Mink. Weston Wear launched in 1980 and is based in San Francisco. The label has grown rapidly from its small scale beginnings into an internationally recognized brand. It’s no surprise that the label has been a success! Every design follows the motto: “stylish yet comfortable.” Weston Wear definitely sets the bar in regards to cut and construction!

Now, lucky for us Weston Wear fans, owner and designer Jullienne Weston is launching a new label: julienne w. This new line appropriates the successful aspects of Weston Wear (i.e. ultimate comfort and flattering fits) while adding a hint of the unexpected! Julienne w. mixes dynamic layering with cool textures and gorgeous prints. Think vintage-inspired party dresses, modern rayon jersey separates, and innovative knits. I simply CANNOT wait!! Keep checking your favorite Portland boutique's Facebook Page and Web store to see new arrivals from both Weston Wear and Julienne w.

The micro flare the best of both worlds!

2011-08-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

Our lovely assistant manager Jan modeling the Joe's micro-flares and the Bailey 44 bell captain jacket

Joe's Jeans Micro Flare

We're really excited for the hot new denim trend---micro flare! The micro flare is like taking two best-friends and combining them to make one "super-friend." It has all the best qualities of a skinny and the good qualities of a slim flare, combined into one! Is the micro-flare for you?

· Who wears it: the hip girl who's still in love with her skinnies but wants to update her look with a new subtle mini flare. this cool new silhouette is meant to be paired with heels or the latest wedges.

· This lovely can also be tucked into boots and no one but you knows a tiny flare hides at your ankles!

· How it fits: slim and sexy. this elongating silhouette hugs the body and is slimming all the way through the calf and then breaks slightly over the shoe.

· Hemming: up to 3 inches can be hemmed to maintain the integrity of the micro flare. This surprisingly versatile jean caters to many heights.

We are over-the-moon about this new fit! We have a lovely gray Micro Flare from Joe’s Jeans (pictured above) in the store right now and will be getting a black version from Citizen’s of Humanity later this month. Come on in to your favoritePortland boutique and fall in love with your new favorite pair of jeans!

Tags: Joe's Jeans, micro flare, Citizens of Humanity, COH, dress for your body type

We won, we won!

2011-07-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

We can't help but puff up our chest and brag just a little bit and THANK all our loyal Mink-ettes (that's my name for Mink fan's BTW), we won The 2011 Mercury's readers choice best boutique in Portland!
We're pleased as punch. We have a little quiz of our own. If you score well on this quiz (you have to correct this yourself so don't cheat) you'll earn some special prizes.

1. If you mention the Portland Mercury while at the cash wrap we'll
a. give you a hug
b. give you a high five
c. give you a discount on dresses

2. If you ask an employee for help with an outfit we usually
a. Tell you to figure it out yourself
b. ask you questions and make relevant suggestions
c. Suggest perfume, the perfect compliment to any outfit!

3. Mink has been in business for:
a. Just over 4 years
b. Just over 2 years
c. Just over 1 year

4. The owner of Mink is:
a. Katy Perry
b. Carla Mink
c. Glen LaFollette

Quiz key: 1.c 2.b 3a 4.b or c

If you got one or less right, sorry I don't know that we can award you anything, this was a pretty easy quiz. Study harder next time.

If you got 2 or more right you get 10% off all dresses July 29th through August 5th! Well done! Just mention the Portland Mercury at checkout to claim your discount, and thank you again for choosing Mink as your favorite womens clothing store in all of Portland!

For web customers please use the coupon code "favorite" to take advantage of this special offer!

XOXO,
Carla

QR codes and fashion

2011-07-15T13:56:00.000-07:00


Scan this QR code to get to Mink's Yelp page

You've probably noticed those square bar-code looking thingies popping up all over the place. If you haven't, start looking out for them--you'll notice them pretty much on everything. If you don't know what a QR code is, I'll give you a very short explanation: they are Quick Response codes generated by a computer that, when scanned by your smart phone, take you to a desired website. Attempting to stay tech savvy, I realized a few months ago that we too should start using QR codes in our marketing, hand fliers and soon, in our window displays. Being a women's clothing boutique in Portland on a busy street like SE Hawthorne has its advantages--we get lots of foot traffic! But even when we are closed, the QR codes posted in our display windows will allow strollers to shop with us. In case you don't already know, we launched on-line sales last November and they have been going strong ever since. We don't charge shipping and there's no sales tax in Oregon, so our website has been a hit from the very beginning! As we get better and better at QR codes, we plan on offering QR codes as a service to customers to find out more about a particular line, or more about our store and how we work. We carry so many "feel good" brands and items that it will be fun to be able to share some of our favorite designers' stories. So, welcome to the future, and start Qr-ing if you haven't already!

Scan this QR code as a type of scavenger hunt. You'll like what you find, I promise!

Dressing tips for an outdoor concert

2011-07-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

MINK: Shopping with Portland Picks,#3

Here’s a clothing conundrum: What do you wear to an outdoor concert? You’ll probably need to sit (and most likely on grass if you’re anything like me and forget a blanket—or bring a blanket, and then forget where you left it after you trek for 30 minutes to get a beer.) And you’ll need something super-comf, as well as something that won’t expose the Little Kims when you bend over, or flash the Lohan when you squat down.

So, here’s a template for weathering outdoor concerts in style, courtesy of Mink boutique!

First: If you don’t want sunburned shoulders, or you don’t want to be the nerd who wears the band t-shirt to see the band, you’ll need a lightweight top with some coverage. I’m liking this Silk Stripe Top from Olive and Olivia because I always think that everyone at a show looks cooler than me, and in this shirt, they’re getting some competition.

Silk Stripe Top from Olive and Olivia

Second: Since not every gal has the thighs for cut-offs—let alone regular old shorts—a pair of perfectly rolled jeans is a sure thing. These Annie boyfriend jeans (they come pre-rolled at the perfect "crop" length) from Kut have ample room for jumping up when you gotta “wooooo!” your favorite song without splitting wide open, deep pockets for stashing tickets and cash, and the sexiness of a boyfriend jean.

Annie boyfriend jeans by Kut

Third: Jewelry that will catch the light (and the eye of that hottie by the vegan hot-dog stand), but won’t make you wanna die if you lose it. Well, this Shield Necklace by Favor Jewelry might bum you out big-time if you lose it... but it’s so cute you gotta have it!

Shield Necklace by Favor

And finally: A hat! This cutie from Imelda’s has a lot of style, will keep you cool, and transitions from day to night without making you look like the girl who won’t take her sunglasses off even though the sun has gone down.

Pistil Pixie Hat

Rock on.

Catch up on everything that’s happening in Portland! Sign up for a free subscription at www.PortlandPicks.com.

Portland Picks

Enjoy!

XOXO,

Carla

Tags: How to dress for an outdoor concert, Portland boutique, womens shopping in Portland, Dressing for your body type

What's the Word on "Batwing" Sleeves??

2011-07-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Veronica M. Batwing dress in palm canyon

Veronica M. Batwing dress in mojito

Here at Mink we recently received a shipment of Veronica M.'s lovely "Batwing" style dress. Personally, this is one of my favorite styles from the designer. It's simultaneously trendy and flattering, while maintaining the wear-ability of her other designs. However, those unfamiliar with this contemporary adaptation of the dolman style sleeve may ask: what exactly is going on here??

As you may suspect, the dolman sleeve is not a new trend. In fact, it originated in Turkey in the Middle Ages where it served the purpose of simplifying the production of garments. In the early 1900s the fashion world became fascinated with the east and the dolman sleeve was appropriated into many designs. The style quickly became associated with effortless elegance. In the 1970s the trend blossomed once more, showing up on dresses and tops in various prints and fabrics.

The "batwing" version of the dolman sleeve is a product of the 1980s, during which the sleeve was featured on both formal attire and sportswear. Its popularity during this time is attributed to the fact that the voluminous shoulders and sleeves created the illusion of a smaller waist. I believe the style stills serves this purpose today! On the Veronica M. dresses there is a fitted band that encircles the smallest part of the waist. The contrast of the fitted v-neck collar and narrow waist, along with the billowy sleeves makes this style fit like a dream! No fussing and adjusting with this one--throw it on and you're good to go!

XoXo,

Jessie

Source: www.fashionencyclopedia.com

Tags: Portland, OR boutique , shopping in Portland, Style guide, Dressing for your body type.

Top Ten Summer Essentials

2011-07-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Summer has finally hit the Pacific NW and as the temperature rises hemlines creep up, fabrics become breezier, and we crave color! While I love to leave town for an occasional gorge hike, I’m spending most of my days around town, walking and biking a lot. It’s important that my summer essentials are not only cute, but practical. So here's what you need to feel easy, breezy and fully prepared this summer:

1. A long Torso-ed white V neck tee

Splendid Light Jersey V-neck

I love it when I can wear white! I'm much too pale most of the year to pull off white, so I relish the few months I can wear it. Why do I insist it must have a long torso? Because if it has length it becomes oh-so-versatile! I can tuck it into pants, shorts, or a skirt and have enough fabric to blouse the tee at the waistline. The length also allows me to belt it and slouch it. In the first pic, the tee is styled loosely and a bit shirred, the second picture shows it belted and slouched.

2. Killer sunglasses

D&G Sunglasses

So, I've got a little secret. If you spend a lot of money on eye-wear, you'll stop losing them. Two years ago I spent a pretty penny on some D&G sunglasses and guess what? I still have them and they don't have a hint of a scratch on them. This is so unlike me! For the years before my D&G's I was averaging between 5-10 pairs of sunglasses a season. Between scratching the heck out of them, sitting on them, leaving them who-knows-where, I was seriously replacing my shades every few weeks. Because I've now had the same lenses for 2 years I think this year I've actually saved money (and saved a little plastic from being thrown in a landfill).

