Lo & Sons

With the exception of those months after college when we were backpacking around Europe, we here at The Pink Mixer have always been more of a rolling suitcase kind of traveler instead of the mighty hefted over one shoulder duffel bag.  Our prejudice is simple.  Rolling suitcases? Brilliant, mobile invention.  A duffel bag?  Those buggers can be downright heavy.

Still, they serve a great and wonderful service when a rolling bag won't do, particularly for a weekend get-away.  Last July, after noticing our tried and true (and old) Vera Bradley duffel was becoming frayed, we treated ourselves to The Catalina from Brooklyn based company, Lo & Sons.  We liked the catch-all nature of the bag, the price was right, and the tipping point was that well-designed bottom pocket - perfect for shoes, a wet bathing suit, or dirty clothes.

We put The Catalina to work immediately, taking the bag to a wedding in Connecticut and later in the summer, on the ferry to Martha's Vineyard.  However, after only a few uses, we tucked it away, as fall turned to winter and those quick weekend jaunts were put on hold until some of the snow melted away.  Or at least until mid-February when we decided to use a long weekend to fly south to visit family.  As we arrived at our destination, we noticed an unfortunate rip right at the seam of that aforementioned bottom portion of our duffel.  Annoyed and frustrated - we'd only had it for a handful of months! and only used it minimally! - we decided to do what any good consumer does.  We contacted the company and informed them (politely) of our complaint.  And then Lo&Sons did what any good company should do.  They responded immediately, ( and politely) gathered a bit more information, and suggested a solution - a solution that involved a brand new bag since the damage did not seem easily repairable.

Isn't it immensely refreshing when things go the way they are supposed to go?  Companies make good on their promises, treat their customers well, which makes those customers want to spend more money at the company, and everyone wins in the end?

Guess that duffel is even mightier than The Pink Mixer had originally suspected.

Average price: $120

Rating: 5 out of 5!  

Hunter Packable Tour Rain Boots

We owned our beloved navy blue Hunter wellies for almost six years.  We wore them almost every day for six months out of the year and never had a complaint.  They kept us warm, they worked with our skirts and dresses and leggings and jeans, forever looking classically stylish, and - most importantly - they kept our ten little piggies dry no matter the rain, hail, sleet, or snow thrown our way.

Eventually all good things must come to an end though and earlier this winter we started to noticed a few tiny hairline cracks in the rubber.  And our feet were a little damp by the time we'd walk home in the rain or sleet.  We continued to make do because, yes, Hunters are expensive, but we knew the love affair - with this particular pair of boots at least - would be fading sooner rather than later.  

And so, back to the Hunter website we went to explore our options. Amazing, the colors and styles this classic company had started to turn out in the past few years.  We knew we wanted classic and tall, that part was easy.  Then our eyes landed on a single word that utterly intrigued us.  Packable.

Our interest peaked, we started to investigate the Original Packable Tour Rain Boots.  They were the same price as the Original Boots, same look, style, and color options as well.  BUT - they folded at the ankle? So you could actually pack them in, say, a suitcase or a gym bag or a schlep into work carry-all? Eureka!

While still apprehensive that the quality might be sub-par after what we'd come to know and love with our original pair we decided, ultimately, to just throw caution to the wind and give this packable idea a chance.  Order made.  

Our boots (dark green this time) arrived last week.  And reader, we have never once looked back.  They are so light!  So comfortable!  So easy to stroll, strut, and speed walk in!  We never, ever thought anything else would come between our love for our original wellies, but this packable option has, thus far, been able to do exactly that.  It's like the geniuses behind Hunter were able to take their already great and reliable product and make. it. better.  

That's just like those lovely old Brits, isn't it?

Average Price: $148

Rating 5 out of 5!

Simply Vera Vera Wang Opaque Control Top Tights

We live in what can be know as a rather chilly part of these United States, which makes tights an absolute necessity for several months out of the year.

One would think by now, finding a stellar pair of tights would be a no-brainer. But here's what inevitably happens to us. We stumble upon one outstanding pair of tights. They're warm (relatively speaking of course), they fit properly, they hold up to wear and tear, the color and thickness is right, and we love them. Then, as even the best tights eventually do, they get a hole in them or - worse - a non-nail polish fixable run, and we have to trash them. By then we no longer remember the "make or model" of these tights we've loved for months and we're back on the hunt for a worthy pair of tights, starting from scratch.

