Marionberry Style

Top 5 Maxi Dress Picks (under $100!)

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Top Row (L-R):

BB Dakota

Velvet (normally over $100, but on sale!)

BB Dakota (20% off!)

Bottom Row (L-R):

One by Pink Stitch tons of colors!

Alice + Olivia (60% off!)

It's actually difficult to find a gorgeous + quality maxi dress under $100. While shopping for this post, I would stare at the computer screen --> see a maxi dress I LOVED --> let out the appropriate "ooh! love that!" --> ignore the husband's eye roll that I know was happening 2 feet away --> then sigh sadly when I noticed that the dress was $2,200. Ugh...

Good thing I found 5 maxi dresses that are gorgeous and affordable! And guess what? None of them look like they cost less than $100. So whether you are headed to the coast + a wedding + or simply strolling the streets shopping while on vacation...these picks are your perfect effortless chic uniform.

Which is YOUR favorite?!

xo - Marion

PS - I'm actually wearing one of these in tomorrow's "Trend of the Month Link-up!" Can't wait to see all the ways you ladies style your maxis...

6 Photos from Father's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:09:00 +0000

Purse bags make great golf ball carriers!

I thought I would share a few photos we took this Sunday as our little family celebrated my husband's 1st Father's Day! Golf is a big deal in our house...so this will definitely be a father-son tradition every year.

By the way, I can't wait to see all the maxi styles for this Wednesday's "Trend of the Month Link-up!" Click HERE for details.

xo - Marion

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:00:00 +0000

The yellow polish is definitely my husband's least favorite color I've ever done.

"Looks like your toes have some exotic fungus!" Haha...men.

White skinny jeans - Paige Denim

Wedges - Michael Kors (so comfortable!)

Bag - Michael Kors

Top - Michael Kors on sale!

Sunglasses - Tory Burch

Necklace - H&M (old)

And now it's time for...

Moments of the Week

Affordable + Chic Maxi Skirts

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:00:00 +0000

I'm a bit picky when it comes to maxi skirts.

They must be comfortable and chic. Bottom line: I don't want to look like I just walked out of a scene from Little House on the Prairie and I don't want to look like I just spent 5 minutes getting ready that morning (even if I did!) So I've been looking for stylish and affordable maxi skirts and here are a few favorites that I've found:

One / Two / Three / Four

All of these are under $60, except for one that is $300 (I couldn't help it...it's gorgeous!) Can you guess which one?

Looking forward to next week's Trend of the Month Link-up! The theme is maxis (skirts + dresses). Click HERE for details.

Yellow Tweed + June's Trend of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:00:00 +0000

STYLE TIP:

Consider a light-colored tween jacket for transitioning your daytime looks --> nighttime. They are perfect for adding an extra layer for the cooler night air without looking like you are wearing a coat.

Knit Jacket - c/o Wizards of the West

Sunglasses - c/o Wizards of the West

Dress - Michael Kors (love this tank dress!)

Heels - Enzo Angiolini

Like this blazer? Well great news! Wizards of the West is extending MBS readers 50% every item in their store! Just enter the code FIRST50 (you will surprised how many great summer staple pieces you can score for a deal!)

And now it's time to announce the theme for June's "Trend of the Month Link-up!"
So I know that this is a "trend" every year...so hopefully something you already have one or ten hanging in your closet. Let's see the different ways you all style your maxi skirts + dresses!

HOW IT WORKS...IT'S AS EASY AS 1 - 2 - 3!:

1) In the middle of every month, I'll announce a new trend that is either here or forthcoming. You'll have 1 week to pull together a style and take photos.

2) When the date arrives, simply link-up your specific post using the link widget I'll have posted on Marionberry Style. This MUST be a NEW post...please don't link old blog posts.

3) PLEASE link back to Marionberry Style from your site so this "Trend of the Month Challenge" stuff makes sense to your readers. Plus it's the kind thing to do and helps spread the word!

I can't wait to see your styles!

xo - Marion

When You've Had Zero Sleep: 5 Make-up Must-Owns

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:00:00 +0000

So two things:
1) Thank you so much for your prayers + thoughts for Cooper's surgery last Friday. You helped me through a difficult day.

2) This post was inspired by the past 3 nights of Cooper's recovery. My son in pain > mommy sleeps. I literally did not sleep at all last night. And you know what? It's okay. He is healing well and we'll both be sleeping again in no time.