3. Jewelry with pop of color, but neutral enough to wear with anything.

Favor Triple Orbit by Monika Reed

I'm a huge fan of this Favor necklace! I know I've been pushing the statement pieces for awhile, but I might be burnt out on "big." Or maybe since all trends are cyclical, jewelry is trending back to petite. Whatever it is, I'm digging understated jewels these days. I love the clarity of the blue topaz in this necklace and I'm a huge fan of gold. This piece has just the right amount of color. I can pair it with anything from denim to dresses. Bonus: Monika Reed from Favor only uses recycled metals and it's all locally made in Portland.

4. The perfect colorful dress

Veronica M. Shirred Sleeve Wrap Dress

So if you've shopped in Mink then you've probably noticed that I swoon over mixing classic shapes with fun prints. This dress is the perfect example of one of my favorite mash-ups! There's something about this print that just screams sunshine! The hem is long enough that I can ride my bike in it and not flash the world my undies, and the sleeves make it versatile enough that I can wear it into fall and "winter it up" with a pair of black boots. But let's not get off topic. It's summer, no thoughts of rain allowed, and I'm happy to report all of my boots are in storage!

5. All natural sunscreen.

Kimberly Sayer's all natural sunscreen

My skin is really sensitive. The only sunscreen that doesn't feel like I've put acid on my face after applying is Kimberly Sayer's all natural sunscreen. It's a 25 SPF, so you have to be okay getting a little bit of sun. It's also a little tinted so it helps my skin's texture appear a bit more even after I apply it to my face. Nova from Bare Esthetics turned me on to this stuff. BTW, if you need a wax, I swear by Nova. She may be the best in Portland; that's my personal opinion.

6. On trend nail color

Printi NYC Geisha Girl

I have this purple color on my toes right now. It's light enough that I barely notice when it's beginning to chip, but has enough color to make a statement. I love that it's somewhere between purple, pink, and gray. This color has a little bit of everything. If you're not a fan of purple, here's a color chart of on-trend nail colors I made up for you.


Hot nail color trends for summer 2011

7. The perfect pair of heels.

Everybody Toas

Remember, I said practical. These heels certainly aren't towering, but they'll give me enough "lift" to make my calves look better. I swear by wearing at least a little bit of a heel if you're showing off leg. I chose these particular yellow shoes because: A. Everybody Shoes is my absolute favorite shoe brand. Their leather is so soft and supple, it's a steal for the quality. I've spent literally hundreds more on leather that's not nearly as soft. B. They are some of the most comfortable shoes I own. I have over 5 pairs of Everybody's and they are my most worn, most favorite shoes. C. They carry them next to where I work.

8. A Free Weather App for your smart phone

It's true, I'm obsessed with the weather, but isn't any good Portland-er? My obsession has reached a whole new level because I now track the weather with Doppler radar. Hey, a girl is allowed to be prepared, right?

9. Denim that you can cuff or roll

Kut Annie boyfriend, COH Avedon jean leggings in Divine

I personally prefer to cuff or roll full-length pants instead of purchasing crop pants. The main reason is that crop pants never quite hit me in the right place on my leg. A plus to buying full length vs. crops is you can use full length denim all year long. One caveat: you can only properly roll or cuff skinny jeans. Nothing looks more awkward than a rolled boot cut, or the attempt at cuffing a trouser. Ladies, stick to the skinny's if you're going to cuff or roll. These two are my favorites pair of skinny's for different reasons. The Kut skinny boyfriends on the left are an incredibly light-weight denim. They feel great and have a nice summer wash. The Citizen's of Humanity Avedon jean leggings on the right are the most comfy jeans I've ever worn, plus they have 100% recovery! That means you don't have to worry about them bagging out...ever!

10. The right bright for your lips.
Both bold 90's inspired colors and neutral girl-next-door lips are the rage this season.

Are you bold? Here's your 2011 summer trend lipstick color palette:

I love that the lipstick color trends span from bright orange to sexy hot pink. And check out that "goth-y" purple! I so wore that color in high
school!

Neutral, neutral, neutral. We can't seem to get enough of neutral in clothing, shoes and now lips!

So that's it folks. That's my top 10 list of summer essentials. Of course, stop by the shop for fashion advice. We're here to make you look and feel fabulous!
XOXO,
Carla
Tags: 2011 color trends, 2011 lipstick trends, 2011summer nail polish trends, Portland boutique, top 10 summer guide

Add it up!

2011-06-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

Summer has come and is going...

2011-06-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

In Portland we are on such a delayed summer schedule. While temperatures rise all over the country, we’re still stuck with “temperate” weather and rain until after the 4^th of July. I’ve lived here over 12 years and we just don’t get consistently warm temperatures until the rest of the country is halfway through their summer. So I’ve got some good news and some bad news, depending who you are and how you shop.

The good news: because I know how late our summer hits I try to order as much summer merchandise as late as I can. That means we still have full deliveries of summer coming in through the middle of July.

The bad news: after July 15^th, that’s all the summer goods were getting for the WHOLE year! That means we’ll still be getting dresses and other beautiful garments in July and August, but they’re considered “transition.” That means longer sleeves and muted palettes…pre-fall, basically. We actually get our first jackets in July along with our first round of sweaters.

Fall 1 teaser, we will get these items in the second half of July

Bailey 44 July delivery, look at all these fall lovelies!

What this means for you: if you’re waiting to shop waiting to see all the “new summer stuff” you’re going to be disappointed if you wait for the heat. Once the temperatures consistently hit the 70’s, we might not have any more of that cute summer dress left. The last of our summer stock goes like wild fire, because we are all a little impulsive and we want a new dress when we want a new dress…like when it’s hot…

If you have a special event in August or September you should think about shopping now. I can’t tell you how many crest fallen looks I get in August when someone has waited to shop for a special event and no stores have any cheery summer dresses left…

Some great styles we have in stock right now!


Bailey 44 Rikki Tikki Tavi Top, Veronica M Batwing dress in Palm Canyon, Olive and Olivia Stripe Tank Top, Olive and Olivia One Shoulder Tunic, Bailey 44Tree Boa Top

The awesome news: we get our best fall styles early! I like to give my most fashion-forward pieces a full season to sell, so I schedule them to arrive in July. The jackets you’ll see next month are killer, and so are the sweaters! Pre-fall is action packed and super-fun shopping! (see pictures above)

And if you’re a sale-shopper…what we have left of summer goes on sale in the beginning of August. Thanks to you, our beloved customers, we have a pretty fast turnover and not much of our stock makes it to markdown. Still, there are good deals to be found if your timing is right.

So get your booty shopping while we still have your size and still have awesome summer inventory in stock!

Tags: Bailey 44, pre-fall, Transition, fall 2011, Veronica M., Olive and Olivia

Una Trunk show!

2011-06-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

We're super-excited to debut Una's summer line at Mink. If you haven't bought an Una piece, that's because it probably sold out before you made it in the store! Everyone loves the hand-stitched pretties from this Seattle-based designer! The style is impeccable, the fit is to-die-for, and you can see it all in-person on Saturday, June 25th. The designer, Susan Fedore, will be on hand to answer questions and help style you in her frocks from 11-5 on Saturday. So spread the word, feel the love, and we'll see you in the store soon!
XOXO,
Carla

Color trend alert: Rosy hues are all the rage!

2011-06-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

I just got back from sunny LA buying for....drum roll....holiday! I have to admit it's hard to enjoy the current season when I'm always thinking about the season to come. Austin, Jan and I are meeting Tuesday morning to start strategizing for the holiday season...crazy, I know!

Staying focused on the here and now, I can't help notice that rosy tones are being carried through spring and summer and are here to stay for transition, early fall and holiday. I love it when a palette lasts more than one season letting us all get a little extra wear out of colorful frocks bought while in a "sunny" mood. The other major plus of this warm palette is it looks good on a variety of visages. Both blondes and brunettes look stunning in these shades of pink and red.

Tags: Best boutique in Portland, OR, color palette fall 2011, color palette spring 2011, color palette summer 2011, Mink Boutique, Rosy palette, color trend 2011

We love you, so we're givin' you a little bit of sugar!

2011-06-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

Come on in and shop til you drop!

Tags: Mink, sale at Mink, sale on denim and dresses, best boutique in Portland, Best shopping in Portland

The Make-or-Break Second Date: What to Wear?

2011-06-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

MINK: Shopping with Portland Picks, #2

This is assuming you get to the second date. There are a lot of fish in the sea, after all, and there’s only one (at a time) for you. Usually.

So let’s pretend that date #1 in your slinky top & hot jeans was a huge success. You laughed, you flirted, you blushed. He told you that you’re beautiful and sexy, he touched your knee and made you melt, and he paid for dinner. Score! You’re on your way to getting to know him, so let him know that you’re not a one-jean pony. My advice? Show some leg!

Wanna look hot enough to go dancing, but still feel comfortable enough to drink a beer on a patio? This Weston Wear dress is the ticket. Dress it up with heels, rock it with flip flops—anywhere you go, you’re good.

Dorin Dress by Weston Wear

The open neckline on the dress means you can shine up with some badass jewelry, and this “Tranquility” necklace by grayling is totally glam, but not over-the-top. It has that rocker/feminine mix that makes everyone seem cooler than they actually are. (Not that you need the help, but hey, it doesn’t hurt!)

Tranquility Pendant

There’s still a little chill in the night air, so throw on this lightweight Nic & Zoe cardigan for a little cover-up action. In this outfit you’re stylish, fun and confident. And congratulations--your clothes are so gorge that your girlfriends are going to want to borrow them, so who cares if Date #2 bombs? Making your friends jelly doesn’t have to involve romantic escapades. A great outfit can be just as satisfying!

A La Mode Cardi by Nic and Zoe

(Read issue #1 on how to dress for a first date if you missed it)
Catch up on everything that’s happening in Portland! Sign up for a free subscription at www.PortlandPicks.com.

Portland Picks

Enjoy!

