Frigid Fashion

It's cold in Wisconsin (surprise surprise!) I'm the kind of person who is cold all day long, no matter if the thermostat is cranked up or if I'm bundled in a cozy blanket! To help my winter chills I always wear heavy sweaters- but I'm sick of the same old look. I've now grown to love wearing "outdoor" jackets as "indoor" jackets. For example this adorable C.C. Couture jacket could be worn over a hot LBD for a chic going out look... but I'd wear this with a pair of skinny jeans and metallic flats for a day-time look. And it all works out because my winter jacket is one size too big so I can afford to wear bulky jackets and sweaters underneath it. Oh the things you learn when growing up in Wisconsin...


Hope everyone else is staying warm!

Julie
Madison, WI

Positively Positive



Ah the smell and flavor of a freshly brewed cup of coffee while I catch up with my friends in the Facebook world.  It's one of my morning rituals, one that when it's interrupted, I feel a bit out of whack.  One of the first pages I must check every day on the social network is Positively Positive.  It's where I get my mojo for the day along with a good dose of positivity. 

From inspiring video's to motivational quotes, this page will help jump start your day too!

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these." - George Washington Carver

Jennifer

Road Trip Fashion

Every once in a while we all hear the call in our heads: Road Trip! The name alone reminds us of several movies and the first one was Animal House. Who could forget all those drunken guys piling into a car and driving to a bar to see Otis Day and the Nights!

Then the gals jumped on board with Thelma & Louise taking the perpetual road trip that launched the term into pop culture. Now taking a road trip means many different things and looking the part has become important, especially since you probably have a destination in mind and some things to do once you get there. How many road trips have you been on that lead you to Vegas and the term "Whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." The slogan itself is based around the road trip mentality.

Jumping in a car and driving somewhere cool and fun with a group of close friends takes you back to the road trip roots and being comfortable and looking fantastic when you get there is a must. Chances are you're going to be late and you won't have time to change unless you're digging deep into road trip lore and can change in the car.

Try these riding boats from Diego Di Lucca for a comfortable fashion choice for the car ride as well as this Susana Monaco sweater. Not only that, you will look amazing in them wearing skinny jeans and tall boots when pumping gas and getting the head turing looks and occasional snide comments. Those comments are great conversation pieces for the next leg of the trip.

Even if your road trip is a shopping excursion to Chicago or some other big city looking the part is important because you're going to have to eat something and going to a great spot after the day is done is probably in your itinerary. If you're not checking in to a hotel you have to be comfortable all day long and the above out fit will fir the Road Trip Fashion dress code perfectly.

J. LaMore

The Miraculous UMF Manuka Honey

UMF Manuka Honey was first introduced to me a few years ago when I got some as a gift. It is a honey that comes from New Zealand. I did some research on it and found out that it was supposedly "medicine."

Unique Manuka Factor, or UMF, is the only worldwide standard in identifying and measuring the antibacterial strength or quality of some strains of Manuka. It guarantees that the honey has the special UMF antibacterial property and a UMF rating of 10 is the minimum recognized. The honey has both natural hudrogen peroxide antibacterial property and its own natural antibacterial property, and these are very stable, unlike the antibacterial property common in most honey.

You can use the honey for wound dressing, it may be effective in helping relieve stomach ulcer symptoms, gastritis, sore throats, and when applied topically, in assisting the natural cure of skin ulcers, wounds, burns, boils, cracked skin.

The higher the UMF, the more expensive it is. The jars are labeled with a registered trademark UMF label in New Zealand. I absolutely love it. I always have a jar, and use it whenever I have a sore throat, cough, cold or flu symptoms. It's better than pumping oneself with over the counter medicines that don't even work. Try it. I think you'll be amazed. Lila.

My New Little Black Jacket

I'm truly obsessed with this little number from C.C. Couture.  It will be perfect over all of my LBD's, that's for sure, but I also see myself wearing this gorgeous piece with my favorite pair of skinny jeans and over-the-knee boots.  This one's definitely going home with me today! 

Jennifer

Gorgeous!

Not only is she absolutely gorgeous and a fabulous actress, she can sing!  Gwyneth rocked the stage at the Country Music Awards, singing her hit "Country Strong."  You have to love a gal who has accomplished so much and it still working to achieve more.  Kudos!

Enjoy!

Jennifer

Finally.... A Great Leather Jacket for Fall 2010!!

