Dress up your denim for Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is notorious for making those of us not involved in a passionate new romance face the day with dread and loathing. However, you don't have to wait to have a hot date on schedule or for a guy to send you flowers and chocolates to indulge in this sweet holiday. Treat yourself instead! Go out with friends, buy your own box of chocolates, pay tribute to grade school by decorating cupcakes for friends or coworkers or buy a festive new top and accessories in celebration of V-day.

Personally, I love any excuse to buy and wear a red top, but Valentine's Day is a no-brainer! Red looks amazing with blue, black or gray denim, is easy to accessorize and flatters a variety of skin tones. For example, if you have pink undertones, stick with blue based reds like cherry, but tawny and olive undertones look better with brown based reds. Pinks work in a similar way. The key is to play up your natural skin tone instead of fighting against it.

My Michelle has introduced a feminine group of red, pink and gray tops as well as an adorable coordinating striped skirt. They have two halter like styles that are perfect for wearing to work with a jacket or My Michelle cardigan and then out to dinner with fabulous accessories instead of the jacket. Their striped skirt looks adorable with a fitted tee or layered cardigan. If you want a younger look, try My Michelle's hot pink baby doll top. In addition to these fabulous looks, you'll also find a few fun steals at The Denim Shop that would look fabulous for Valentine's Day as well.

Simple Designs With Funky Prints Have Made Aryeh Dresses a Customer Favorite!

We discovered this flirty brand at our August Market trip and fell in love! Aryeh filled a gap that we had for a simple dress line that fit well, looked awesome and was easy on the wallet. With prices under $50, most of our customers are able to buy more than one dress. Once you slip an Aryeh dress on, you'll understand why they can't stop at just one!

Aryeh dresses are made from super soft fabrics. Some are fuzzy, almost fleece like knits while others have more of a soft chamois feel. There are even a few true sweater tunics as well. The Aryeh experience is similar to wearing your guy's favorite tee- no clinging, bunching or binding, just comfort. The patterns are definitely retro, reminiscent of the shift dresses of the 70's, but updated with this season's color palette. You'll notice a lot of polka dots, but you'll also find stripes and zigzag prints.

Because of the retro look of the Aryeh dresses, you may want to go easy on the 70's looking accessories, like plastic jewlery, white gogo boots and patent leather platforms, to avoid taking the look too far. Most of these dresses actually mix really well with tights or leggings and flats or boots. Add a Vintage Wool Tulle Jacket and you'll have a stylish, yet simple look.

This Holiday Season is All About the Bling!

This holiday season is all about the bling with studs, rhinestones, glitter and more! I chalk a lot of it up to the need to bring some dazzle into our lives after a difficult and uncertain year. We all want to feel incredible at the holiday office parties, family gatherings and all of those other little occasions that come up during the holiday season, so here are a few of my favorite ways to add a little sparkle to your existing wardrobe:

• Embellished Denim- In my opinion, embellished denim will give you the biggest bang for your buck. You can get away with wearing the same pair of jeans to 2 different parties, but you sure wouldn't wear the same top. Jeans like the Mia Jean shown here from Big Star have just a touch of sparkle on the pockets. Other brands with rhinestone embellishments include Miss Me, Rock Revival, & 7 for All Mankind.
• Bold Jewelry- The best thing about jewelry is that you can spend as much or as little as you want to achieve your desired look. Layer up several necklaces in a variety of lengths or throw on a couple of rhinestone bangles and a cocktail ring. You may even be able to reinvent some jewelry that you already own.
  
• Sparkly Tops- a great way to add shine, especially when you have a really important party. You may not have room in your budget for several new tops, but you can definitely indulge for your most special occasion. One of my favorites is the necklace trimmed tops by Vintage Havana and Unyx.
  

You can mix and match all of the ideas to create a look that really shines. So instead of buying more tinsel and Christmas lights this season, spend some of your holiday budget decorating yourself. Not only will you look amazing, you'll feel fantastic too!