XOXO,

Carla

Tags: Portland Picks, Dressing for a date, going on a date, how to dress for a date, Mink Boutique, shopping advice, dressing advice, Alisa Sloan of Portland Picks.

One Dress. Dress it up + Dress it Down= My Best Purchase Ever!

2011-06-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

I love dresses. It's true. You could call me a collector-of-dresses, a curator-of-dresses, or a dress whore. I prefer the previous two to the latter. Who cares what you call me there's very pragmatic reasons for my love of dresses.

Reason #1: they are practical. They are a whole outfit unto themselves.

Reason #2: they are flattering on most womanly figures. They help hide the hips while emphasizing the waist and most ladies look pretty in them.

Reason #3: they are comfortable. They don't pinch and you don't have to worry about your "muffin top" spilling over.

Reason #4: is basically what this blog is about; dresses are versatile! If you find yourself the right dress paired with the right accessories, you can dress it up, dress it down and get tons of wear out of one piece.

The dress I chose is the Gina dress from Mixie. What I love about this dress:
This color red has a lot of blue in its base, so it looks good on pale skin (hellllooo pacific NW). This piece is flattering on many body types (Pear, hourglass, Apple and Straight). Lastly, I love that the print is a foiled silver overlay. This foiling effect is easy to tone down for day and equally as easy to play up for evening.

Splendid Linen Jacket, Mixie Gina Dress, Favor Cluster Necklace (call store for details), All Black Snake Tie shoes

I love throwing a casual jacket over dresses. This Linen Jacket by Splendid is a cute option. A shrunken denim jacket will do the trick as well. I can't get enough of this Cluster Necklace from Favor. It's effortless, has great movement, and will go with almost anything. It especially looks good with my Gina dress because the silver in my necklace compliments the foiled print on my dress. Lastly these shoes from All black are such a great compliment to my whole outfit! Their texture looks great paired with the print on my dress and their color echos the color of my jacket, ultimately pulling the whole look together. I also LOVE mixing texture and prints, it's chic and a bit daring without being over-the-top.

Amy Burgess Ginny Earrings, Amy Burgess Gem Cluster Necklace, Mixie Gina Dress, Circa Joan & David Evaluna Shoes

This necklace and earring set from Amy Burgess is stunning! The beer quartz and warm red garnet mellow the bright red of my dress making it feel more sophisticated. These stones have amazing sparkle, definitely sending the "I'm fancy without trying too hard" message out there. Notice my earrings are also adorned with beer quartz. They are very subtle, complimenting my necklace, not competing with it. The Evaluna peep-toes I have chosen have just a bit of a heel; they look and feel dressy, but are still comfortable enough that I can dance all night without thinking about my feet. Again, I love the texture on the toes. They pair with the foiled print on my dress nicely. Lastly, my heels are not a bright silver, but a warm-silver with undertones of bronze. That means they work well with my necklace and earrings.

*** Hot fashion tip*** I really like my shoes to vibe with my jewelry. It literally helps the "head to toe" part of my look come together.

Now go buy a dress! We have tons of new arrivals and as you know we're known for our dresses!

If you ever need any fashion help feel free to email me. We're here to make sure you look and feel fabulous!
carla@shopmink.com
XOXO,
Carla

Keeping it light. Travel tips for an overpacker.

2011-05-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has ever traveled with me will notice that my bag is a bit on the small side. I'm a notorious light-packer, carefully planning out my outfits ahead of time and making sure that each piece can potentially serve "double duty" if need be. I hate hauling unneeded and ultimatley unworn outfits around with me. Friends often ask me to give them "travel tips," and I always do so gladly. So when my friend in San Francisco was impressed with the lack of closet space I demanded while visiting, I decided this would be a perfect blog post. I carefully selected ideal pieces for a long-weekend-getaway displayed in the collage below.

1. C.O.H Avedon Jean Leggings: These are my favorite travel pants! They have the structure of jeans but the feel of my favorite comfy lounging pants. These pants will serve me well under my dress if it's chillier than I expect and will look great with the slouchy tops I've chosen to pack. Remember, when wearing skinnys always balance your top with something slightly blouson to balance snug bottoms.

2. Veronica M. Rachel II Dress: Made of matte jersey it never wrinkles, making it an ideal travel piece. I ALWAYS bring at least one dress. If a day is sunny there's nothing more comfy than a sundress. And if we decide to go to a dressy dinner it's easy to make more formal with the right accessories.

3. Velvet Olney Top: It's a tad over-sized but still nips in at all the right places and the color makes it a stand-out piece. It's plain enough that I can wear it more than once if I need to, and it's super soft. I loooove this jersey! Depending on the weather I can layer a cardigan over it for warmth and it will look great with my boots if it rains!

4. All Black Cutout Fish Mary Janes: These will look great with my dress and my denim outfits. They show a little toe if the sun is out and the tiny heel makes them walking-worthy. I just love that they are made out of textured leather, giving them a little extra in the style department.

5.The Dillon Handbag by the Sak: Perfect size; not too big, not too small and a cross-body is a travel must. The color is neutral so it blends well with any palette.

6. The Bucket Bow Hat by David and Young: The hat is one of the most under-utilized travel accessories! Bring it in lieu of an umbrella to keep your tresses dry. When I travel and I'm away from my much-loved beauty tools (ahem ionic ceramic hair dryer) and I can find myself in a bad-hair-day situation. A hat makes my messy hair look sexy and it's so much easier and faster than trying to style it!

7. Raglan Flutter Sleeve Top by David Kahn: Talk about the perfect top to dress up or down! The banded bottom creates just the right amount of slouch to hide a little belly (if you've been eating and drinking your way through town like me), and the back of this top is the prettiest lace. I also love that I can pair it with my Ivy necklace (#8) and my black peep toes and go out to a trendy new restaurant or pair it with my boots for a casual day look.

8. Ivy Necklace by Grayling: This statement piece goes with everything I've brought! It elevates my casual tops to art opening-worthy, and makes my sweet sundress daring! If you don't own a piece of statement jewelry, you are seriously missing out on some major wardrobe versatility. This lovely piece is worth every penny. I think it's actually saved me money because it's made so many otherwise hum-drum outfits into lovely ensembles!

9. Over the Taupe cardigan by David Kahn. This lovely cardigan layers over every outfit I've brought. Need I say more?

10. Steve Madden Cadence Boots: The cognac color of these boots looks great with black, coral, cream, white, and green. If it rains, they are my saving grace. If the temperature drops at night a boot is a nice way to stay warm. As we travel towards summer I sub boots out for a closed toe flat.

And that, ladies, is my ultimate "suitcase". I have enough for 4 days and 3 nights. I am prepared for rain or sun and best of all, I won't throw out my back when lifting my bag into the overhead bin.

If you ever need outfitting help or want style tips please feel free to email me! We're here to make you look and feel more fabulous! Carla@shopmink.com

XOXO,
Carla

Balenciaga at the De Young museum

2011-05-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

While recently visiting San Francisco, CA I was lucky enough to catch a Balenciaga exhibit at the De Young museum in Golden Gate park. If you're interested in seeing vintage haute couture in person and want to transport yourself to a place where dress and design are more glamorous than you ever could imagine, this is the exhibit for you!

photo courtesy of the de young museum

"Balenciaga and Spain

March 26, 2011 - July 4, 2011

Balenciaga and Spain examines the profound and enduring influence of Spain on the work of haute couture master Cristóbal Balenciaga. The impact of Spanish culture, history, and traditions is explored through the recurring themes in Balenciaga’s oeuvre and organized in the exhibition in six sections: Spanish Art, Regional Dress, the Spanish Court, Religious Life and Ceremony, the Bullfight, and Dance. Hamish Bowles, the European editor at large for Vogue, is guest curator. Objects are drawn from museum and private collections in France, Spain, and the United States, including the FAMSF collection."

Did you realize Oscar de la Renta studied under Balenciaga?
Did you know that Balenciaga began his formal training as a tailor at the age of 13?
Can you imagine that it took him hours to construct the shape of a sleeve?

An abstract evening ensemble, 1967

Credit: Balenciaga Archives

It was fantastic to see such a large representation of his work. Some of it was wearable, some of it was textile art, and all of it was amazing to gaze upon.

A Love Story--Nic + Zoe

2011-05-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

Nic+Zoe is one of our best loved and best selling lines at Mink. It's easy to see why--each design boasts exceptional details, feminine touches and AMAZING fit! Oh, the fit is to-die-for. Nipped in at all the right spots, drapes that delight, and prints that hide and highlight what we want. So what's not to love!?!

From Left to right: Nic + Zoe Heat Wave Tank, Nic + Zoe Bi-Stretch Shorts, and Nic + Zoe Reflections Cardigan.

And as a total icing on the cake, all of Dorian Lightbrown's (designer for Nic + Zoe) pieces are designed with coordination in mind. That means all the tops outfit with all the bottoms from the collections. For the gal who is looking for the ultimate "work to play" wardrobe, Nic + Zoe has got you totally covered!

Did you know that Mink does specialty fittings for those of you in need of a little extra TLC in the wardrobe department? Email info@shopmink.com or call 503-232-3500 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with you favorite Mink employee today. We are here to make you look and feel fabulous!

XOXO,
Carla

Denim Trends and the 70's

2011-05-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

Denim. In the early oughts when premium denim was introduced, it was hard for me to wrap my head around spending more than 50 bucks on jeans. Then I tried on a pair, and the "Oh-my-gosh, I didn't know my butt could look that good," phenomenon happened. I NEVER went back. How could I? I could either have a long-wide ass, or a smaller more perky version in premium denim. Why would I choose the first? And as premium denim has been perfected, I'm further seduced by its super-soft hand and the fact that I could potentially run a marathon in my favorite jeans.

