South of the Border Style

It is that time of year when cold, gray weather is getting pretty darn old and we all start longing for the warmth and sunshine of Spring and Summer.

Dear Winter, we are over you.

To escape the bleak mid-winter blahs I am off to Australia!

(Yes, you should feel very jealous. Go ahead.)

But before I leave, I am going to let you in on a little secret that will help you get through these last few yucky weeks (months? I hope not) of Old Man Winter.

On March 9th, Shabby Apple is releasing a new slew of fabulous women's dresses. The desert inspired Baja Line will transport you to Old Mexico before you can say, "Another margarita, please!" Fancy yourself skipping through an Old Spanish Mission with the Sundace Kid on your arm, and the bleak winter will be nothing but a bad memory.

If you're looking for a little advanced sunshine in your wardrobe, pick up a swingin' fedora like this one,



and some cargos like this,



or this cargo skirt,



to bring a little south-of-the-border flair to what you wear.

(Rhyme!)

I am passing the blog into very capable hands while I am away, so keep checking back for more information about the Baja Line and much more!

Central Park is Full of Perks

The first real trip I ever took to New York City was Spring Break of my sophomore year of college.

We did it all. The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Macy's, a Broadway show. And a walk through Central Park, eating those candied nuts you can buy on the street.

It was heaven.

(It was also delicious.)

I've lost track of all my trips to New York since then. The city always has something different to offer-- different styles, different plays, different food, different friends, different seasons-- but Central Park always has the same magic.

I have walked through Central Park on a breezy summer day holding hands with a cute boy.

I have rushed through Central Park on a blustery fall day on my way to a delicious brunch.

I have strolled through Central Park on a scorching summer afternoon, licking an ice cream cone with my mom.

I have stood in Central Park and closed my eyes and breathed it all in.

Central Park is the gift that keeps on giving, and that's why Central Park is the inspiration for the latest and greatest line of Shabby Apple dresses! Over the next couple of weeks, we're inviting some of our favorite New York City bloggers to share some of their favorite memories of Central Park and The City That Never Sleeps.

And we'll also be sprinkling in some sneak previews of the upcoming line, so I think it's pretty safe to say you are not going to want to miss a single day. I haven't seen the new line myself, but my sources say it is to die for. And my sources never lie.

So, sit down, strap in, and get ready for a Big Apple-style adventure!

And if you have some favorite New York City memories of your own, we'd love to hear them.

Of course.

Start With Savings

And a very happy new year to you, my dears!

Did you have a wonderful holiday? I did, and thank you so much for asking.

But now, sigh, it is back to real life. Which, for me, means being outside in the cold and actually setting my alarm and going to work. Bleh.

Are you feeling the post-celebration blues as well? Never fear! There is a smattering of holiday magic left! What could it be? you ask. Why, the Winter Wonderful sale, of course! is my reply.

That's right, through January 28, just enter "winter20off" at checkout and watch all that Christmas money go a little further. There is nothing to get your through the next few brutal months of winter like a sultry little black dress...



... a cozy sweater dress...



... or a chic wool dress.

Pick out one of your favorites today, and winter really will be wonderful.

An Attitude of (Shopping) Gratitude

There is a lot to be thankful for this season. Like the delicious cupcake I found in the fridge this evening.

And a little Shabby Apple sale, which is our way of saying a Big Thanks! To you, our faithful fans and shoppers, who we love with all our hearts.

So, please accept our heartfelt gratitude by enjoying 15 percent off everything at Shabby Apple, from now through December 2.

Happy holidays, everyone!

You're welcome, I'm sure.

Party Like It's 1943

The holiday party season is nearly upon us.

This fact brings to mind two important questions.