In the meantime, I don't think anyone could tell I've had zero sleep thanks in large part to the following 5 beauty products. I LOVE these so I thought I would share them with you. Cause let's face it, we all have "those" nights every now and then...

Beauty Tip:

Often when we had a horrible night of sleep (or no sleep at all), we tend to put on too much make-up. This makes us look older + more tired.

Instead, choose a few products and apply them carefully to create a fresh-face look.

Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream - I've tried a lot of BB Creams, and this one is my favorite. I throw it on my face and within 15 seconds, I have a smoother, more balanced complexion.

An added bonus? It's easy on the wallet.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (Brightener) - I dab a little of this under each eye and it's bye-bye tired look. Also inexpensive (and it lasts forever!)

Nars Laguna Bronzer - A tired mug needs a little color. This one is perfect. Nuff said.

Sunday Riley in "Beach Front" - When I am exhausted, I want a natural yet youthful looking pout. This one does the trick. Nothing heavy...just simple and sweet.

Benefit Eye Bright - Hands down the favorite thing in my make-up bag. This thing is caffeine in a stick. Dab a little in each corner of your eye and you will think you had 10 hours of sleep. Well...that may be an exaggeration. But it IS amazing.

Do you have any go-to make-up favorites when you're looking like a zombie in the morning? I'd love to hear them...

xo - Marion

Have you downloaded your style photo on the Chippmunk website yet? Do it soon! I can't wait to see your looks...click here for more details.

5 Small Diet "Tweaks" To Lose Those Extra 5 Lbs

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 09:00:00 +0000

This is part 2 in my "Personal Trainer Series." Read Part 1 here.

I'm excited to have my personal trainer and friend, Erik, back today to talk about the stuff we put in our mouths. I'm talking about food (if you were thinking something else...you need to get your mind out of the gutter!)

I asked Erik to share his top 5 diet changes that pack the biggest punch. He immediately said that no one is gong to like what he has to say on this topic. And he may be right to some extent, but I also think that a few of these "tweaks" are so simple that many of you might consider trying a few (or even all five!) It really just comes down to planning + will power.

So here they are...

5) Decrease your meal size throughout the day
Erik: "Breakfast is my biggest meal...never skip it. My lunch is then slightly smaller and dinner is very small."
Me: "When do you eat dinner?"
Erik: "Usually around 6pm. Never later than 7pm if I can help it. Our metabolism just isn't able to burn the calories..."

4) Control your alcohol intake
Me: "Ugh. How important is this one?"
Erik: "Seriously Marion. Do you want to lose those 4 remaining pounds? This is key. At the most, you can have one glass of wine before 7pm."
Me: "Okay."
Erik: gives me a serious look "One REGULAR glass...not those excessive pours you do."
Me: "You say excessive, I say generous. But I get it."
Erik: "I recommend you live by the 80/20 rule...Eat and drink right 80% of the time and then indulge and relax 20%. Most people have that backwards. So basically, Monday through Friday don't eat out and drink. Save that solely for the weekends."

Read more »

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 06:39:00 +0000

Tweed Jacket - H&M (similar spendy option here)

Tank - J.Crew (on sale!)

Jeans - 7 for all Mankind (on sale!)

Heels - Nine West (LOVE this similar ombre style on sale!)

Necklace - Nordstrom

Earrings - Tiffany & Co.

Sunglasses - Tory Burch

What do you think is the LEAST expensive piece of clothing I am wearing here?

Well, it would be this fun tweed blazer I scored the other day at H&M for $15! I highly recommend heading to your nearby store if you have one to check out all the cool weather pieces on sale.

(Just One) Moment of the Week:

Nervous Mommy Moment

This guy is having surgery today (Friday, June 7th). He'll have to be under anesthesia for several hours. I break out in a cold sweat just thinking about it. All prayers + positive thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thank you so much...

xo - Marion

PS - Part 2 of the personal trainer series will be early next week! I apologize for the delay...

Have you downloaded your style photo with Chippmunk for a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 shopping sprees + $250 gift card?! I can't wait to see your looks...click here for more details!

"Where Are You Going to Wear That?!"

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:00:00 +0000

This was the question my husband asked me when he saw this outfit.

My answer? "Church."

He was silent...which is what he does when he's trying to discern if I am joking or if I am really being serious. A few seconds passed until he finally stammered, "You can't be serious..."