Today though, this vicious cycle ends! Just last week - after destroying our most recent (and disappointing) pair of black tights - we set out to find a replacement. Somewhere, buried deep in the recesses of our mind, we seemed to remember good things about Vera Wang tights. Seeing as they were on sale for only $8, we went ahead and gave Kohl's Simply Vera Vera Wang Opaque Control Top Tights a shot. And my, how pleased we've been.

So, dear readers, take note. If you are in the market for opaque tights, this is the pair to purchase. Their sizing runs true to the chart on the package and they come in a multitude of wearable colors. Makes you want to dig out all those skirts hanging in the back of your closet, doesn't it?

Average Price: $14.00 regular (but there is always some sort of sale at Kohl's)
Rating: 5 out of 5!

LL Bean Wicked Good Moccasins

We've long coveted these LL Bean Wicked Good Moccasins, mostly because we strongly believe in the following: toasty warm feet = a happy girl. For several seasons we looked near the end of winter, hoping to find them on sale, only to find they were always sold out of our specific size and the particular color we wanted. Luckily, this year, Santa took a good hard look at our wish list and knew these slippers were just the thing.

We promise your feet will sing a happy tune the minute you slip into these shearling lined wonders and put a layer - rubber sole and all - between your feet and those chilly hard wood floors. We often wear socks along with these slippers, though they're probably plenty warm on their own, because we like keeping the top of our feet and ankles warm as well. But you can decide that for yourself once you snag your own pair. Wicked Good indeed.

Average price: $59.00 (+ free shipping if you order online!)
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Platypus File -- Art+Craft+Design

About a month ago, we were wandering around a downtown outdoor market in Tallahassee, Florida one humid Saturday afternoon. Tucked in between the photography stands and farmer's market tables was a hidden gem of a boutique, Platypus File.

Filled with eccentric, charming, and whimsical pieces the woman behind Platypus File seems to have created something for just about everyone. Between the earrings, hairclips, rings, and adorable bird pillows we had trouble picking out just one item to take home. Luckily, her prices were reasonable enough that we didn't have to settle. In the end, we left with two one of a kind cocktail rings, as well as a quaint pair of delicate earrings.

Along with her etsy shop, Platypus File's line can be found at indivudual shops up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Check out her website and shop listings for where to find her. And, as always, happy colorful, adorable shopping!

Average price: depends on item(s)

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Lands End Canvas

Pop quiz, shopper. What do you think of when someone mentions Lands' End? Practical, basic, standard,...err...bland, boring...
Used to be, if your answer involved any of the above adjectives you were right.

Seemingly overnight though, there's been a major shift over at dear old Lands' End. Last summer I found myself wandering through a local Sears (where Lands End apparel is sold - who knew?) and before I knew it, my arms were loaded up with cute, flattering, affordable tops, skirts, and sweaters to try on in the dressing room. And don't even get me started on how much I adore their handbags.

While that transformation seemed all well and good and much needed, it was this past Fall when I discovered the newest, greatest gem in the world of Lands' End. And that gem, dear readers, is Lands End Canvas. (Which they say started in 1963. How I only discovered them in 2010 is a marketing mystery, but whatever. Let's get back to the clothes!) So if Lands' End is the woman who finally got around to getting the hip haircut and treating herself to a few new flattering trends, Lands' End Canvas is the fashionable friend who has known all along where some of the best kept secrets are hidden.

Lands End Canvas has a Jcrew look and feel, without the Jcrew look and feel of skyrocketing prices. Keep your eyes peeled for sales and free shipping codes and their items are downright reasonable. Our favorite part though? With our first order we got a hand written thank you note from a member of their team. And as everyone knows by now, The Pink Mixer is a sucker for cute style combined with a good old-fashioned letter. Swoon.

Average Price: all depends on what you buy...
Rating 5 out of 5!

TOMS Shoes

It's hard to believe The Pink Mixer has vanished for over a month. What can we say? We've been busy. Busy walking, among other things in our brand new TOMS shoes. We'd had our eyes on a pair for several months and finally gave in as a special spring treat. We knew we liked the look and casual style of these shoes but we were a tiny bit worried about how comfortable they'd actually be.

Um.

We fretted over nothing.

These shoes are, without a doubt, some of the most comfortable, low-maintenance, throw on in a second shoes we have ever owned. It would not be an exaggeration to say we fell in love instantly. Which, by all accounts - comfort, style, and good will - is a good thing. How can you NOT get behind a company that promises One for One? With every pair of TOMS shoes purchased, another pair goes to a child indeed.