1. Does anyone know what happened to 2009? Seriously guys, it is almost gone. And yet, I could have sworn it just began.

2. Is your wardrobe up to the challenge of months of office soirees and neighborhood get-togethers?

It probably doesn't surprise you that I have some good news, at least when it comes to Question #2. Today's good news comes in the form of 1943, Shabby Apple's newest line of chic and utterly fabulous dresses. These dresses are just what the doctor ordered for all your holiday party wardrobe woes.

But, let me warn you before you continue, that you are going to want every single one of these dresses. Literally. Every single one. Keep reading at your (pocketbook's) own risk.

Take, for example, this charming white flower and grey wool dress, Bugle Boy. For me, it was love at first sight. Are you feeling the same?

Pair this dress with brightly colored or textured tights and some daring ankle booties to spice up the neighborhood holiday scene.

Is there a more formal event in your future social calendar? Then might I suggest you turn to Casablanca.

This black dress, accented with a large bow on the front, turns up the drama and the class, making it the perfect fit for a winter wedding or a formal office party. On the accessories front, a pair of shoes in an equally rich fabric, such as velvet or satin, are all this dress needs.

If meeting friends or family for a celebratory dinner after work is the order of the day, then Gary Cooper, a charcoal pinstripe dress made of limited edition Italian suiting wool, is the order of the day as well.

This dress transitions seamlessly from day to night. Just add an oversized pearl necklace or a creatively placed sparkling brooch to take the final step from work to play.

If getting hearts racing is your goal, turn up the color and the volume with this red cowl-necked dress, West Coast Swing.



This splash of color will set you apart from the sometimes drab colors of the cold season right away. I recommend it for snagging the attention of a certain someone under the mistletoe. Tuck a large feather or flower, preferably in a contrasting color, into your hair and you'll be sure to turn all the right heads.

And, if you can believe it, there are more of these dresses! I could write something glowing about every single one of them (seriously, guys, seriously), but I will leave the rest of the gushing to you. Hop on over, check out the whole line and then come back and tell us: Which 1943 dress is your favorite?

The Stork Stop

It seems that a lot of my favorite people are expecting babies these days. Which is good news for me because it means an excuse to buy adorable baby clothes, stock up on my favorite kids' books and plan trips to see the new little ones. And all of this without 3 o'clock feedings. Hurray for me!

But being in a family way is also good news for them, too. Mostly because I will be showering their little ones with love and affection. But also because Shabby Apple has a new Fall line of maternity dresses. And now through November 15th, they can get 10 percent off their maternity purchase by entering the code "fall maternity."

And if you happen to have a bun in the oven, you can get 10 percent off, too.

I am particularly fond of this sassy eggplant dress with a long tie in the back.




And this long charcoal colored dress with a sweet bow on the shoulder.




Maternity dresses like these almost make me think the 3 o'clock feedings wouldn't be that bad.

Almost.

The Empire Strikes Back

A big welcome to all our visitors from Cardigan Empire! (And a big welcome to all our regulars as well, natch.)

The Empress of Cardigan Empire, the ever-stylish and graceful Reachel Bagley, has featured Shabby Apple and the 90 Words Per Minute Secretary dress on her darling blog. Isn't she a dear? She has some great ideas for transitioning this dress into fall, so check it out for sure.

And, that's not all! We'd like to give you a little reward for clicking on over here. So, here is a super-top-secret-special discount code just for you! Just type "cardiganfriends10off" at the Shabby Apple check-out for 10 percent off whatever fabulousness you chose.

You're welcome.

But wait! There's more! If you're thinking you might like a 90 Words Per Minute dress of your own, there's a chance to win one of those, too! If you become a follower of this here blog, and leave a comment on this post letting us know you did, you're entered to win a dress. To improve your odds, hop over to Cardigan Empire and leave a comment there about what Shabby Apple dress you think best suits you, and you'll be entered to win again. The lucky lady will be revealed on Friday, October 9th.

You're welcome again.

Fit for Fitness

I find that things I generally dislike doing become a lot easier to do when I have cute clothes to do them in.

Who's with me?