So along those lines, here are the answers to a few questions you might be asking:

Summer Wedding Style with Chippmunk

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:57:00 +0000

Chippmunk challenged 4 bloggers to pull together a summer-themed look for less than $150 using coupons from their site.

First off, what's Chippmunk?
Only the best + fastest growing site for online shopping deals. You've heard me love on Chippmunk before...so you know that I adore how it saves me time by pulling all the best coupons together in one search! And if there is one thing that Marion finds annoying, it's wasting time. That and when people talk in the third person. Marion hates that.

Oh, and unlike most coupon sites, Chippmunk's codes are guaranteed to work (expired codes are a 3rd thing I find annoying).

Okay, so back to the style challenge!
I was charged with pulling together a "fun summer wedding" style. Using Chippmunk, I scored this Guess dress for about $30 less than retail PLUS free shipping. Paired with these Guess heels, and you have a flirty look that would look great on most any skin tone + body shape!

For more summer style inspiration, be sure to check out Kimberly, Shanna and Tara's style!

Necklace - J.Crew

Bracelet - J.Crew

And now for some exciting news - Chippmunk is giving away $750 in store gift cards.

In round 1, 5 "Most Loved" people will win $100 each. In Round 2, one of those winners will be chosen by my fellow bloggers and I to win an additional $250! Just upload an image that conveys your own personal style to the Chippmunk Expert Shopper page, and share your tips for other budget minded shoppers. Be sure to share your look with friends to get more "love"!

In Round 1, “Most Loved” winners are determined by “love it” clicks. Each Round 1 winner will receive a $100 gift card to their favorite store.

In Round 2, one of the 5 “Most Loved” winners will be chosen as the “Editors Pick” by myself and my fellow bloggers to win the $250 grand prize. To be considered for the grand prize, “Most Loved” winners

will submit a description of what awesome steal they would create with $250 in the form of an image created with their outstanding outfit

Contest close at midnight PST on June 18th, and "Most Loved" winners will be announced on June 21st.

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Fri, 31 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Top - Calvin Klein on sale!

Shorts - Express

Shoes - c/o PB&J Boutique

Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Sunglasses - Tory Burch

Moments of the Week:

Losing the Babyweight: Q & A with My Personal Trainer

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Thu, 30 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Meet Erik.

He is my personal trainer for over a year now and a huge reason why I am now 4 lbs away from my pre-baby weight.

I receive so many emails from readers asking workout/diet related questions, so I thought I would do a mini-series with Erik on fitness/weight loss. Today's post is just a little Q&A...stay tuned over the next several weeks for sneak peeks into his advice on weight loss, home fitness (especially for women who are pressed for time and gym access), and diet.

Erik and I sat down together for a little chat (this is the first time I think I actually sat while talking to him. He usually is the one telling me that if I am able to talk, then I'm not working out hard enough!):

So Erik...who is your favorite client?
He pauses and looks at me. I honestly think he paused a little too long.

Do I need to repeat the question?
No...I would say that there is this one girl Marion...

Okay, that is correct. We can proceed now. What is the best part of your job?
It is so rewarding to see clients progress quickly through simple changes and effort. I love seeing a client who never thought of themselves as an athlete turn into one in just a couple months. It is awesome to have clients tell me that they are more focused in life and have more energy because of the small amount of time they spend with me each week.

_________________________________________________________________________________

By The Numbers...

# of weeks since having Cooper: 18

Total pounds lost since having baby: 40

Pounds left till beginning weight: 4

# of pizza slices: 3

# of gummy bears: 120

# of soda: 1 (don't drink your calories ladies!)

# of glasses of vegetable juice: 122 (hands down my favorite way to start the morning!)

_________________________________________________________________________________

What is the biggest transformation you've seen in a client?
I've had several clients lose 100+ pounds as well as clients who couldn't move without pain before working out with me and now they are running half marathons. Every client has their own goal and it is so cool to see someone actually take their goal head-on as opposed to just talking about it...that in itself is a big mental transformation for so many of us.

So let's say that I am looking for a personal trainer. What should I look for?
There are plenty of jack-ass trainers who aren't invested personally in their client's success. When interviewing a trainer, you should ask yourself, "Is this someone I can relate to on a human level? Do I even like them?"