Which means we've already helped one child get a new pair of shoes. And something tells us it won't be long until we're ready to help another...

Average Price: $50/pair
Rating: 5 out of 5

Agnes Magnolia

Seeing as we know two of the artists working behind the scenes here we might be a tad bit biased. Still, that isn't going to stop us from telling you about our new favorite shop on Etsy - Agnes Magnolia.

Founded by three friends, artists, and teachers living and working on the North Shore of Massachusetts, they sell products all hand crafted, hand screen printed and/or sewn in their own studio. These women work to use quality materials and utilize organic fabrics and clothing whenever possible.

Their current line is inspired by their surroundings on the coastal North Shore of Massachusetts. After seeing many of their products in person this past weekend, I can attest to the fact that the t-shirts are some of the softest I've ever felt, their pillows are charming, and I'm a little bit in love with their tea towels, onesies, and tote bags. Agnes Magnolia continues to add more items to their shop and the group is really hitting the ground running. They'll be the next hot New England trend - mark my words, so get it while you can.

Just remember. You heard it here first.

Average Price: Varies by Object/Range of $5-$28
Rating: 5 out of 5!

Kohl's

At first glance, Kohl’s looks like your average department store. However, if you’re patient and dig a little deeper, we promise you’ll find some extraordinary values and tres cute items. Our personal favorite is their Simply Vera line designed by Vera Wang. We fawn over her accessories, dresses, tops, and bed linens each time we enter the store and rarely leave without indulging ourselves. To the casual observer, this may seem like an unhealthy trend for our budgets, but Kohl’s offers such fabulous sales and discounts you almost feel like you’re getting away with something you shouldn’t every time you leave the register.

And if you get home and change your mind? Their return policy is one of the best we’ve ever seen – no time limit, no questions asked, no hassle.

Here are a few of our current favorites, all found at Kohl’s stores throughout the country:

KT Collection: Handmade Jewelry

Last March, I went to New York City for a weekend with my girlfriends. While wandering through the Village, we came upon a mini outdoor festival (New Yorkers, they love their outdoor markets). As we strolled from stall to stall we came upon Katie Thompson’s handmade jewelry, known as the KT Collection. My friends and I oohed and aahed over several pieces and I, in particular, developed quite a crush on her elephant necklace charms.

But let’s not stop at elephants. The KT Collection offers a little something for everyone – all delicate, classic, beautifully made pieces. I believe I’m going to become quite the fan.

Still, Mr. Elephant will always have a special spot in my jewelry loving heart, reserved only for him.

Average Price: Varies by piece

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Crush of the Moment: Flannel

In honor of the new Fall season, we are adding a new edition to our running list of discussion points over here at The Pink Mixer.

It may not be a review per-say, but we’d like to occasionally talk about what new trends, items, and styles have caught our eye. (Really, we can’t help but gush over some new hip, fancy, items but our real life friends only have so much patience for these types of chats…) Perhaps you’d like to hear about our obsessions too. Maybe you even have some of your own you’d like to share.

Well, we’re all ears. Gushing – though encouraged – is not required.

******

Trend of the moment? The one we never thought we’d embrace again after spending our adolescence living in the grunge faze that was the early ‘90s?

Flannel.

While a part of us can’t believe it’s back, another side of us can’t believe it ever left. It’s soft, cozy, colorful. Why wouldn’t we want to sport flannel throughout the fall and winter?

The key difference this time around (besides leaving the Doc Martins stuck in the way, way back of our closet) is this is not your father’s flannel. XXL shirts are not the current flannel wave we’re riding. The trend this time around is tapered, tucked, much more feminie. There are ruffles, bows, and darts which means that lumberjack shirt actually looks sexy instead of big, boxy, and unflattering.

Call us crazy but we’re in. After all, it’s going to be a long winter.

Some favorites – recently spotted:
Delia's Elisa Plaid Shirt: $39.50 Gap Plaid Sailor Pencil Skirt: $54.50 Target Junior's Mossimo Boyfriend Flannel: $15.00


Old Navy Plaid Ruffle Flannel Shirt: $24.50

Gap Ruffle Trimmed Cardigan

We rarely focus on one solitary item of clothing in our reviews at The Pink Mixer. Gone are our days of school uniforms, measured hem lengths, rules about what is and what isn’t appropriate to wear - though, ahem, we do sometimes see people who could use a quick refresher on that topic. The way we see it, fashion is all about self-expression and it just gets boring if we’re all cut from the same cloth, right?