I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say they are looking for a hot new leather jacket this Fall. They must be hard to find, which is why it's even MORE exciting that J. LaMore has this new absolutely amazing Truth & Pride Rocker Jacket! I love the neckline and cross body zip. Totally "rocker" but still a flattering fit.

I'd love this jacket worn open over this tunic, my skinnies and those Diego di Lucca Boots! Hot hot hot!!!

Julie

Madison, WI

You Decide:Time Traveler?

Prior to today, I'd never given the theory of time travel much consideration.  Sure I had heard of it, but only in science fiction type movies.  While having lunch with two friends today, one mentioned a story she had read earlier today regarding an Irish filmmaker who believes he has spotted a time traveler in a vintage Charlie Chaplin film...from 1928.

The filmmaker, George Clarke, posted the clip from the 1928 film, "The Circus" which shows a very manly looking woman talking on a cell phone.  Cells phones didn't hit the market until the early 1980's, so how could he/she be chatting on one in 1928?  Perplexed by the appearance of the modern device in the very dated film, George Clarke took his discovery a step further, suggesting in a YouTube video that the cell phone-toting futurist is a "time traveler."

I've watched the video several times, and while it is a bit long, it's definitely worth pondering.  Theories are rampant, saying she's talking to herself, or perhaps she's clutching her hearing aid in an effort to hear better?  In my opinion, she (actually I think it's a he) looks like he's talking on a phone.  What do you think?

Enjoy!

Jennifer

Genius Idea

Fruit of the Loom's "Pick Your Perfect Pair"

Listen to this great concept - a bra with cups that are sold individually, for asymmetrically busted women like you and me!  I've always just "dealt" with my uneven cleavage, comparing breasts to snowflakes, no two are alike!

Fruit of the Loom has been around for generations and they seem to be reinventing themselves with this genius idea.  "Pick Your Perfect Pair" bra allows you to mix and match cup size to get the perfect fit.  With front hook closure, getting an exact fit is a snap.  Available in basic black and white plus cute polka dot patterns for only $5 a cup.  http://www.shopfruit.com/. 

Jennifer

Reedem Your Groupon & Let the Fun Begin!

Congratulations on scoring a great deal with J. LaMore and Groupon!  Your Groupon can be redeemed online or in-store starting Thursday, September 30th.  Either way, the deal is yours!  Shopping in-store?  Stop in with your Groupon, have a glass of wine, and shop until your hearts content.  Please know your Groupon is not valid on sale items or with any other offers. 

Follow these simple steps to redeem your Groupon online:

If you don't already have an online account, create one by clicking on this link:

https://shop.modernretail.com/login.asp?type=myAccount&sid=119&shopperID=43520AEB9CBF4CD38D7A11F1731E9EDF

Once you've entered in your email address, create your own personal password for your new account.  Now, get out there and go shopping!  Add all items you would like to purchase to your shopping bag.  When you're finished shopping, click on checkout.  Remember, your Groupon is not valid on sale items or with any other offers.

At checkout, redeem your Groupon by adding your unique Groupon number (found on your Groupon) in the "coupon" section.  Please know, the unique Groupon number is NOT the bar code number.  If you're one of the lucky ones and purchased two Groupon's and would like to redeem them at the same time, only enter one code in the coupon box.  Please enter the second code in the comment section.  Your updated total will be emailed to you prior to your card being charged.

Have questions?  Give us a call, 608-238-2119, or send us an email!  We'll do everything we can to help make your J. LaMore and Groupon shopping experience fantastic!

Jennifer

Fashion

You know, I have always loved fashion. Ever since I was a little girl and then into my teenage years. I used to babysit a lot because my father wouldn't let me date, but at least I had money to buy clothes, which, of course, I had to change into, in the car, when my mother would take us to school. But, I had an interesting conversation with a co-worker the other day. By the way, my love of fashion has never ceased, and this conversation led me to really think about why I love clothing so much because, after all, it is only a materialistic obsession.....NOT.

So, my male co-worker just came up to me and told me that he didn't understand why I liked to dress up every day because it was a waste of my time since men don't really care what a woman is wearing. They basically just care what is underneath and just want to tear a woman's clothes off. Well, this was disturbing news to me, so I started asking many of my male friends on their thoughts on this view. It definitely varied.