Stay away from trainers who talk too much or just count the reps. They should also be stressing the importance of good form.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Marion's Opinion:

I personally believe that you should want a trainer who is actually in good shape themselves! Call me crazy, but it doesn't seem right for you to be grinding out pull-ups while your trainer still has crumbs from his McDonald's Royal with Cheese clinging to his shirt. Just like I wouldn't want to have my hair cut by a stylist who's own hair looked like a Gary Busey art project.

What do YOU think?

_________________________________________________________________________________

What do you say to someone who says they don't have time to workout?
It's an excuse.
It's prioritizing.
If you're serious about your goals, then schedule it just like you would do at a job. Just 30 minutes/3 times a week will change everything.

Check back next week as Erik tell us 5 small tweeks to your diet that provide the biggest reward.

Metallic Heels at Work?

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Wed, 29 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Metallic footwear is a huge trend this year. But is it acceptable for the workplace?

Casual Jumper

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Mon, 27 May 2013 02:54:00 +0000

I almost titled this post "See? I Don't Always Wear Heels!"

Today we took a stroll around our neighborhood to soak in the gorgeous weather and explore a few of the shops nearby.

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Fri, 24 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Top - J.Crew (Similar HERE)

Jeans - Paige

Heels - Nine West (similar HERE)

Necklace - J.Crew

Bag - c/o TJ Maxx

Moments of the Week

Two Trends on Their Way Out...

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Trends are like a piece of Juicy Fruit gum.

The second you put that stick of gum in your mouth, you know deep down that the deliciousness will be gone soon so you had better enjoy that full 33 seconds of flavor (I've timed it).

Two trends that are currently losing their flavor are...

OUT: Ombre hair

It had a great moment. I celebrated the ombre hair trend for the majority of last year.

But alas...the style gods have grown bored with dark-to-light-locks and are proclaiming that a new trend take over the heads of women everywhere.

IN: Peek-a-boo Highlights

You still get the richness and "lightness" of ombre...just in a different way.

OUT: The Arm Party

So bracelets are still a "heck yes." Just tone down the party a little.

The days of throwing on every darn circular thing in your jewelry box around your wrist are behind us.

IN: Edited Jewelry

Please still have a party...just edit your guest list a little.

STYLE TIP:

Limit your wrist jewelry to no more than 2 different materials at a time:

gold and leather

wood and silver

gold and silver

NOT leather, gold, silver, plastic, thread, stone, and wood.

Are you going to miss the ombre or the arm party? Do you still see gals rocking these trends where you live?

xo - Marion

image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Can You Wear Camo Print to Work?

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Camo Top - Nordstrom (similar HERE and HERE)

Skirt - BCBG

Shoes - Steve Madden

Bag - Vera Bradley

Necklaces - J.Crew

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelet - J.Crew

Ring - vintage

So can you wear camo print to the office? Obviously, the answer depends on where you work. But if you do decide to throw it on, be sure to stick to a few rules...

Rule 1: Stick to a Neutral Color Palette

Black, brown or a crisp white are my favorites to pair with a camo print. The neutral base serves to visually ground the print...which makes your look appear more pulled together.

Rule 2: Add Feminine Accessories

Camo is a masculine print. I love the fun contradiction of adding pearls + glittery goodness.

Rule 3: Pay Attention to Quality

Because camo can often appear a bit juvenile + weekend wear...it's important to pair it with pieces of substance if you are stepping foot into the workplace. So reach for your designer basics when dressing up camo.

So what do YOU think of camo print in the workplace? Yay or Nay?

xo - Marion

ps - Thank you to everyone for the well wishes yesterday. It was a yucky few days! No bueno.

linking up with The Pleated Poppy

Empty Cone

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:10:00 +0000

This is me right now.

A cone with no ice cream.

I am feeling under the weather...hence my absence.

I should be back tomorrow.

Even if I only have vanilla in my cone.

It might take a few days to get back to Rocky Road status. :)

xo - Marion

Sweet Made Sweeter with Wendy's Frosty Waffle Cone

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Our family loves to have dinner on our deck overlooking the beautiful city of Denver. It's pretty sweet.

But it got a whole lot sweeter with a few Wendy's Frosty Waffle Cones!

I don't actually think this early-summer evening could have been more perfect + fun. There is just something about a cone that makes you feel a little more free-spirited...like your transported back in time to when you were 8 years old peering over the ice cream counter. Wendy's has made this special treat even more accessible + delicious with taking the classic chocolate and vanilla Frosty that we all love (admit it!) and adding a new twist by putting it into a sweet, crisp cone. Seriously...they had me at Frosty. :)

I hope you have a sweet weekend!
xo - Marion

This post was sponsored by Wendy's.

