Your Wardrobe Staple: Dark-Wash Skinny Jeans

Denim. It has a place in everyone's wardrobe, and the options are endless. From the numerous cuts like wide-leg, flare, bootcut, and skinny-leg to the variety of washes like acid-wash and pitch black, I think it can be intimidating to figure out which style works best. But out of all these styles, my “go-to” pair are dark-wash skinny jeans. They're a never-fail wardrobe staple, because you can throw on a blouse over them and you’re ready to go.

         This outfit is a perfect example of how to wear a classic skinny jean. Since the jeans are so tight on the bottom, an over-sized blouse on top keeps the proportions perfectly balanced. The dark wash of these Anlo jeans is not interrupted by any fading or distressing techniques, keeping the look sleek. I love the metal stud details down the bottom sides of the legs, which adds a touch of punk in an understated way. This funky striped Elizabeth & James shirt, by the ever-fabulously dressed Olson twins, is fashion-forward but realistic and wearable. The excess fabric here adds such a cool, draped-on, layered look.

         Two chain necklaces layer nicely over the folds in the blouse. I added a cute pair of black suede lace-up flats from Boutique 9 to finish off the look. A pair of boots would work, too, since skinny jeans fit perfectly in them. 

So if you’re looking for an easy outfit combination, make sure to pick up a pair of dark skinny jeans and you’ll be all set!


xoxo, Kathleen

How Do You Clementine?

Yesterday a customer commented on our Assistant Manager Lovette's cute outfit. She boasted she bought just about everything from clementine. Here's what she was wearing: JCrew jeans (she rarely wears jeans, but she said the price on this pair was irresistible). Her comfy Urban Outfitters tank pairs perfectly with her dark green Harlow silk cardi. She says this is her ultimate go-to outfit for total comfort (besides her bathrobe and slippers). And how can you go wrong when it's also so cute and stylish! And let's not forget her feather hair extension that rocks with her new hair color!

Lovette's outfit from clementine.

Her feather hair extension looks amazing with her hair.

Key and Clover necklace--a staff favorite.

Lyn's combat boots

So then we started talking about all of our favorite clementine gems, from Ally's $18 key & clover necklace to my combat boots. So tell us: What are your favorite pieces from clementine?

Sleeping On Snow

In this outfit I paired a chunky sweater from Anthropologie over a thinner Ella Moss dress. The dress has tank straps with a structured cotton bodice and silk chiffon skirt. 


Since the weather in Richmond this week has been in the high 70s during the day and in the mid 50s at night, you can't go wrong with an outfit like this one. Layering the loosely-knit, cable-knit wool sweater keeps you comfortable during the day and cozy into cooler evenings. 


The brand of the sweater is “Sleeping on Snow” which seems so appropriate as the sweater is cozy, soft, and has super-long sleeves to cuddle up in. I love the cowl neck and exaggerated hemline, with a lovely light blue trim to add some color. I would pair this outfit with some leggings or thick textured tights, slipped into a pair of boots. 


It's always my goal to find multiple ways to wear one clothing item; more bang for the buck! I feel that many people limit their outfit potential when they consider a sweater simply something to wear with pants; instead try to experiment with layering over dresses. When the sweater is paired with this tank dress, it gives both wardrobe items a revived look.

Our "New" Digs

Moving Day was the Sunday before Labor Day. It took 8 people and about 12 hours of hard labor, but we reopened in our "new" space on Tuesday morning, September 6. 


Last post you saw the "back office," crammed with inventory and very little work space. In the renovated space, the area here by the back wall will be another dressing room. The bathroom door will be blocked off and another door is being created on the other side. 


The back door will be opened up into an entryway into new work space for staff and consignment. The check-out desk will move to this area too.

This is a view of the back of the store. The brick wall with the window and bars is the bathroom in the picture above. This is where the third dressing room will go. 

We cleared out the old space pretty quickly. It's amazing how much more spacious the store looks when you take all the inventory away!





















It was bittersweet to see the empty space and to say good bye, but knowing what's to come in October has made it all worth it.