Still, we’ve long been on the hunt for the perfect cardigan. We have quite a few contenders – JCrew and Banana Republic both make some good ones – but it was a recent discovery at the old tried and true, GAP, which lent itself to this post.

GAP, it appears has come full circle in their designs, and we don’t mind telling you we think they’re on the right track as of late. In search of discounted sale items the other day, we swept through the store and excitedly stumbled upon their ruffle trimmed cardigan. We’re a sucker for ¾ length sleeves to begin with, so we fell in love with the cuffed sleeve almost immediately. GAP has been nice enough to give us a variety of colors to choose from and the cotton blend is just perfect for 3 out of 4 season wear. But do you know what pushed us over the edge and had us walk to the counter to shell out some of our hard-earned money? The ruffled trim. It’s that little sweet touch, that dash of femininity, that little extra something that makes this sweater go from ‘just another cardigan’ to the ‘cardigan we reach for without fail’.

Oh, and? It’s on sale. An in-store purchase will even get you another 40% off the already marked down price.

So, hurry! Let’s just not all wear them on the same day okay? Lest it look like we’re back to the ol’ school uniform.

Average price: $39.99

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Jeremie: Bird Plate

We have a thing for bird prints around here. Knowing this, you can imagine how smitten we were when we stumbled upon Jeremie's home decor line, filled with all sorts of bird related home goods.

Jeremie serves trade stores only, so your best bet is to keep your eyes peeled when wandering through various home boutiques. We picked up our robin's egg blue plate (microwave and dishwasher safe too!) for a steal at $14. This is lovely for a number of reasons, the first being, of course, that we didn't even need to dip into our own nest egg to satisfy our instant crush.

Average Price: Varies by Item
Rating: 4 out of 5

Bungalow 360

Two years ago, my mother and I spent a week at the beach in Florida. While shopping in the local town one afternoon, we stumbled upon a store window filled with Bungalow 360 products, and I was instantly smitten.

The whale wallet, as shown above, became my personal favorite and has been dubbed "The summer wallet" at the house of The Pink Mixer, used from May through October. Bungalow 360 makes a wide variety of cute, cheeky, whimsical items and I find their products are popping up in store windows more and more about the country.

We recommend you get to 'em while they're still adorably cute and unique, lest they become the pattern seen 'round the States.

After all, even a working girl's gotta celebrate the summer season somehow as she trudges in and out of her office every day, right?

Average price: varies by bag or wallet

Rating: 4 out of 5

Etsy Shop: Bijou de Chat

We should come clean and tell you we’re a tiny bit biased when it comes to a certain Etsy jewelry seller. Could be that we actually know her and count her among our group of friends in The Pink Mixer circle or it could be that we really just think her hand-made jewelry is top-notch. Okay, okay, you caught us – it’s both.

Working almost exclusively with gemstones, Bijou De Chat makes one of a kind creations – including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. All are reasonable priced and the perfect way to kick an ordinary outfit up a notch. Heck, the jewelry is so fun; it might even kick a plain old, ordinary day to a whole new level.

Average Price: Varies by Item

Rating: 5 out of 5!

American Apparel

So here’s the ying and yang about the clothing store American Apparel:

The ying: They make some of the best t-shirts going. You know that cute concert tee you bought last summer that’s so soft and comfy? I wager a guess it’s an American Apparel tee. Remember that time you borrowed your boyfriend’s hoodie and “forgot” to give it back to him? It’s probably made by American Apparel. Know that tank top that fits just right no matter how many times it’s seen the Laundromat? Also, I’d be willing to bet, an American Apparel item.

They’ve got a good thing going when it comes to solid, basic, standard, go-to garments. If you can squeeze past the hipsters with their skinny jeans and oversized sunglasses, you’ll notice that their stores don’t push a lot of flashy, trendy items but stick to the basics – with a flash of neon 1980s fashion thrown in for fun. Provided you comb through the racks with a layering eye in mind you can find some pretty awesome staples for your wardrobe.

The yang, in our humble opinion is two-fold. They can be a tad overpriced. ($40 for a hoodie?) This is justifiable, however, knowing most of what you buy will last for ages and wasn’t produced in some far-off land by young children forced to work in sweatshop conditions.