(Who could follow that convoluted sentece?)

Which is why the new Shabby Apple fitness line, Blossom by Albion, is such good news.

I mean, really, I would use any excuse to wear these flattering, unique designs, even if that excuse is running. Which is even better news for me, personally, as I just ate two chocolate cupcakes with peppermint patties inside.

Here is just a small sampling of what you could be rocking at the gym any day now.

What Blossom item are you most excited about?

And what will you be doing while you wear it?

A Carousel Carou-sale

Excuse me, but have you seen the new line of dresses, Carousel?

Because they are stunningly beautiful and charming and bright and bold and flirtatious and flattering full of darling details, and I am currently in the process of ordering every single one. And you probably should be too, since right now this very second you can get free shipping on orders of $100 or more by entering the code "carousel" when you check out.

Happy shopping!

Frills for Fall

It's a little bit hard to think about fall clothes when it is still blazing hot outside, but the Shabby Apple Fall line is here, and it is not hard at all to think about how straight up darling this new line of dresses is!

Take a look:

The Moss and Ivy tiered dress is a new spin on one of my old Shabby Apple favorites, 16 Candles. The color is soft and romantic, and so is the stretchy cotton fabric. I can see this dress all dressed up with heels and a long pendant for a fancy dinner, or dressed down with flat boots and a blazer for a Saturday morning at the pumpkin patch. A definite Autumn must-have either way.

The Kenya wrap dress is a flattering option for just about anyone, with a cross-over bodice, a waist-tie and a full paneled skirt that keeps everything under wraps. I love the heavier canvas material, perfect for the in-between Fall weather. The camel color also makes Kenya a perfect dress up/dress down option. I am planning to wear mine with leopard print ballet flats, and I can't wait!

Like what you see so far? Good, because there's plenty more where that came from! Hop on over to Shabby Apple and tell us what new Fall dress has you counting the days until cooler weather.

Out With Summer, In With Style

Looking for a perfect way to spend one of the last glorious days of summer? Read on!

As one who seeks to squeeze the very most out of her summer, I look at the month of August as my last hurrah. Not only does the eighth month of the year provide me with a finale of summer sun before the autumn winds whistle in, but the season closer also enchants me with its fantastic glimpses at approaching fall fashion. If you and yours are anything like me, you might be torn by your loyalty to the lazy warmth and fun activities of Summer and your excitement for the fabulous styles that come with the opening of Fall and its focus on back to school shopping and cooler-weather apparel.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, on Saturday, August 15, Shabby Apple has a best-of-both worlds remedy for anyone who wants to finish their summer with a bang while embracing the first looks at fall. What better way to relish the remainder of the warm weather than a Tea Party in the Garden?

From 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at 2485 Haven Lane (Holladay Utah, 84117) Shabby Apple invites you to drop by and enjoy grenadine lemonade by the daughters of Utah Caterer Marsha Eggli (they’re saving up for school clothes of their own), cupcakes by the delightful people at The Sweet Tooth Fairy, and live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. A broad selection of Shabby Apple dresses will be available to try on and purchase, and the great news is that all product will be DISCOUNTED!

The range of dresses for sale on Saturday will include styles from the new Women’s and Preteen (Girls size 8-14) Fall lines, some favorites from our Summer collection, as well as a selection of $10-$20 damaged dresses. All fashionistas and bargain lovers are invited; just park on Haven Lane and follow signs directing you to our Sale Event Gathering. Any questions may be directed to info@shabbyapple.com or 801. 277.3255.

Finally! A way to savor the final days of your summer and simultaneously get your feet wet in the first looks at Fall fashion. Bring your friends, your eye for style, and your love of fabulous deals and meet us in the garden!

Won't You Be My Affiliate?

I have been brainstorming, as of late, ways to get a lot of money without having to do very much work. To date, my best ideas include jewel theft, card counting in Vegas, genealogy to discover rich relatives who would certainly leave me money if they only knew I was willing to take it, and marrying John Krasinski. (This is by far my favorite plan.)

