Moxie Boutique

Welcome to my blog!!! Here you can check out the latest and greatest things that are going on at moxie! My goal is to share with you more about who I am and what is going on at moxie. This is an upclose look at what it takes to open your own business and ALL the emotions that come with it. Through the blog I hope you get to know me better as well I get to know you; the moxie shopper better. As the shop grows and changes so will the blog and hopefully you will come here to check out what is going on in the store and what I have to say about the industry. Whether you check us out for updates on new merchandise, for the latest trends, event updates, or just to get a good laugh I hope you find this blog fun, informative, and you get a better understanding of who I am and what I want moxie to represent.



Happy Shopping! :)



--Cari



Thursday, February 24, 2011

Trends that need to go back into the closet

OK, so I know that everyone has their own fashion "sense" and that is what what makes us unique and allows us to express ourselves through what we wear.  I get it, and that is one reason why I love fashion so much.   But lets face it, there are some trends and styles and are better kept locked up never to appear again.    And even though everything comes back around in some form one way or another (shoulder pads, leg warmers, and overalls for example) there are some things that we need to just realize are a MISTAKE and just don't look good on anybody who isn't 5'10 and walking down the runway.    So, what are some things that are in that I just don't get?  Well, here are a few examples of what is "in" right now that needs to be "out" as soon as possible: 

Jumpsuits.    I don't get it.  Sorry.   Unless you are 5'10 I don't think you can even begin to pull these off.    A lot of them remind me of  the brand Carhardt or the jumpsuit I used to wear growing up when we wanted to go outside and play in the snow.   They are supposed to be functional, not fashionable.    They make you look frumpy, don't give you any shape, and don't get me started on how long it will take you to get that thing off if you need to go to the bathroom.    Bottom line:   they look ridiculous.

Ripped Jeans.   I know I am going to hear it about this one, but enough is enough already!!!   I have ripped jeans, I am not going to lie, and they are not all bad.  but when they are ripped to the point that there are more holes than denim that is where I draw the line.  A little is fine, but sometimes people go WAAYYY to far.  

Lace.   I don't mind accenting with a little lace.  I actually like a lace trim, or lace on the back of a shirt, but VERY few people can pull off an all over lace dress.    And let's admit it, you are walking that fine line b/w dress and doily.   When it comes to lace less is definitely more.

High waisted jeans.   OK, so you really have to watch this one; just ask poor Jessica Simpson.   You can be a size 0 and look bad in high waisted jeans.   I am not saying that your jeans need to be so low that you showing off your back side, I am just saying that meet me somewhere in the middle people.

Clogs.  Not to be confused with wedges, I mean clogs.   Please see picture: enough said.  I just don't get it.   And theses are the good ones!!
I will say this, if you are going to get clogs, and I know a lot of people are, PLEASE at least make sure they have a heel.   The flat clogs are just scary.



So, I know many of you are not going to agree and that's fine, these are all thing that are "in style" so someone obviously thought it was time to bring them back and I am sure you might look awesome this spring wearing your coral lace dress with your black clogs.  I am just saying that I won't be choosing these trends to follow in 2011, luckily for me there are lots of trends that I do like and can't wait to wear!

--Cari




Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Spring Fever

I have been feeling very "spring motivated" lately.  I don't know if it is because the weather has been so bad  or because I just got done finalizing my spring orders for moxie, or due to the fact that it is Groundhog Day; but no matter the reason I am feeling very springy and I felt the need to share with you what trends I am excited to see for spring!  
First of all, as I mentioned in my last blog, minimalism is in which I LOVE.   Simply put it is looking great without looking like you tried too hard.   It's not a lot of bling, wearing barely there clothes, or having your hair so overdone that you look like a poodle (sorry Snookie).    The below picture of Emma Stone is exactly what I am talking about.  


The next trend that I am happy to announce is the cut-out back.    I am seeing this everywhere this spring:   dresses, rompers, silk tops; you name it.    And it is so cute and flattering it is my newest obsession.   Taking something simple and then turning into something wow without doing a lot is great.   And with a lot of these styles you can still wear a bra (on behalf of all women I say thank you!).    

BCBGeneration dress: coming this spring
to Moxie!



Laundry by Design:
Coming this spring to Moxie! 
Last, but definitely not least, I am seeing color!!!!   I love to see color in the spring regardless, but this season the colors look amazing!   I heard that "pastels" were back and that made me nervous, but these are rich, vibrant pinks, corals, purples, peaches, and different shades of blue.   As I am sure you have already noticed, there has been more color on the red carpet lately and that is no coincidence.   Color is back in full force and I for one and happy to see its return.   Don't get me wrong, everyone needs a LBD, but I also believe that everyone needs a little pop of color in their lives!   

Now, there are more trends that I have seen out there but these are the three I think I am most excited to see (and wear for that matter) this season.   But here are some other things to be on the lookout for:   Tie dye (Yes, I'm serious), clogs, and 70's influences are going to be strong this season: think flowing dresses that blow in the wind at night and high waisted trouser pants with elegant blouses during the day.   Lace is going to still be strong but it is also going to evolve into a more classic lace.   Not all-over as we have seen in the past, but lace influences whether it be a cut out or a skirt it is all about being pretty and feminine without being too much (or looking like you are wearing a doily!!).   These are some of the trends that I have seen for spring thus far and I must say for the most part I am quite pleased with the results.    So, what do you think?   What are you most excited to see?    Do you have Spring Fever yet?!!?!?!