PS - We are headed to Houston for a few days (Cooper's 1st flight!) I'll be sharing the trip on Instagram and Twitter...so join us :)

Trend of the Month Link-up: Yellow

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:13:00 +0000

STYLE TIP:

Experiment with layering your necklaces.

You'll often be surprised what new life you can give to an old piece you no longer wear!

One Easy Way to Add Instant Style

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:27:00 +0000

STYLE TIP:

Pops of bright color is on-trend this season.

One easy way to do this is through your accessories...so grab a bright yellow clutch, a neon green belt or orange ankle-strap heels and you'll liven up your style in a fun + easy way!

Top - Vince

Jeans - Joe's Jeans

Necklace - c/o TJ Maxx

Clutch - H&M (in stores only)

Heels - Chinese Laundry

Sunglasses - Ray Ban

So...two things:

ONE

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible support + words + personal stories in response to my last post. I really want you to know that it was not my intention to depress anyone or to make you feel sad. I wrote what I did because I wanted to connect with you on something very personal to me...and something other than fashion.

As a school psychologist, I work with kids who have gone through more heartbreak and pain than I will (hopefully) ever know. I truly believe that every single one of us has a story and connecting in our experience often helps us feel just a little less alone.

Anyway...I just appreciate you opening up to the "personal life" side of this lil' style blog. :) So thank you.

TWO

Now on to something very fun! The May "Trend of the Month Link-up' is one of my favorite hues right now...

Click HERE for details on Wednesday's link-up.
Really looking forward to seeing your styles!!

So are you throwing on pops of color this season?

xo - Marion

Motherless Moms

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:13:00 +0000

She died 7 days before my 16^th birthday.

It took about a year before it truly sank in that she was really gone. Forever. I was in the shower washing my hair and an overwhelming wave of despair and desperation washed over me. I remember falling to my knees and just sobbing violently...it was the first time I really let myself fall apart. Or maybe it’s not right to say “I let myself” because I didn’t really have a choice. My mind, body and heart had reached capacity and something took over me.

It wasn’t until the water turned ice cold that I was brought back to reality. I turned off the water and stepped out of the shower a different person than when I had stepped in. It took a year…but I had begun to acknowledge that my mom was dead.

Distressed Boyfriend Jeans + May's Trend of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

When shopping for a distressed pair of boyfriend jeans, I was looking for 2 things:

1) A slouchy fit that wasn't overly baggy

2) Just the right amount of hole-age. And yes...I made that term up. You can use it if you like :)

No seriously...I'm over 30 years old. There is a proper amount of hole-age that a lady should display at my age.

And I just realized that sentence may sound kinda dirty.

Shopping the Trend: Floral Prints

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

One / Two / Three / Four / Five / Six / Seven / Eight

STYLE TIP:

If you aren't sure about this trend (perhaps a bit too girly for your style?) then consider an accessory piece such as a scarf or a pair of floral-print heels. Additionally you can wear a floral print blouse and throw a blazer over it.

Are YOU wearing florals this season?

XO - Marion

ps - The "Trend of the Month Link-Up" theme will be announced tomorrow. I'm so excited about this one!

Eva Mendes Inspired Style

noreply@blogger.com (Marionberry Style) — Mon, 06 May 2013 04:40:00 +0000

Top - J.Crew (the perfect summer tank)

Jeans - Paige

Necklace - c/o Keltie Leanne Designs

Heels - Guess (Similar on sale!)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - JewelMint

Sunglasses - Ray Ban

I've always loved this Rachel Zoe styled look for Eva. She looks tan, gorgeous and...well...gorgeous (can I say that twice?)

So I when I saw this Keltie Leanne necklace, Eva's red carpet moment immediately came to mind and I thought, "This necklace would be gorgeous for an understated daytime recreation style!"

I wore this on Sunday and can't tell you how many women stopped me while I walked the aisles of my local Whole Foods. Okay...so half of them stopped to ogle at Cooper...but the other half wanted to tell me how much they loved this style! My favorite comment? One older woman (who just exuded warmth) looked at me and said "I just think you look like summer!"

Instant smile. :)

xo - Marion

ps - And I DO know that I am wearing all-white and I have an infant with me all day. Good thing these pieces are easily washed (gotta love cotton!)

image credit