This season is the first one in a long time where skinnys have taken a backseat to super-flares, trousers, micro-flares, and boot cut. For us here at Mink this is really exciting! It's a fact that more body types look better in non-skinny denim, which makes for really happy customers! My favorite flares right now are these:

Citizen's of Humanity Hutton's in Oxford wash

They have a high-waist, but have a double yolk on the backside, which helps a butt look small and perky (the downfall of high-waisted denim is it can make the butt look less-than-desirable). These jeans suffer none of the "regular" trappings of high-waisted pants, which is why we LOVE them!

Citizen's of Humanity Hutton's in Oxford wash

As fashion moves forward it also continues to look backwards. This season as I put ladies into ultra-cute and wearable outfits, I can't help but reminisce about my mom in the 70's. Even though we lived on a farm she was always the most beautiful and stylish woman to me. Recently I stumbled up this family picture and I couldn't help but notice that her outfit would be considered stylish today!

She's wearing dark denim flares, clogs, and a textured V-neck neutral-colored sweater with a checked blouse layered underneath. And look at my brother in his checked shirt. If you follow men's fashion it's "all about" the checked shirt right now!

I absolutely love this outfit my mom is wearing here. Her slouchy shirt and textured denim skirt mirrors some popular styles we have in the store right now. Check out:

The Stephanie top by Weston Wear

The In Line skirt by Nic + Zoe

It's time to wrap our heads around the 70's re-occurring in fashion (and yes that includes foot wear - platforms are back too!), and begin to think about retiring those skinnys for some flares! We've got plenty of choices here at Mink. And for those of you who just recently got used to skinnys and want to keep embracing them, we have some of those too. Because the wonderful thing about fashion is it's not always what's "in style," but the style that works for you!
XOXO,
Carla

Clothes for New Mommies!

2011-05-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

Moms love practical yet fashionable clothing options! Here are some ideas....

At Mink, we have ladies come in all the time looking for tops and dresses that accommodate breast-feeding and those "not-so-pretty" nursing bras! This wrap top by Velvet is a good option:

Velvet "Odora" Top in Red

Easy-access, comfort, and quality! And that vibrant red is so gorgeous!

This Mixie dress is also a winner because of its neckline and flattering silhouette! Plus those adorable flutter sleeves!

Mixie "Margo Flutter" Dress

Plus both options are machine washable! Making their care super-easy and practical for busy moms!

Here are some other machine-washable options that are good for hiding trouble areas!

These XCVI pants have a comfy drawstring waist and laid-back style that make them the perfect weekend pant.

"Balcony" Crop Pant by XCVI

These cargo pants are great for a day in the park or for running errands, yet are still SO cute!

This lively and bright Weston Wear dress is ideal for Spring and Summer.

"Twist" Dress by Weston Wear

Dress this pretty summer dress down for daytime or dress it up for a night out! The cool cut of the straps and the gather in the front are just two of the special details on this little number.

These are just a few of the lovely options we have for new moms! Stop by and visit us for more ideas!

XOXO,

Jessie

The Perfect First Date!

2011-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Guest blogger Alisa Sloan gets you dressed for the all important first date!

Shopping with Portland Picks: #1

The All-Important First-Date Outfit--as Picked by Alisa Sloan, editor-in-chief of Portland Picks

I’ve been on a lot of first dates. Some are destined to tank before your first drink arrives--others send you spinning into a major Crush Orbit that you don’t come down from for days. But there’s one thing that every first date brings: Major outfit anxiety. What to wear?

Unless you’re going hiking or grape-stomping, there’s always one first-date outfit that kills: Hot jeans and an easy-chic top. Add some dangling earrings and cute shoes and bam! You’re there. And if your date is a bummer, you’ll still have an adorable go-to getup for your next first date.

Here are my Picks for what to wear, courtesy of www.shopmink.com:

The Dale sweater from Velvet. It’s a little bit casual and a little bit rock & roll. That shimmer will catch his eye--and the comfy shape means you’ll feel sexy without being overexposed. Winner!

Dale Sweater by Velvet

Joe’s Jeans Honey in the Annabella wash. I’ve heard that guys prefer girls in dark-wash jeans. True? Who cares? These are universally flattering thanks to their “Booty Fit.” Bam!

Joe's Jean Honey

Mink’s private label Pyramid earrings. One word: HOTT. And $12.

Finally, add a flash of color--and major personality--with these Jeffrey Campbell shoes from Imelda’s, which is conveniently located right next door to Mink.

Now get out there and knock em dead, you supafly supahottie.

Catch up on everything that’s happening in Portland! Sign up for a free subscription at www.PortlandPicks.com.

Portland Picks

Guest blogger Alisa Sloan is the editor of Portland Picks and an all around fashion maven in the Portland scene. We're so very lucky because she happens to be one of our P-town besties and we get to hang out and dish with her on a regular basis! One of our favorite topics to talk about is fashion. Over drinks this week we decided to collaborate on a series of guest blogging spots. The first week of every month Alisa will pick out the "best" outfit for common situations we ladies find ourselves in. Since Mink dolls up so many gals in date outfits, we thought this would be the perfect kick-off to Alisa's series on "situational" dressing.

Enjoy!

XOXO,

Carla

Spoil Mom!

2011-05-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

This year we wanted to help you with Mother's Day gift giving. Mother's Day is the time to spoil mom and let her know how much you appreciate her!

Lollia makes the most divine hand creams and perfumes. They are a perfect gift for the hard-working Mom who deserves to take a moment to relax and pamper herself!

Lollia Handcream


Lollia hand cream

These gorgeous glass trays from Fringe are both decorative and functional. They are a perfect gift for the Mom who has everything!


Fringe Trays

Fringe Shakespeare Tray

Fringe Rose Lace Tray

And wouldn't it be divine to give her Mother's Day flowers in one of these amazing vases?


Fringe Summer Vase

Fringe Bouquet Tiffany Vase

SO many options for mom!

XOXO,

Austin

Designer Spotlight on Amy Olson

2011-04-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

Amy Olson is one of our favorite Portland based jewelry designers. We just love the delicate details of her designs and how her pieces are simple yet sophisticated. Utterly timeless...

Buy here

Her tag line is, "where vintage meets modern."

buy here

We just can't think of a more perfect Mother's Day gift!


buy here

buy here


buy here

Mink specializes in local jewelry and small designers. We have so many pretty things for Mom this year, come in and take a peek. See you soon!
XOXO,
Carla

Give us a little sugar on Facebook!

2011-04-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

If you "like" us on FACEBOOK we have a special offer for you! Just show us that you "like" us on your smart phone or say hey to us on our Facebook wall and you can use this lovely coupon!

If you are a web shopper, use the coupon code "facebook" to receive this discount...but this discount ONLY applies to our facebook followers, so like us already and get it over with!

Sun Song!

2011-04-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

These past few days of sensational sunshine have transformed our daily canvas from mostly green to an array of spectacular color! Our fashion palette was instantly inspired by the vibrant colors of flowers lighting up the landscape everywhere we looked. We’ve spent these past few days devoting every possible moment to soaking in the sun and appreciating the lovely Pacific NW scenery. When the sun comes out it’s easy to realize how lucky we have it! Few places in the world are as beautiful as Portland in the springtime.

1. Yellow Sandals

2. Sun hat (more styles available in store)

7. Lollia Inspire handcreme

8. Yellow earrings (email info@shopmink.com to special order)

The sun has helped change the exterior landscape, but inside our closets and lives is a whole different story. It’s going to be challenging, since the weather is still touch and go, but we encourage you to embrace spring and begin changing out your closet. It’s time to take those heavy sweaters and pack them away for another season. Break out your sunny-summer dresses and your peep toes. Gloom has gotten the best of us for far too long. Let’s celebrate spring and we’re sure more sun will follow. Well, if not literal sun, at least a bounce in your step and a sunnier outlook!

1. Double V turquoise dress

2. Hawk Necklace

3. Sam Edelman wedges

4. Shrug

5.Pretzel Gabrielle Handbag
And of course, if you feel like a closet makeover is in order, we’re here to help!

XOXO,

Mink

Scent-sational!

2011-04-19T22:57:00.000-07:00

Portland is not only a sweet place to live, but it's home to one of the most famous perfume houses in the world! Chris Tsefalas, one of twenty-six certified "noses" on the planet, opened his doors in 1986. Folks fly in from all over the globe to meet and shop with Chris. All of this is happening in our fair city and many Portlander's don't even know The Perfume House exists!

Last spring I was ready for something new. The season was changing and I was utterly bored of my same old scents. I knew it was time to head to Hawthorne for a visit to my favorite smelly spot.

When I walked in I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. I'd been hankering for some Ylang Ylang. After sniffing several concoctions which Ylang Ylang was the overwhelming middle note, I realized I wasn't so crazy for the stuff after all. Reading my frustration the sales woman asked me several specific questions. With careful contemplation she presented me with Eugenie Rance. A scent I'd never heard of or smelled before.

FLOWERY ° FRESH ° WHITE FLOWERS ° AMBER-SCENTED
Top Notes           Lily of the Valley, Mandarin, White Flowers, Bergamot, Melon, Passion Fruit
Middle Notes     Neroli, Rose Absolute, Peach, Violet Leaves, Grasse Jasmine, Magnolia
Base Notes        Florentine Iris, Sandalwood, Ambergris, Oak Musk, Vanilla, Vetiver

What an amazing experience and scent!

So ditch the department store and take an olfactory trip you'll never forget. The Perfume House sells online too. If they carry it you know it's good. They scoff at synthetics!

Bring on the Blue

2011-04-18T16:22:00.001-07:00

About this time of year I feel like most of us have started looking a tad too much like zombies (minus the staggering and bloody mouths). The sun has been on vacation from Portland for a good long time and any hint of tan has long since faded away.

Throwing some color into your wardrobe is just the way to take pale to perfection! And blue is just the tone to do it. Blue looks great on a creamy countenance!

Blue is such an easy-to-wear color and looks great with a multitude of palettes (greys, greens, yellows, and creams to name a few). And it's a favorite color for folks who pshaw color (you know who you are).