--Cari





Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Golden Globes best/worst list

Let's face it, the MAIN reason I watch The Golden Globes is not to see who wins, (although I was pulling for Modern Family and WHY is Grey's Anatomy never nominated?!?!?) but to see what fashion do's and don'ts/hits and misses walk down the red carpet.   It is all relative; of course, as I am a firm believer that your style should represent YOU and as long as feel good with what you are wearing then who cares what other people think.  But come on, it's still fun to critique the "stars" and see what designer gowns they chose.  So, here is my best/worst dress list for the Golden Globes (in no particular order)

BEST
Olivia Wilde--Her Marchesa ball gown was AMAZING (and chocolate-colored though it was hard to tell that on TV).   Is it practical and could you ever wear it anywhere realistic??   Of course not.  But it was more than a dress, it was art.
Anne Hathaway--Another kudos to sparkle.   I loved that her Armani Prive dress was backless and I liked the shoulder pads.   If you can pull them off it definitely creates an amazing/eye-popping statement. She has that classic look to her and she looked amazing.
Emma Stone--This was my FAVORITE dress of the evening.  Calvin Klein really showed up this year (check out Claire Danes!).   She just did everything right.  The pink color of the dress looked great with her (recently) blond hair and I love the minimalism trend right now.   And while she looked great from the front when she turned around and you saw that it was backless that just made it sexy while not looking like she tried to hard.   She had the whole package:  Hair looked great, jewelry just right, and her makeup looked awesome as well.
**Honorable mention:  Other stars that shined include Mila Kunis, Eva Longoria, and Claire Danes

WORST
Heidi Klum--While I think Heidi does sometimes wear "unusual" pieces, I do appreciate that she knows who she is and isn't afraid to wear what she likes.   Having said that, the Neapolitan ice cream-colored frock was not good, to say the least.   While she is usually all about showing off her glam legs; she decides to wear a full-length, halter, belted number that just didn't make sense.  
Michelle Williams--I love Valentino, but this floral number looked more like she was going to a summer BBQ or maybe a baby shower....NOT to the Golden Globes AND she was nominated!   Ladies, tell me if I am wrong, but the color khaki really doesn't do anything for anybody.   Especially when you combine khaki with flowers and then to top it off add some ruffles because hey, why not?   It just didn't work for me.
Natalie Portman--This ones pains me because I LOVE Natalie Portman!!!   Victor and Rolf could have easily made her something that showed off her cute baby bump(Jane Krakowski) but instead they made this oddly layered-satin-pinkish number and to top it off let's add a red flower and stick it in-between her cleavage!!!  She looked great, her dress did not.
**Honorable mention: Other stars that did not make the grade include Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, and Scarlett Johansson.

There are definitely trends that you can take away from the show and apply without spending a small fortune and without being over the top.   For instance, I love that backless or a form of back revealing options are in.   FINALLY enough with showing off the chest.  To me, showing off your back is sensual without being slutty and it does carry with it the element of surprise and intrigue.  I have seen a lot of it for this spring in some shape or form, and I have different backless options coming to the store so I was happy to see so much of it on the red carpet.
Minimalism is sooooo great!   Basically, creating clean/crisp lines in clothes that are made well and fit great and aren't trying too hard to get it right.  (see Emma Stone above).   It just works and shows YOU off and makes YOU look great.  Which is what clothes are supposed to do.

I can't finish this blog without mentioning a couple of Globe'ers that have their own sense of style and no matter what you know they are going to stay true to who they are:  Helena Bonham Carter and Tilda Swinton.   Do I like their style???   No.  Would I ever wear what they wear??  No way.  But you have to give it to them..... you know you are never going to see Helena Bonham Carter in Calvin Klein.   And hey, that is perfectly all right with me!

--Cari

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Why I hate the snow!!!!!

This is my first blog!!!!   So exciting!!!   Well, this fist one is going to be short and sweet.....I hate snow!   There are a few reasons for this:  
1.  I am SICK of the snow!  From a personal and professional standpoint it just stinks!  I mean, come on, who likes to shovel the driveway and clean off their car in the morning???   And then you have to drive on the wonderfully plowed roads and dodge all the other people on the roads who are sliding around everywhere.  NOT fun.
2.  No one wants to shop in the snow.  Hey, I can't blame you here.   I mean first take into account point 1, then take into account that you are cold, bundled up, wearing snowboots (please don't tell me you are wearing your leather or suede boots in the snow!) and really don't feel like taking ALL that off to try something on.   Not to mention at this point you are sick and tired of sweaters and swore to yourself that you refuse to buy another one no matter if it is 75% off and you can literally buy it for $10.00!!!!!!  So, I get it.
3.  People are just depressed in this weather.  I see it when I look outside the store every day.....people are walking by with their heads down, noses dripping, coughing, and just miserable!!!   Then you slide on a piece of ice and it's all over.  Your day is wrecked.
4.  You just feel blah....ladies, you know what I am talking about:  Your hands, face, lips, and pretty much everywhere else on your body is dry no matter how much you moisturize, Your hair.....well, nuff said, and you just don't feel cute no matter what you do.   Not like anyone can see the skinny jeans you are wearing or how great they make your butt look b/c your oversized coat makes you look like a marshmallow!   At least you can wear a great scarf, I can't argue with that.
So.....now that I have ranted and raved I feel better! :)   But I must say, if you feel like getting out, there are great deals at the stores right now, including moxie; of course.  And as painful as it sounds it might just make you feel better to go out, get a hot chocolate, or a coffee, or a latte, and stop by the shop!  Buying a cute little dress or a pair of jeans might just be what the doctor ordered!