One man who has been married for 25 years agreed with this theory and told me that women "only dress for other women". Another man, who is in his fifties, from L.A., completely disagreed, and said that maybe it was only a Wisconsin theory. I had no clearcut answer. I know that no one will ever change my opinion.

I am now 41 and have two children, and I have realized that I don't dress for the public or for my husband, who might not care, but for myself. Everyone has a vice or chooses to spend money on certain things, HD TVs, video games, etc. I love walking out of my house feeling good about myself, and that has a lot to do with how I dress myself. And I don't necessarily think that a woman needs to spend thousands of dollars; I could go to Goodwill and come out with a cute outfit. For me, I feel confident and beautiful and like a woman when I dress stylishly, and style is so subjective. I like my style. With all of the stresses in life such as kids, a job, etc., I get excited to pick out my outfit for the day and wear it confidently.

I remember when I had kids I told myself that I would not turn into a slob, since I stayed at home. I went out and bought a Juicy Couture velour sweat outfit, and my husband freaked that I spent $200 on a sweat outfit. Well, for me, personally, that outfit helped me stay confident as a new mother, not knowing what the hell she was doing, and I really believe it prevented me from developing post partum depression. I am not knocking PPD because I know that it is real, but I think that taking care of myself, including my baby, helped me from developing it.

So, just food for thought. I love studying designers and their train of thought as they create their new lines, and I really love creating a new look for myself.....for myself...and no one else.

Lila

Mixing Prints

I am a child of the eighties' fashion, and I have always loved mixing prints as well as textures, if done in the right way. I know that this can be tricky, but that's why I think this is fun. I think it looks amazing when disparate patterns click, and the result is an artful collage.

There is definitely a method to this mad plaidness. I like to find tops and bottoms linked by a common color scheme or mood. I also like it if the top and bottom are paired together in different proportions and definitely different textures. A loose top with slim pants or jeggings and vice versa. This may sound weird, but sometimes I think of animal prints as almost neutral. Mixing textures is also important, such as wearing a chunky cable knit with a simple cotton top that is thin and lightweight.

The outfit on the left is an example of the perfect match with color scheme and texture. This is a ruffle tweed pencil skirt by "Sine," and it is paired with a silk top by the same designer. The top also has hints of purple in it, but the overall look works. Both of these pieces can be found at my favorite boutique in the entire world, J. LaMore. Yes. In Madison, Wisconsin. Lila.

Tim's Rules to Dress By

One of my favorite fashion personalities is Tim Gunn. I absolutely love Project Runway. He brings such spark to the show. Recently, I came across a little blurb that he wrote in regard to dressing, so I thought I'd share.

1. SILHOUETTE: "When getting dressed, think of your body as a series of thirds; the worst thing you can do is cut yourself in half. Pair a top that ends at your waist (one third) with long pants (two thirds), or wear a knee-length dress that goes no longer than the bottom of your kneecap.

2. PROPORTION: "If you have something loose and blousy on top, whatever you wear below should be sleek and well fitted to serve as a counterpoint, and vice versa".

3: FIT: "Most women wear clothes that are too big--that's the comfort trap. Women don't want to feel constrained, but I say, if you want to dress to feel as though you never got out of bed, then don't.

Lila

8 Things You Need to Know About...You

I came across this short, witty article in the October issue of Glamour Magazine and thought it was brilliant.  After navigating through a health crisis, author Wendy Shanker (pictured left) discovered the secret to happiness is getting to know yourself.  Here (in her words) are the things she's learned that every woman should know:

The number of a doctor who knows your name and listens to you.  "Your grandma was right: If you don't have your health, you got nothing.  The truth is, I used to think I couldn't live without my weekly manicure; now I know I can't live without my health.  Getting ill taught me how important it is to always have a team of people around me."

A way to think about someone other than yourself.  "You don't need to build an orphanage or throw money at a charity (not that I'm stopping you).  You can help out the new girl at work or babysit your big sister's kids.  Focusing on someone else will help drown out the loop of blahs in your head.  For me, it was better than Xanax."

Whom or what you're addressing when you cry out, "Oh my God!" "Is it a spirit or a feeling you get in nature? A person, like the dude at Geek Squad? Gwyneth? Maybe the phrase is just a Valley girl expression to you, but exploring your spiritual path could be one of the great adventures of your life."

Emily Rossum in linQ!