So get some color into your dreary winter wardrobe, and you'll notice a "spring" in your step in no time!

1. Cococabana Handbag
2. Clothesline Dress
3. Biviel Flats
4. Feeling Fragrant Hair Clip
5. Continuum Necklace (you can special order, email info@shopmink.com)

So in L-O-V-E with Oryany!

2011-04-14T23:43:00.000-07:00

Heather Hobo

This spring, while trends tend toward neutral, Oryany mixes it up with great splashes of color! We love this marigold yellow shade in the "Heather" bag (shown above). What an easy way to add a pop of color to an otherwise simple outfit. Not only is the color to-die-for, but the design is so smart!

Oryany takes a classic hobo style and creates clever asymmetry by placing a diagonal fold not quite down the center of the bag. A bright gold zipper on the fold adds an element of interest that's not only eye catching, but draws our attention toward the very cool hexagonal hardware on the zip itself. Open the bag up, and you are greeted by a beautiful kelly green print. Every inch of this bag is designed with style and function in mind!

Oryany launched its first handbag collection last year, but with over 30 years experience shared between the brand's designers, Oryany has already established a unique and cool vision that usually takes a line years to create. This means things like signature hardware, rich color palettes, and "easy" shapes are present in all their designs.

Take a look at the other beauties from the collection. Be sure to notice the hardware, straps, seams, buckles and textured leather... Ohhhh, the details! We want every one!

Convertible Tote

In stock, for details email the store at info@shopmink.com

XOXO,
Jessie

Touch

2011-04-13T12:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Bibliophiles,

Recently, a fair number of you have asked me for book recommendations. I have an excellent suggestion for you! Alexi Zentner's first novel, Touch, has just been released and it's a beautiful, haunting read that will stay with you for a long time. From his website www.alexizentner.com:

"In Sawgamet, a north woods boomtown gone bust, the cold of winter breaks the glass of the schoolhouse thermometer, and the dangers of working in the cuts are overshadowed by the mysteries and magic lurking in the woods. Stephen, a pastor, is at home on the eve of his mother's funeral, thirty years after the mythic summer his grandfather returned to the town in search of his beloved but long-dead wife. And like his grandfather, Stephen is forced to confront the losses of his past.

Touch introduces you to a world where monsters and witches oppose singing dogs and golden caribou, where the living and the dead part and meet again in the crippling beauty of winter and the surreal haze of summer."

Alexi will be reading Thursday, April 14th at 7:30pm at Powell's City of Books on West Burnside. So come to Powell's this Thursday evening, get your book signed, and hear and fantastic writer read from his debut novel. What more could a book-lover want?

~Jan

Printemps à Paris!

2011-04-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

Spring is creeping up on us slowly here in Portland. The weather isn't picture perfect just yet, but that doesn't mean we can't anticipate sunny days with a chance of inevitable rain. I propose we nurture our needs to break out of our wintry wardrobe by putting those slacks and wellies aside and pairing some cropped denim with a pair of cute ankle strap flats.

Stow away that large knit scarf and layer this adorable Charolette Taratola cotton blazer with a light-weight pashmina. Remove the jacket when the sun fights through those cloudy days to showcase this breezy cotton striped tee by Splendid. This outfit was inspired by watching a few too many Jean-Luc Goddard films as of late. I may not be able to spend spring time in Paris, but I can doll up and look like I am. Won't you join me?

If it really warms up, like it did last week, throw your pashmina in your bag, perhaps the perfect bag? I can't cut through my obsession with this Bryna Nicole Serrano bag. Not only is it the perfect size to enclose my water canteen, an extra cardigan, wallet, (a bundle of receipts I should probably throw away) and my make up bag, it also gives me four exterior zipper compartments to organize my excessive belongings. Moving to Portland from NYC has surely coaxed me into walking a bit slower, eating better, and taking the time to smell the roses (and they sure are plentiful!) but I'll never be able to quit my need to have a bag that holds the contents of my entire life. Ladies, if you're anything like me, rest assured that this bag will be an asset to your wardrobe (and dare I say daily life). Being that its a soft gray, it will sync well with any palette your closet fancies. And if that bag isn't big enough for you, I've got something that will surely suffice your carry-on needs!

1. Striped Rugby Top by Splendid
2. Red Peacock Pashmina by Ana
3. Serrano Handbag by Bryna Nicole
4. Alia Jacket by Charolette Taratola
5. Best Friend Jeans by Joe's
6. Azuki Flats by Shelly's

[film stills: Breathless (À bout de souffl)1960]

xo Meg

Grayling Trunkshow!

2011-04-07T23:23:00.000-07:00

This is going to be so much fun! I've seen the whole collection in person and it's absolutely breathtaking. If you're a Grayling fan or if you've be contemplating investing in a Grayling piece, this is one trunk show not to miss! See you Saturday!
XOXO--Carla

Classic Reading

2011-04-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

I posted a question on Facebook the other day about what our customers' favorite classic books are. I thought I would share the results because I think this is one amazing reading list. Please feel free to add to it. If you're looking for a great classic book to read, any one of these books could be an amazing place to start. As a disclaimer I haven't read every book on the list, but plan to read those I haven't gotten to yet. Without further adieu...

The Mink Customer Recommended Classic Reading List:

Amy's pick: The Bell Jar by Sylivia Plath
Stacie's picks: A Moveable feast by Hemingway and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin
Laura's pick: Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy
Sharon's pick: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Laura C's pick: East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Amanda's pick: Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson
Jeanne's pick: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Alena's pick: The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett and The Call of the Wild by Jack London

Happy reading!
XOXO, Carla

Our 4th Anniversary Party!

2011-03-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

All the fun details:
The more you spend the more you save! Take $10.00 off of every $100 you spend! PLUS every $100 dollars you spend earns you a raffle ticket! Do your spring shopping in one fell swoop and earn a large discount and several raffle tickets!

The prizes we're raffling off are beyond amazing!

We are giving away THIS handbag!!

This necklace from Grayling!

Plus:

A necklace from Amy Burgess
A $50 gift certificate from Popina Swimwear
Circle Scarves from Splendid
A dress from Weston Wear!
And much more!!

DON'T MISS THIS EVENT!! IT'S OUR BIGGEST SALE AND PARTY OF THE YEAR!!!

XOXO-
Mink

Somewhere

2011-03-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

It's true. I love Sofia Coppola. Everything she's ever done I love. And ironically her film with the most dialog is my least favorite, The Virgin Suicides. Don't get me wrong, I like that film too, but there's some kind of magic spell that she's able to cast with a camera when there's less plot and dialog. What is amazing to me that she's able to tell a story totally through setting, scenery, and actions. Think of how many films start with an overdub of an actor telling you a story!

Using virtually no dialog the viewer knows exactly what her characters are going through. Her latest film Somewhere is much more gritty and visually less spectacular than her other films, but that is exactly where her character is at the beginning of the film. He's in a dark, sad, somewhat dirty place.

This film is not for the impatient. If you're looking for a lot of action, this may not be the film for you. But if a shot where the main character floats in a deserted pool interests you, than maybe it is. And if you're willing to stay with that character and watch as he slowly floats out of the shot, and that means something to you, than Somewhere just may be the film you're looking for.

I know for me this film forced me to slow down, get out of my head, and just watch. That takes a lot.

Here's a great interview with Stephen Dorff, the leading man of Somewhere.

XOXO,
Carla

For all you local pre-shoppers...

2011-03-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I wanted to address a couple of things via the blog (the best way for me to get my message out).

We've had a lot of local folks "pre-shopping" us via the web. I love that we can offer you this awesome service! With that being said, you should realize that we only post pics on the website ONCE A WEEK.

That means that if you are waiting for something to go online before heading over, we very well could be sold out of your size before it ever goes live on the Mink website.

We post daily verbal updates on Facebook alerting our followers of new arrivals. If you see a favorite brand get posted, please don't wait until you see the photos online to come in to try on new arrivals; your favorite brand also is a whole lot of other folks' favorite brand, and we get a surge of business the second we post that verbal alert.

The reason why I'm writing this...it breaks my heart to see so many disappointed faces and upset customers who don't understand why something they just saw post online is gone!

As you know we get limited sizes and we are a really busy boutique! We love you and don't want you to miss out on amazing clothes!

See you soon, and happy shopping
XOXO,
Carla

Become an E-Ambassador!

2011-02-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Are you a Mink-devotee?

Do you find yourself popping in on a nearly weekly basis, bringing any and all visiting girlfriends or relatives with you when you have out-of-town company?

Would you like to receive something very cool (ahem, oodles of store credit!) in exchange for the free publicity you're already providing us?

As you know, we launched our e-commerce site, shopmink.com, at the end of last year. So far, the response has been really positive but we've noticed one trend: most of the ladies shopping our site are residents of the Portland or Seattle area. Don't get us wrong: we totally love locals! We would also really love to spread the word beyond the Pacific Northwest. That's where you come in!

If you're game to become a ShopMink.com Ambassador, here's what we're offering:
1. Tell your gal pals, your cousins, aunts and sisters and any other ladies nationwide about www.shopmink.com.
2. For any order they place that equals or exceeds $100, they may enter the code "ambassador11" for a $10 discount! (Not to mention, orders over $100 from shopmink.com always receive free shipping!)
3. We'll then be in touch to tally who is referring whom.
4. For every five shoppers you refer (who purchase $100+ and use the discount code) you get a $50 credit to use in our store OR online at shopmink.com!
5. For every 10 shoppers you refer, the credit jumps to $120.
6. If you refer 15 or more, believe us, you're getting something really special!
7. Last of all, the Mink Ambassador who refers the most shoppers gets a really special Grand Prize!

Practically all of our inventory is now for sale on the web. Best of all, items include really thorough descriptions meant to make shopping easy - you can see what styles will be most flattering on your body type without the worry. And returns are always a breeze!