And now, I have one more to add to the list. The new Shabby Apple affiliate program!

It's simple.

You link to our site, or one of our product pages, using the standard URL. (By the way, does anyone know what URL stands for? The Internet has been around for ages now and I still have no idea.) Or, you can use any one of our graphic banners, which we will provide, to link to us.

Then just sit back and earn commissions on all the traffic you drive to our site.

Not a bad day's work, eh?

The average Shabby Apple order is a cool $100, and our wide range of deeply fabulous products includes women's dresses, girl's dresses, maternity dresses and fashion accessories. Something for everyone means a little something for you, too. If you catch my drift.

Ready to sign up?

Visit Shabby Apple to sign up here, and we'll even give you some helpful hints on how to make the most of this fabulous opportunity. E-mail any questions (or gushing praise) to affiliate@shabbyapple.com.

Just remember me when you are all rich. Won't you please?

Won't You Be My Intern?

I want you to do a little exercise for me. Don't worry. It's not push-ups.

I want you to close your eyes, and think about how much you love to wear your favorite Shabby Apple dress. Think about how it makes you feel all feminine, flirty and put-together.

Now think about how great it would be to have that feeling all the time.

But how? you ask.

By applying for a Shabby Apple internship, of course!

Perks include fashion shows, guest blogging (that's right, right here!), article writing, spreading the good Shabby Apple word through sophisticated public relations and working with one of the most stellar bosses in the world. Not to mention a fabulous free dress when you're done.

Too good to be true?

No, ma'am.

Now, I know you all want a shot at this, but interns have to live in Salt Lake City. Hours are flexible, but generally Tuesdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Interns have to have their own laptops.

If I've peaked your interest, drop a line to intern@shabbyapple.com for the application that could just change your life.

Seriously.

Keeping Up

As you well know, dear reader, there is a lot going on here at Shabby Apple, all the time.

How to keep up with fashion advice, trend tips and useful how-tos, not to mention all the wonderful dresses and accessories Shabby Apple has to offer?

It is a conundrum, to be sure.

But, lucky for you, I am here to make things easier. And I am most pleased to announce that you can now follow the happenings at your favorite dress company with the new Shabby Apple widget.

Ta-da!

Just add this little guy to your own blog or Web site and you'll know the second anything new comes up. And all your friends, family and blog stalkers will be able to access our content through your site as well. What a deal!

Still not enough?

Well, it's still your lucky day, because there are even more ways to keep up with Shabby Apple.

For example, look for us on Twitter. You'll be notified every time this blog is updated, and some special promotional codes just might make their way to you as well.

Or, sign up for our RSS feed. You can subscribe as a reader or subscribe using e-mail and be notified the minute, nay, the very second (!) anything new comes along. You, my friends, will always be ahead of the game.

And, finally, if you miss something or you have a question, or a suggestion for something you want to see covered on the blog, or you just want to write and tell me how awesome I am, you can now send e-mails to blog@shabbyapple.com.

Satisfied now? You will have instant, all-day, every day access. Sort of like we're roommates. Or sisters.

Now, doesn't that sound fun?

Beguiled

I am sure you will be pleased to hear that my goal to take over the entire Internet is slowing coming to pass. (Muah-ha-ha-ha-ha!)

The latest conquest is an interview with our own Emily McCormick over at Betty Beguiles. This probably comes as no big shock, but I think you should check it out. Not only to hear the lovely thoughts of lovely Emily, but also because there is a special surprise waiting for you if you do.

Do you like surprises? I do.
Want a surprise? Go check it out already.

You're welcome.

Flaunt It

We here at Shabby Apple are just full of all sorts of priceless advice, which you all well know. And it seems pretty unfair to just keep it to ourselves. And, though we may be many things, unfair we are not.