Shown above is our temporary spot at 3112 West Cary St. For those of you familiar with Carytown, you'll recognize this space as the old Heroes & Ghosts building--just three doors down from clementine and directly across the street from our kids' store Clover.

Here's one of our display windows. Don't you love the peacock back drop! It's just inexpensive black-and-white fabric from one of our favorite resources--IKEA. When we're done with it, I think we should take it over to Clover and let the kids color it in with fabric markers.

It's amazing what 8 people can accomplish in less than 24 hours! This spot is now the sales and accessories area.






























Here's the old shoe cabinet from the middle of the "old" space! 

Here's a helpful decorating tip: The lighting in the "new" space is not that great, so we bought these super cheap chinese lanterns (above) from Ikea and hung them randomly from the ceiling and at different heights for interest. We also hung two of them in the front windows. You should see them at night. What great ambiance!!

No doubt we've got more space here, so we're able to put most of our inventory out on the floor. When you walk in the front door, you'll see the old display table with shoes, handbags and other accessories. Tops are on the left side of the store. Denim, dresses, and more shoes are on the right.

Here are Lovette, Kathleen, and Ally above, with Lainey and Maddie below--5 of the most hardworking girls we know! These photos were probably taken about midnight on Monday morning after 7 hours of moving, cleaning, decorating and merchandising. They still look happy and as gorgeous as ever!

Back to School Cool

One of my favorite parts about school starting again is coming up with fresh outfits. In my opinion, you have to dress smart to act the part! I always feel I pay more attention if I put some effort in my presentation. You'll never catch me rocking sweats in class! 


Back to school seems to put me in a preppier mood when it comes to dressing. Classic pieces like this blue cable knit sweater from JCrew are classroom staples. Wear it tucked in or out for some versatility and maybe even add a belt. I'm obsessed with this handmade skirt one of our consigners made herself! The craftsmanship is flawless and the final product: Down-right adorable! 


These brown leather flats are perfect for running around campus. And as the weather cools off these will go great with tights or knee socks. Also, why not skip the backpack and try a large purse instead? I would love to tote my books in this Cynthia Rowley bag! Once again, a large statement necklace takes the look up a notch. 


xoxo,
Kathleen

Clementine's Dirty Little Secret: Revealed.

I think it goes without saying that Richmond's had its share of crazy natural forces this week. The earthquake rattled us on Tuesday--at first we thought it was the workers out back with jack hammers! Then Irene clobbered us on Saturday and left us without power. We're very thankful the shop had no damage and we're up and running again.


I wish I could say these photos show the aftermath of the earthquake and Irene, but they actually reveal one of the main reasons we're expanding. This is our "BACK OFFICE." Now you know what lies behind the check-out desk and back wall: 2 racks to hang our backstock and just enough floor space for the consignment bags waiting to be tagged and priced. You also can just make out our "breakroom" on the left behind the rack (that would be the bathroom with a microwave and mini-fridge) and our desk where we pay bills and write checks.

I know it's hard to believe from these photos, but this space is incredibly efficient and well organized. Every inch of space is being used. We're really lucky to have a very left-brain team of girls who keep everything in order. But I know I speak for all of us when I say *WE CAN'T WAIT!!!** to have more work space and room to take more clothes.


When hiring new sales associates we've often thought to include in the job description "Contortionist a Plus!" since you have to be pretty flexible to move around the back and climb over the bags. I think this girl would be a perfect candidate! 

Fresh Picks: Bohemian Chic

What I love about this look is how easily it brings a summer maxi dress into the cooler months. This blue dress has tank straps, so throwing on a sweet, floral button-up certainly covers you up just enough on cooler days. 

It's fun to experiment with pieces like button-ups; they’re not just office wear. For work, you could easily take a top like this one and tuck it in a skirt for a more tailored and professional look. But tying it in a knot is a great way to make it more casual and playful outside of the office. 

As always layering on a bunch of necklaces really adds interest to the outfit and gives that bohemian chic attitude. This look is one I could find myself wearing any day or night! 

xoxo, Kathleen