We're super excited about an opportunity to give back to our favorite customers and hope you will be too!

Happy Shopping!

XO,
Mink

New Arrivals from Velvet, Nic & Zoe

2011-02-18T12:30:00.000-08:00

Velvet and Nic & Zoe consistently hold the top two spots on our best-selling brands list. It's no wonder why - the fit, fabrication, attention to detail and versatility of the pieces these companies produce is unparalleled. Here are our newest arrivals! Hurry in this weekend (or better yet, today post-work) for first selection of all the sizes!

Want to see an item in more detail? Just click for a larger picture!

From Nic & Zoe:

From Velvet:

Happy shopping!

XO,
Mink

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is a holiday that tends to divide people. There's the lovey-dovey hearts and flowers crowd and then there are the individuals who want to hide under the covers until all of the pink-and-red mania has passed. We'll be honest, we haven't been pro-Valentine's Day every year. Sometimes it doesn't feel quite right; we recall years of being single and not really wanting to be, years when we were just at the end of a relationship, years when the glum gray February weather just got us down.

In short, we aren't judging anyone who's not feeling it this year. Believe us, we've been there. With that said, something about Valentine's this year has us feeling friendlier, more cheerful and just generally content and in love. Everyone working at Mink has a sweetie right now and plans ranging from a night at the arcade to a walk on the beach.

We did a quick poll of the Mink team... here are our favorite love songs. Whether you're at work or at play, we hope they might make a nice little playlist for part of your Valentine's day!

We're curious... what are your favorite love songs?

In case you haven't planned out a romantic outfit for this evening or are just feeling like treating yourself to something special, we still have plenty of Valentine's-and-beyond appropriate dresses. They can be worn for work or play, from now and through summer.

Like a look? Just click a photo for more information!

Love is in the air!

2011-02-04T20:29:00.001-08:00

Two looks by Eva Franco, available at Mink.

For Valentine's Day this year, Mink is celebrating by showing how much we love all of our customers! We are hosting a KILLER sale beginning on Friday, February 11th and going through Sunday, February 13th. All dresses and skirts will be 10% off (and there's a ton to choose from as we have so many new arrivals!)

Best of all, we're giving all of our lovely customers the opportunity to Win a Head-to-Toe Makeover! What exactly does that entail?

The lucky winner will receive a free haircut from Rock, Paper, Scissors, a free Divine Facial from Bliss Salon and Day Spa, an eyebrow and bikini wax from Jane Cowan Facial and Waxing, a $100 gift certificate from Mink, and styling and a photo shoot from our in-house stylist and photographer to commemorate the made-over you! This is over $500 of free loot and services that you can win!

How do you qualify to enter the raffle? Just come shopping at Mink! Every customer who spends $100 or more will be entered into our Valentine's Makeover Raffle. There's no limit on how many entries you can receive and they work in increments of $100. So, $100 = 1 entry, $200 = 2 entries, $300 = 3 entries and so on! We'll draw the winner on Monday, February 14th.

Shopping online? You still qualify to receive entries! Online purchases of skirts and dresses receive a 10% discount until February 14th with coupon code "minklove14."

So grab your girlfriends and come find something fabulous at Mink! We can't wait to see you!

Happy Shopping!

XO,
Mink

Closet Cleaning Tips from the Pros

2011-01-31T10:35:00.000-08:00

What would you say if someone - a fashion blog for instance - asked to see / sort through / photograph your wardrobe? The idea of opening one's private doors to the world for scrutiny might make your palms sweat, but that's exactly what a handful of fabulous dressers have already done for The Coveted. This relatively new site features photographs of a number of choice garments pulled from the wardrobe and artfully displayed in the home of the wearers. Items range from jealousy-inducing designer shoes to antique jewelry to strange collections (half a dozen 90's denim jackets in the closet of a magazine editor? we were surprised, too.)

Thanks to the advent of sites like Design Sponge, Desire to Inspire and Apartment Therapy, sneak peaks into the homes and closets of extraordinary decorators and dressers are increasingly commonplace. The amount of dream closet eye-candy out there is totally inspiring and a little overwhelming. Seriously, it seems difficult enough to keep our closets organized, let alone injecting such superb style into their set up!

Perhaps it's the warm weather we've had in Portland this week but Spring Cleaning is something we've all already got on our minds! It would be a fair assessment to say that any lady who works at Mink is guaranteed to be a clothes hound. We thought we'd share a few favorite tips for keeping everything you love in great condition, easy to find and to outfit with.

Step one: Cast a critical eye.
You've heard it before: if you haven't worn it in two years, a year, six months - toss, donate, get rid of. It's estimated that most people wear less than half of the clothes they own. With that in mind, why not donate to someone who can really love your gently used clothes? Here's a great tool to locate a charity of choice - they'll even arrange to pick them up from you! Not inclined to abide by the "one year pitch rule?" Then we might suggest plan B: the "one year storage rule."

Our favorite technique is to pull all of the items that haven't received much love as of late, steam them, wrap them in tissue or fabric (to allow breathability) and store them in large plastic bins (we favor clear plastic because you can see what's stored inside without having to dig for it.) Opening the box next year, it will be obvious which pieces are still loved (you'll be excited to see them) and which lackluster items need to go. Which brings us to...

Step two: Store what's out of season.
And what's out of fashion, for that matter. Granted, there are some trends you wouldn't wear again even if they came back in full force. With that said, some trends are cyclical and fun to indulge in from time to time. It's better for your wallet (and the planet) to hang on to trend-based pieces that you know you'll wear again rather than eliminating them only to restock a similar item a few seasons later. And you'll find that when your heavy bulky winter clothes are packed away at the end of winter, the spring and summer half of your wardrobe really gets to shine (and breathe!)

Before you toss those cashmere sweaters in their bin, be sure to take them to the cleaners. Putting dirty clothes in storage can cause a world of hurt, from attracting mold and mildew to creepy crawlers and moths. You'll avoid this by making sure everything you box is clean, neatly folded (to avoid setting deep wrinkles) and sealed tightly. If you're not partial to dry cleaning or are particularly do-it-yourself inclined, consider investing in a clothes steamer. You'll be amazed at the time you save from ironing and how easy it is to freshen clothes!

Step three: Simplify, simplify, simplify!
What's the secret to an instantly streamlined closet? To start, identical hangers are key. (Part of what makes the racks at Mink look so neat and lovely is the wooden hangers we use for everything.)

We might suggest these hangers (which as a bonus can be hung as a waterfall, saving extra space and making grouping like items a breeze.) It doesn't end with clothes hangers, though.

Grouping items like belts, scarves, bags, ties, and lingerie keeps everything looking neat and keeps you from scrambling in the morning.

+We are partial to these trouser hangers for keeping our belts organized - just fasten or buckle each belt around the hanger and they're both visible and easy to access!

+These multipurpose loop hangers are perfect for scarves and the hook at the top helps them easily fit in your closet.

+Don't forget about your dressers! These drawer dividers are key for socks and lingerie - you'll never fumble for another sock mate again!

Photo from this luscious closet tour!

+Bags will do best stored in dust bags (if they came with them) on shelves. These magazine organizers can actually be really useful to keep bags standing straight rather than slumping in a pile.

+Shoes can be organized in a myriad of ways. If you're partial to over-the-door hangers, you can save some shelf space for bags and other accessories. Otherwise, a micro-shelving unit placed on a shelf is a great way to utilize the closet space you have.

+Don't forget to fold flat any garments that might become misshapen on a hanger. A hanging shelf system like this is a wonderful way to keep your most frequently worn sweaters easy to find and in perfect shape. (Our hanging shelf system is also home to several pairs of denim.)

+For delicate and fine garments, individual garment bags are important to keep valuable pieces dust-free and in top condition.

+Jewelry, too! Everyone has a preference for how to store or display their jewelry. Some ladies are partial to "out of sight, out of mind" and favor large jewelry boxes or jewelry armoires.

Others like to let those baubles sparkle and find all sorts of neat ways to put their jewelry on display. Either way, don't forget to stock a jeweler's polishing cloth to brighten up jewelry (especially tarnished silver) before you wear it.

We hope these tips will be helpful to you as you begin your spring cleaning. Make way for a bevy of bright and beautiful clothes; spring marks a return to color, day dresses and light fabrics ... we can't wait! Become a follower of our blog and a fan on Facebook to see new arrival updates several times a week!

A Spotlight on Mixie

2011-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

If you're a Mixie fan, you'll acknowledge the impatient wait for their dresses that sometimes begins at the end of the summer and lasts until late winter.

Unlike most of the lines we carry, Mixie doesn't produce heavier pieces for their fall and winter collections.

Why on earth not? Mixie is a family-run business located in warm and sunny Southern California. Unlike those of us who live in lovely PDX, the owners and operators of Mixie are blessed with year round warmth and sunshine.

A past style from Mixie.

Because the line takes part of it's inspiration from the landscape and climate of California, it follows that the pieces produced would be perfectly applicable for a very Californian lifestyle.

Of course, that doesn't mean that they're inappropriate for life here in Portland! Any stylish Portland lady can acknowledge her mastery of the art of layering. Put on some leggings and boots and throw on a cute cardi or a wide shawl and you're set until summer!

These pieces really do lend themselves to all-season wear. Really, they would have to or this line wouldn't be as popular as it is around the country!

What is so great about Mixie that people go crazy waiting for it to come back in stock? The fabrics, prints and fits are really amazing. Many of the fabrics are reproduced from real vintage textiles so they look very unique. Styled on a simple and classic fabric body, these pieces are destined to become favorites in your closet.

All of Mixie's garments are not just designed, but locally made in California. Knowing that they're USA made out of fabrics like modal, soft jersey and woven cotton, you won't believe the price point! Our newest collection of Mixie dresses are all just $125!

If you like the look of these styles, hurry in soon to Mink or dash over to www.shopmink.com today! We never have these dresses in stock for long and the early bird... well, you know!