I love it when stars are seen wearing pieces we carry at J. LaMore!  Emily Rossum is wearing one of our favorite's, the linQ "Dawn Snake Print" dress!  She's so adorable! 

We styled the dress with black tights and pumps, but it also looks amazing worn with the cute suede shoe bootie Emily has on.

I had already planned on getting this dress, now it's a must have in my book!  If it's good enough for Hollywood, it's perfect for me!

Jennifer

Manicured Brows?

Lately, to my surprise, fashion magazines are showcasing models with unruly eyebrows.  The first time I saw a young model with a bushy band above her eye, I immediately thought she must be a relative or friend of the designer.  There's no way anyone would intentionally feature those caterpillar like brows.  Silly me, I'm the one who's clueless. 

It appears this is a "hot trend" in makeup right now.  Not only are the brows bushy, they look like they've not been touched with wax strip or tweezers, ever.  Feathery and untamed are gracing fashion runways and magazines at a blazing speed.  I have to be honest, I just don't get it.

Compare for yourself, which style do you like better?  Overgrown, over penciled and thick?  Or refined, waxed, and shapely?

Is it time to reschedule our waxing appointment for the year 2012? 

Jennifer

More Sizes Available Soon!

This Bec & Em top almost completely sold out the first day we received it.  No surprise, it's gorgeous on and the price is easy on the pocket book.  If you missed out and your size is gone, I was able to order a few more pieces and will have more stock by Thursday.

Email me if you'd like me to put your size aside!

Jennifer

Fall fashions

The perfect fall jackets:




My favorite time of year is fall. And the greatest part of fall is seeing what's new in fashion. The beginning of fall is so beautiful, not yet very cold; well, in Madison ,Wisconsin. The transitional pieces for fall are so much fun.

I welcome back the jackets, coats, and blazers that are still lightweight enough to wear over those summer tank tops or pretty blouses. These jackets are simple, but have such beautifully tailored details: sharp lapels, well-defined shoulders, finished cuffs, and nicely tapered at the waist. They aren't the traditional business-like wool jackets/blazers, but the new fall jackets are professional, yet functional. They translate from day to evening perfectly.

The second trend that I have seen on the runway has been animal print. Actually, this is nothing new. I have seen some sort of animal print every season, in the fall, winter, spring, or summer. It is a fashion staple that will never go out of style. I've seen animal print in cocktail dresses or in blouses. I love anything animal print. I would wear this particular animal print blouse with shorts for now or wide-legged trousers in the fall, which looks perfect since the blouse is tapered at the waist.

OK. I can go on and on forever with the new fall trends, but I'll stick to what I find to be the trends that have struck me as most important.

I love the simplicity of clothes in general. A great black dress, a classic animal print blouse, the classic blazer or wrap in great fall colors to wear over those summer tops or dresses that you're not ready to put away.

However, I think that a woman can be chic without going over the top. Simple. But I also love luxury. Even if your outfit isn't screaming typical luxury with fur, leather, or something else that is typically considered luxurious, I think that you can add luxury to your outfit, especially with a great piece of statement jewelry.

The following are my favorite pieces. Appropriate for any season and any fabric or color.



















Everything in this post is available at J.Lamore.com or at J. LaMore on Monroe Street in Madision, Wisconsin.

Lila.

Trader Joe's Baked Salt & Vinegar Chips!

I'm not sure why I chose to buy a bag of the Baked Salt & Vinegar chips on my last visit to Trader Joe's.  Generally, I'm not a fan of baked chips.  I love the idea, but they never taste great.  I think I must have been incredibly hungry and thought, eh why not give them a try? 

After checking out, I got in my car with the bag of chips and promptly opened them up.  To my amazement, they were absolutely delicious!  Crunchy, salty, and  tangy with no hint of being a baked chip.  They taste like their oil fried buddies but have a fraction of the fat and calorie content.  I believe there are other varieties of the Trader Joe's brand baked chips, which I will definitely be trying the next time I shop.

Yum!

Jennifer

Love this top

Hi Jennifer & Friends! I know it's been a few months but I'm back and need some fall fashions. I was just going through the "what's new" page and saw this gorgeous sweater and had to write about it.

It's getting cool at night in London and that is the first sign of fall and I have an itch to buy some clothes. The color and the look is so me!

Anyway, I thought I would get back to writing on the friends blog and this was a great place to start.

Clare
London, England