So, off we went into the World Wide Web and to share the fashion love. Check out our latest article on Maternity Luxe, Flaunt That Baby Bump!

Never fear, our friends. There is plenty of Shabby Apple to go around. If you want some of our wit and wisdom for your own site, just let us know!

Baby Mama

Shabby Apple has been getting some more love from our friends over at Mama Manifesto, this time for the Mama Apple line of maternity dresses.

That's right, Mama Apple made the best maternity clothes list, and I have to say, I whole-heartedly agree! I'm not even pregnant (or anywhere close to it), and I want to buy them and wear them around, so you know they must be pretty good dresses.

But, would you expect anything less?

I didn't think so.

No More Spring Showers

The unseasonably warm weather around here is taunting me, tricking me into thinking winter is over, when I know very well that the snow and cold will be back again soon. Sigh.

But, I can comfort myself with the fact that winter is over at Shabby Apple, and the new spring line is upon us!

Just one look at these breezy, colorful spring dresses and you can't help but forget about the gloom and doom of winter months. Plus, stocking up on a few spring essentials now can only help hasten the warm weather, right?

I am already dreaming of wearing this gorgeous teal dress to a spring wedding...



... maybe this slinky grey number to an al fresco power lunch...



... and these bold, red ruffles are just begging for a sunny Saturday brunch. Don't you think?

Dreaming of spring?

Tell us what new Shabby Apple dress you can't wait to wear!

Voice of the People

The results of the bridesmaid dress contest are in. The people have spoken!

Before I make the big reveal, let me say how excited I was to read your comments and see how many of you have been hoping for Shabby Apple bridesmaid dresses for your very own special day! We here at Shabby Apple are certainly happy to oblige. No need to resort to denim skirts and red Keds. We have you covered.

We also have a surprise twist! (I know what you are thinking. Oh, goody! I love surprise twists!) The voting was so close, and all the designs were so impressive, we decided to name four winners instead of three. That's right. Four winners. Four fabulous dresses for you to choose from. Four friends/sisters/sisters-in-law/nieces/old college roommates who are going to bless your name forevermore because they got to wear flattering, non-frumpy dresses to your wedding. 

Are you dying to know? 

Well, here you go then!

First Place (by a landslide, I might add): Number 7!

Second Place: Number 9!

Third Place: Number 11!

And Fourth place: Number 5!

Let's hear it for all our contestants!

Now, another round of applause for our winners!

And, brides-to-be, keep your eyes here. There is more to come.

Mighty Good, Mighty Goods

Let's hear three cheers for the magic of the Interweb! (Thanks, Al Gore.) 

Mighty Goods, a totally-big-deal design and fashion blog, recently featured two little black dresses from Shabby Apple! I am going to keep the suspense going about which ones, but you can see one dress here, and the other dress here.

If you're not reading Mighty Goods, you probably should be. (Their motto, "Hooray for stuff!" is something I think we can all support.) And, if you're not buying these dresses, you should probably be doing that, too. 

After all, Mighty Goods said so. 

Always a Bridesmaid

The only time I was ever involved in a wedding party, it was for my aunt and uncle's Chuck-Wagon Wedding and I was a flower girl. They got married on horseback and I wore a denim skirt, a cowboy hat and red Keds. It was awesome.

Unfortunately, cowboy chic doesn't work for very many nuptials, and I think we've all probably witnessed some pretty bad attempts at bridesmaid fashion. (Raise your hand if you have a shiny, teal, puffy-sleeved dress in your closet. I thought so.) Finding the perfect dresses for your bridesmaids can be almost as difficult as finding the perfect dress for yourself.

Which brings me to the following wonderful news. Shabby Apple, that friend that always has your best interests at heart, is introducing a line of hip and flattering bridesmaid dresses! (Applause.) And, it gets better! We want you to help us choose! That's right. This isn't a one-way street, people. Your input matters.