Shhh! A little sneak peak of Spring!

2011-01-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

We can't control the Spring Fever that's taken over this week. 50 degrees and sunny... in January?!

All this unseasonable warmth has tricked us into thinking spring is just a few days away. Fortunately all of these adorable Spring 2011 looks are merely weeks away from arriving at Mink! We're already earmarking our favorites. Stay tuned - we'll let you know when these gorgeous pieces finally land!

A Spotlight on Una

2011-01-15T08:30:00.000-08:00

If you're a facebook follower of Mink but don't get down to the store every time we post photos of new inventory, you've probably heard a bunch of clamor and exclamation over new arrivals from something called "Una" but have never known exactly what this mystery label is. After all, you've rarely, if ever, seen more than a piece or two at once. It's like an elusive mythical creature!

Well, in actuality, it's a very down-to-earth, vintage inspired clothing line that's designed and made in Seattle. We get small-through-large size runs of several designs just about every season. Because these pieces originate from such a small (indeed, one-woman) company, there isn't the possibility to bring in large quantities or do massive re-orders when the new designs sell out in two or three days' time.

It's not just smaller quantity or the less frequent shipments that cause these pieces to fly out the door. Una has a cult following (we're not kidding!) It seemed unfair to let those "in the know" have all the fun, so we thought we'd give this lovely small label a little highlight to inform the rest of our lovely customers all about Una!

Each piece is handmade, making efforts towards sustainability. This includes the use of vintage buttons and organic fabric. Not to mention, the fit is absolutely fabulous - Una's designer received training in garment design and manufacture in several fashion houses before she embarked on a solo line. As a result, the fit and feel of these pieces is close to haute-fashion without the haute-price tag! In fact, many of Una's pieces sell for under $100!

The designer, has this to say about her creations:

"As with most creative endeavors, Una began as a brainchild. When the line eventually launched at the end of 2007, the idea was to stitch not-basic pieces in organic cotton or reclaimed fabric and then trim it with vintage buttons, lace, or a simple screen print. The other objective was to focus on small-scale, local production. For the most part, it's me. One girl. When I chose the name, Una, I selected it because in Spanish it is simply the female form of "one". But in Latin it also means "in one together". A much more powerful notion and not as lonely as I originally thought it might be. By producing and selling my pieces locally, I have had the opportunity to connect with the community on a more intimate level, meeting a lot of inspiring people along the way. (It is after all, about the journey.)"

Here are our four new arrivals (hurry in soon if they catch your eye!)

Happy Shopping!

XO, Mink

Denim Spring!

2011-01-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

Mink experienced a year of huge growth in 2010. Our staff grew and our inventory nearly doubled. As for our denim section, well, it practically quadrupled!

While we've always carried denim from Joes Jeans and Kut from the Kloth, we expanded our denim selection to include cult favorite Citizens of Humanity, denim magnate David Kahn and indie Fidelity, a smaller Canadian label. It's been exciting to help lots of ladies discover "new" favorites and see which fits became the stars (thought you'd never be caught dead in denim leggings? You might not be the only lady to change your mind!)

If you've been on a denim diet for the past six months, perhaps you haven't made a foray into our designer denim selection. Fear not, though - while sizes inevitably get sold down, we're mere weeks away from a veritable denim-splosion at Mink! New arrivals from several makers are headed to our door and we couldn't be more excited!

New orders are coming in in our most popular fits; from Citizens the Avedon super-skinny jean legging, the Dita bootcut petite fit, and the Thompson high-waisted skinny.

The Thompson high-rise skinny fit.

The Dita Petite fit.

The Avedon Slick-Skinny fit.

From Joes we'll have the Provacateur petite fit and naturally, and the Honey booty fit (our always most-popular style.)

The Provacateur Petite Fit.

The Honey Booty fit.

Plus we have a few surprises & new fits up our sleeve that we can't spill right now including (okay, we're spilling a little bit) a new trouser fit! Denim trousers?! you ask? Yes, really!

Two trouser styles - get ready to see similar fits at Mink!

Believe it or not, the pendulum is finally starting to swing away from skinny legs, as we knew it inevitably would. For lovers of the wide leg, this will be a sigh of relief. As to the skinny and straight-leg loving gals: don't worry, they're not yet passe and you're not out of fashion if you refuse to wear anything but those fabulous Cigarette or Thompsons! (We certainly would be no less than a little hypocritical if we said so, after all, we practically live in these fits ourselves!)

Two styles from recent runway shows.

It shouldn't feel like a surprise as you start seeing bootcuts, trouser fits and even flares projected as part of the next wave of high fashion. We can definitely remember a time when the average lady balked at the idea of squeezing into a pair of skinnies, preferring instead to cling to her favorite flares even as they started to look a little old-fashioned. There might be a little hesitancy to move back to a wider leg but we promise, once you come in and try them on, you'll like what you see! As always, we're eager to help you design some fabulous outfits around these new silhouettes!

See you soon!

XO Mink

Local Love: 3 Doors Down Cafe

2011-01-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

Besides being a Hawthorne institution and showcasing the talents of local singer Mia Nicholson (who happens to be one of our favorite customers,) 3 Doors Down is the place to be if you're craving Italian food - particularly Northern-style Italian.

In addition to offering a lengthy food and drink menu, 3 Doors Down also offers a holiday to-go menu as well as their regular take-out menu. You can buy gift certificates over their website (and even download free cocktail recipes from their bartender Matt Stiles.

Local Love: Oh Baby Lingerie

2011-01-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

Whether we're in need of the perfect foundational piece or some spectacular special-occasion lingerie, our top pick is always Oh Baby. Their selection ranges from everyday affordable to the splurge you'll appreciate having for a long time to come. This boudoir boutique has received accolades every year since opening.

Besides the bevy of beautiful underthings, we cannot speak more highly of their excellent customer service - sensitive, helpful and entirely respectful without losing sight of the fact that shopping is (and should be!) fun.

Oh baby has a store on the east side (1811 NE Broadway St.) and one in Nob Hill (722 NW 23 Ave.) Click here for more information!

Local Love: Noun

2011-01-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hop a few streets north of Mink to 33rd and Belmont and you're suddenly at the doorstep of another one of our favorite stores: Noun.

Noun's oh-so-clever slogan, "A Person's Place for Things" is entirely accurate - you can find things you didn't know you badly wanted - antique typewriters, prints by local artists, miniature air gardens, decorative pillows and all sorts of other curiosities.

Best of all? Owner Stephanie Sheldon shares her space with local bakery Saint Cupcake - it's one-stop shopping for the sweet-toothed ephemera collector!

Local Love: Imeldas

2011-01-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

We've lost count of the number of times visiting tourists have ambled into Mink and fawned to us about all of the shopping opportunities they've found peppered all around Portland. Of course, this is always followed by the "well, you're a local, where do you like to shop?" question.

Where do we like to shop? is a great question. Naturally, we've pretty much got clothing covered to a "t" but that doesn't mean we don't like to get spendy at other local businesses (and with so many to choose from, we're often fawning about it ourselves!)

First up? Right next door!

We love, love, love being neighbors with Imelda's. They offer friendly, honest customer service and a to-die-for selection of shoes and accessories for men and women.

Here's two pairs we think are particularly pretty (and handsome.) You can find them right here.

What the heck does "resort" even mean?

2011-01-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

If you're like us, you get a little miffed mid-winter upon noticing that nearly every store around is suddenly stocked with uncannily out-of-season merchandise. Bright hues and pastel colors, bold patterns, linen and cotton fabrications and short sleeves. It seems like a cruel sartorial punishment designed to affect those who didn't schedule January vacations to a sunny and warm destination!

Oddly enough, that is exactly where the trend of resort collections began: nicer department stores offered mid-winter collections of summery, fresh items to the select shoppers bound for equatorial paradises. Gradually this notion became more and more popular. Now it's less common to find a clothing label which doesn't design at least a small resort collection.

As the trend gained momentum in stores across the nation, the way that lots of shoppers thought about "Resort" began to shift as well. There will always be lucky ladies and gentlemen who get to greet the New Year by kissing all of their care's goodbye and jet-setting off to some island. Meanwhile, home-bound fashionistas regard Resort as an opportunity to stock up on fresh basics that they can wear through spring summer.

It's a breath of fresh air into your wardrobe! Here are some of our favorite "Resort"pieces we've had in the store lately:

For more images and to browse our entire online selection, click here.

Steal of the Day: Carolina Amato 1/2 Finger Gloves

2011-01-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

Elbow-length fingerless gloves in charcoal and black. Keep your hands warm while making it easy to type, text and write. Ribbing at wrists yields an excellent fit. The black version of these gloves has a slight metallic threading woven throughout.
We're particularly fond of the softness of this fabric blend. With touches of angora and cashmere, you'll feel delightfully warm and cozy for the remainder of winter!

Best of all, they're now part of our New Year's sale! Originally $42, now $30. Come into Mink while they last or scoop them up online today!

Steal of the Day: V-Neck Flower Applique Top

2011-01-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

What a sweet twist on a basic! This long sleeve v-neck top features 3 sweet pin-wheel flower appliques cascading down the front. A subtle detail that gives a little spice to an outfit! The modal-cotton blend of this shirt makes it feel ultimately soft and wearable. The soft gray color makes this a piece you can reach for through multiple seasons. By Jayden. Of course, it's on sale! Now $49 at Mink. Click Here for more photos and for the option to buy this top!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy New Year, everybody! We hope you got to relax, indulge and celebrate exactly as you wanted. We're curious: did you spend the New Year with friends or family? Did you go out or stay in? Did you indulge in champagne toasts and rounds of "Auld Lang Syne" or do something totally un-traditional?

Better yet, are you making any resolutions? We are! Here's how we plan on bettering ourselves in 2011:

Glen: camp more.
Marika: finish reading my library books before their due date (no more renewing for this girl!)
Carissa: learn to ride a rail and a half pipe, cook more, sky dive and go hiking more!
Carla: read more, watch less television, go to Barre 3 at least 3 times per week, cook more at home.
Carly: bicycle or walk everywhere she goes.
Austin: Achieve goal of spending ten hours a week in her metal-smithing studio and develop a production line.
Megan: increase productivity.

We wish all of you the Happiest of New Years! Thank you for all of your wonderful support in 2010 - you helped our store grow and created jobs in your very own neighborhood. Give yourselves a pat on the back! :) And come in soon - we can't wait to help you find something great.

In other local news, local photographer (and proprietress of Portland's very own street style blog, Urban Weeds,) Lisa Warninger is spearheading a new project - a 30 day challenge blog. There's a lot of people on board with this, each trying to achieve their own New Year's resolution and documenting it daily.

We can't wait to see how it develops!

Steal of the Day: Eva Button Front Dress

2010-12-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

Alright, ladies, it's New Year's Eve Day. Do you have your smashing party dress yet? Might we offer this stunner?

Preppy and chic with a small dose of 1940's sensibility, this silk floral print dress from Cory Lynn Calter is a great piece to have, year round (forget that old adage about white after Labor Day; there's a new thing called the "winter white" and this is it!)

With smart gold buttons down the front, flutter sleeves and a patent leather bow belt, you'll look feminine, sharp and sophisticated.

This is a dress that will take you way beyond New Year's - dress it up or down for a myriad of work-to-play wardrobing options!

Click Here for more photos and for the option to buy this dress.

Steal of the Day: Covet Hooded Cardigan

2010-12-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

A super-slouchy comfortable piece from Canadian label Covet!

This cardigan features a "Hi-Lo" silhouette (shorter in the front than the back) which makes for a very flattering look paired with leggings or other slim leg pants.

The cozy hood will keep you warm and stylish through the cooler months.

The modal-wool blend has a lovely combination of warmth and softness.

In two luscious colors, why not stock up on both? Especially now - this cardigan is now on sale!

Steal of the Day: Adelle Sailor Pant

2010-12-29T08:30:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you are still searching for something to wear to your holiday parties but aren't feeling a dress. We suggest a pair of these silk-blend sailor pants with a saucy little blouse for a borrowed-from-the-boys look that's sure to garner tons of compliments!

Don't be fooled, though - these trousers aren't just regular old pants! They are manufactured by designer Kelly B. using eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable practices. These pants are composed of a lovely silk-hemp-cotton blend for all the versatility of a cotton garment with a lovely silk feel.

The sweet buttons dotting the front channel a sailor-style pant vibe while the wide trouser legs create a sophisticated silhouette equally well suited to work or play.

Still not sold hook, line and sinker? These sailor pants are now on sale! Click Here for more information and for the option to purchase a pair!

Steal of the Day: Violet Dress

2010-12-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

We've been enchanted since this lovely ice blue dress waltzed its way into our store. No wonder - the vintage-inspired silhouette and textile evokes an era of debutantes, cocktail parties, garden parties and all-around glamor. We'd love to see this beauty paired with some long white gloves and a luxurious swing coat!

Of course we had to include it in our after-Christmas sale - now the lucky ladies who have waited until the tail end of December won't have a single sartorial reason for distress on New Year's Eve.

The beautiful "Monarch Rose" print of this dress is set off nicely by a chain-mail detail at the (removable) tie-belt. The designer, Eva Franco, dreams up every one of her textiles and develops the garment to match. The result is a piece so perfectly put together, it's almost dreamy!

And best, best, best of all? This dress is now on sale! Click Here for more information and for the option to purchase the Violet dress online at Shopmink.com!

Steal of the Day: Lace Jacket

2010-12-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

Every season there are new reiterations of the lace trend and this fitted jacket is one of the best we've seen in a long time!

The incredible details of this piece are eye-catching yet subtle. Best of all is the ornate silvertone button at the center of it all!

Delicate black lace overlay on a boiled wool body. It would look great over your little black dress on New Years Eve or with jeans and boots on a casual day. You could wear it to work with black trousers and a soft blouse. And of course, it's now on sale!

Click Here for more photos or for the option to buy this jacket. Better yet, come in today to snatch it up before it's gone. We love helping you style outfits and we can think of so many things in the shop to pair this piece with. We'd love to help you play dress-up!

Introducing "Steal of the Day!"

2010-12-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

Just as people are finishing wrapping all of their gifts, retailers are re-merchandising their stores and preparing for the next wave of the holiday shopping season: after-Christmas sales.

Markdowns a-plenty and scary good deals are easy to find; it is, after all, that time of year. While you're out scouting for bargains, don't forget about the local businesses you chose to support during your pre-holiday shopping. We might not be huge corporations with enormous stock rooms filled to the brim with merchandise we must. move. now! but we do offer some amazing deals on one-of-a-kind items you can wear now and through the new year.

Plus, we guarantee your experience will feel a hundred times more special and personal - after all, we remember our customers and pride ourselves on building relationships with people in the community. So stop in today before all these great deals are gone!

In the meantime, to give you a little bit of eye-candy, we're posting a "steal of the day" every day.

First up is this gorgeous silk and velvet dress from Corey Lynn Calter. We think this would be the perfect New Years Eve Dress - bob your hair, put on a long necklace, some textured tights and a killer pair of ankle boots and you'll be the belle of the ball - in perfect Deco form! If you've waited until now for a New Years dress, don't wait any longer - they can be notoriously tricky to find at the last minute!

After New Years, you can wear this dress in the daytime styled as a tunic (we think it would look great ruched around the hips with skinny jeans, a long cardigan and flats.) And yes, this beauty is on sale for 30% off!

Click Here for more images and for the option to buy this dress!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T03:00:00.000-08:00

The anticipation of Christmas can be overwhelming, so much to do, so much to plan...but the actual day is such a magical one. I love waking up early, sipping coffee with Glen, opening gifts, and then calling my parents and brother.

I don't know if you are aware of the reason "after-Christmas" sales exist, but I'll give you some history. Mr. Taxman takes a bite of everything we have in our store on December 31st. What that means is everything that's left in the store gets taxed, as if it were sold for full price! (Crazy, I know!) Retailers stock up before the holiday in anticipation for a busy season and no matter how busy, there are always leftovers. Which means that Mink is having a killer after-Christmas sale! Find deep discounts on tons of items... enough to put you in a proper shopping frenzy. So take today, relax, enjoy, be cheerful. Tomorrow, put on your comfy shoes, your new Christmas sweater, and head down to Mink and shop til you drop!

Merry Christmas!!!

Great Gift Idea No. 24: Mandarin Collar Coat

2010-12-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

This dreamy winter-white coat from Kut from the Kloth is the perfect last-minute present for a lady who still gets excited for snowy white holidays. Regardless of whether there's snow on the ground wherever she's celebrating, she'll look stunning in this cozy jacket. It will surely be a welcome reprieve from the sea of dark grays and blacks that often dominate the cooler seasons.

Click Here for more photos and for the option to buy this coat!

Great Gift Idea No. 23: Bluebird Dress

2010-12-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

Do you know someone with a love of DIY style? Perhaps a lady who wears dresses year-round, no matter how cold it gets? This dress could be a perfect and surprising gift!

This tea-length corduroy dress comes from California designer Anne Kimball. She makes all of her own pieces by hand using vintage and vintage-inspired textiles. This piece features vintage buttons featuring a black pony dancing on a silver background. Totally original and sure to be loved.

Click Here for more photos and for the option to buy this dress.

Great Gift Idea No. 22: Earth Hoodie

2010-12-22T08:30:00.000-08:00

This cozy hooded button-down comes from label Raw Earth Wild Sky. They are totally eco-focused, right down to using low impact dyes on 100% organic fabrics. Each piece is hand-made in Los Angeles using hand-dye processes and other sustainable methods. This is the perfect last-minute gift for the environmentally conscious lady in your life.

She'll feel great wearing this piece - the smooth metal buttons are the perfect finishing touch on a piece full of exposed seams, raw hems and made from entirely wear-able 100% organic cotton. Plus, it has a great length - hitting mid-thigh to keep the wearer nice and warm.

Click Here for more photos and for the option to buy this hoodie.

Great Gift Idea No. 21: A Fringe Vase

2010-12-21T08:30:00.001-08:00

What's an even nicer gesture than giving someone flowers? Providing a gorgeous vase to hold them in! These vases from Fringe don't even need flowers to be complete - they're quite stunning when displayed as an art object.

These thick rectangular glass vases are truly pieces of art, printed on all four sides with eye-catching patterns and textures. These pieces look gorgeous on a window-sill where light can reflect through them. Being printed on all sides gives vases an incredible dimensional element sure to brighten whatever space they are placed in.
Click Here for more images and for the option to buy a Fringe vase.

Great Gift Idea No. 20: Heather Cross-Body Handbag

2010-12-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

Know a gal who's kicking the January and February doldrums by taking an exotic vacation? This cross-body handbag would be perfect for travel - roomy enough to accommodate a passport and wallet but not so big that it will feel like a heavy burden to globe trot around with.

Not headed abroad? This bag is also the perfect evening-out partner - clutch size yet roomy enough to hold whatever she needs close at hand.

Can be carried as a clutch or worn over the shoulder. Features printed lining (in a textile unique to this handbag line,) concealed magnetic closure, and space for phone, camera or keys.

Click Here for more photos and for the option to buy this handbag!

Great Gift Idea No. 19: Thermal Cardigan

2010-12-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

The comfort of a favorite thermal with the style of an open front cardigan. This piece is so soft and cozy, you'll want to stock up multiple colors for everyone on your list - they'll be wearing this all winter long!

The handkerchief hem helps elongate the body line and the open front makes for a highly wearable separate. Super-soft modal blend. Available in five great colors.

Click Here for more photos and for the option to buy this cardigan.