Below you will find a total of 11 designs, from two incredibly talented Shabby Apple designers. (I'll just warn you now to hang on to your socks, or else they will get knocked off.) Each design has been assigned a number. Here's what we need you to do: vote for your favorite one. That's all. Just vote. Just one time. (Please, please, pretty please, just one time!) The three designs with the most votes will get the green light, and that eternal bridesmaid dress dilemma will be solved forevermore.

So, without further ado, the contestants are:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6. (left), 7. (center), 8. (right).

9. (left), 10. (center), 11. (right)

So, to sum up.

1. Shabby Apple is going to introduce a line of bridemaid dresses.

2. We want you to help.

3. Hop into the comments section and vote for your favorite design, using the number it has been assigned.

4. Only vote one time, for one design, unless you want me to die of an anxiety attack.

5. Check back here to find out who the winners are!

6. Buy Shabby Apple dresses, bridesmaid and otherwise.

Voting will end TWO WEEKS from today, at midnight MST on January 29th, so get on it. After all, bridesmaid bliss awaits.

Flatter Me

We all know that women come in many different shapes and sizes, and sometimes finding clothes that are "just right" can seem impossible (I'm looking at you, ever-elusive pair of perfect jeans).

Oftentimes our trouble comes, not from a lack of flattering clothes, but from a lack of understanding about what is most flattering on us. Just because it's trendy doesn't mean it will look good on everyone (skinny jeans, anyone?) and finding the right style of clothes can be a frustrating game of trial and error.

But, never fear! Shabby Apple has introduced Fit To Flatter, a quick and easy guide to what looks best on you. Hop on the Web site and check it out. Everyone has an asset to flaunt, and Fit To Flatter will help you make sure you're flaunting the right one(s).


You'll start off with a three-question quiz.


When you splurge and eat a bunch of chocolate cake, where does it go? (If you never splurge and eat a lot of chocolate cake I would like to stick my tongue out at you. Just once.)


What do you love about your body? (Don't be shy. We all have something.)


And how would you describe your body? (You might need a dictionary for this part. Rubenesque means "full figured," just for your information.)


Answer these three simple questions, and the mystery of what looks best on you will be unfolded! When I took the quiz, I came out as a "pencil" (seems sort of appropriate, since I am a journalist, after all), but I actually think pear is a little more accurate, given my "full, womanly hips." (Ooo-la-la!) Some good options for me include Tuxedo IV from the new fall line, Ballerina and, my all-time favorite, 16 Candles. (Thank goodness that made the list! I don't know what I would have done if it wasn't the right fit for me after all.)

More of an hourglass yourself? Look for dresses with fitted waists and straight skirts, like Buttoned Up or Antiquated. Or are you more athletic? Dresses like Daisy and Marseilles are the perfect way to show off your toned arms and legs. And the list goes on. No matter what you look like, Shabby Apple has a dress that will make you look, and feel, good.

Spill!

What is your favorite asset and why?

An apple a day... brings good fashion your way!

Frances here, and I am oh-so-excited to welcome you to the new Shabby Apple blog! (Though there will be nothing "shabby" about it, I can promise you that.)

If you're reading this, my guess is you're already a big fan, or at least thinking about becoming one (do it! do it now!) but for our new friends out there, Shabby Apple is the first and only place you should look for stylish dresses. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself.

With the new fall line out, there are plenty of darling dresses to choose from, but my all-time favorite is still 16 Candles. (I would, honestly, wear it every day, if that sort of thing were socially appropriate.) The ruffled skirt is flouncy and fun and gives you plenty of room to move around in, and the simple, fitted top is flattering on just about everyone. This dress might also have magical powers, because if you happen to forget your bra on the day that you wear it, no one will notice. Or at least, everyone will say they can't tell. Not that I would know that from personal experience or anything. I'm just saying.

But enough about me!

What is your favorite Shabby Apple dress and why?