Our biggest issue, the thorn in our side so to speak. is with their return policy. To be blunt, it sucks. There are no refunds, no money back, ever. You get store credit instead, always, no matter the situation. Of course, this isn’t the end of the world, right? After all, one will always find a need for a cozy hoodie. Still, I can’t help but be a bit miffed by a company who won’t give me back my $35 a mere 3 days after I made a fly by the seat of my pants purchase, one I later changed my mind about. In fact, if I had to rewrite their return policy it would just state: go on, take the money and run.

Average Price: Varies by item

Rating: 3 out of 5

Hunter Wellies

Being a bit of an Anglophile and living in a damp, often rainy and snowy Northeastern city, we have long coveted Hunter brand Wellington Boots. For years, while trying to pinch our pennies we convinced ourselves that any old type of wellies would do instead of shelling out a bit more cash for the crème de la crème of field boots. Well. Those any old type of wellies cracked and rotted before the end of one soggy season and we were back to square one – coveting Hunters – with cold, wet feet to prove it.

As luck would have it, we recently stumbled upon a sale online. Knowing that the prices of these boots rarely drop more than they already had, we pounced. And now, after a quick overnight delivery, we have become the utterly thrilled owners of a pair of Hunter Boots. Hoorah. Already we know they’re worth the price, the investment. They’re warmer, thicker, and far superior than any other pairs of wellies we’ve known.

Truly, as the brand says, outstanding in every field.

Average Price: Varies, depends on style, usually ranges between $100-$130 per pair

Rating: 5 out of 5!

Zappos.Com

I realize this entry will probably not cause any epiphanies among the masses.

After all, Zappos.Com, the online shoe mecca, is not a new website by any means. Still, we here at The Pink Mixer couldn't sleep at night not reminding you just how amazing this site is. Name a shoe. Go ahead. Take your pick - it's there. Name the color you want said shoe to be - There. Name the size - Check. Got a shoe you've had your heart set on but don't want to pay full price? Keep checking. Eventually they'll have a sale, even if it's for one day only.

Don't want to pay shipping and handling? No worries, because it's always free. Decide the shoe was better in your mind's eye than on your feet? You can return the unworn pair without an ounce of hassle. Want the shoes to come fast? Covered. We've personally never waited more than a day for our coveted shoes to arrive via regular parcel post.

Jump on the Zappos bandwagon, gang. Your (stylish) feet will thank you.

Average Price: Varies by shoes
prices comparable to in store purchases seen around town.
Rating: 5 out of 5!

UGG: Classic Cardy

Uggs hit the scene full stream ahead circa 2004. Everyone desperately wanted to get their hands on a pair. Then, by 2006, everyone did. Suddenly Uggs weren't quite the magicial, mysterious, fashion gem they once were.

Oh, yes, they were a hot commodity in The Pink Mixer household too, don't be fooled. But then, after seeing them on every single person young and old for season after season we grew beyond weary of the "Ugg Phenomeon."

While originally determined to steer ourselves far away from all Ugg associations in winter 08, we finally came to our senses when a friend issued the following statement.

"We live in New England. It is cold here, for a very long, cold time. Uggs will always be popular here. That's the way it goes."

Hmm.

That friend had a point.

And so we set out on a mission to find a new pair of Uggs that didn't look like Uggs. We wanted the warmth (sheepskin!) the comfort, the coziness. We did not want to look like we'd stepped out of the pages of US Weekly.

After much searching we settled on Ugg's Classic Cardy design. A little different, a little less Ugg-generic, and great color choices. Call us crazy, but well, we can be easily smitten. Sadly, it seems a lot of other like-minded folks were smitten too as we had to go through five different websites to finally find and order a pair in our size.

They arrived the other day and they really are as cute as can be. Yes, even the jaded Pink Mixer is falling for the Ugg trend again. And most importantly? they're going to get us through another long, cold, winter.

Average Price: $130/pair
Rating: 4 out of 5

Curly Girl Design

In this day and age of generic, run of the mill, “cookie cutter” stores and gifts, there’s nothing I love more than finding a new, undiscovered artist who creates unique, one of a kind items.

I first found Curly Girl Designs down on the Jersey Shore this summer while perusing her artwork in a shop off of the Ocean City boardwalk. After spending a little time clicking through her website, I have to say I’m even more enraptured with Leigh’s whimsical art, designs, and expressions.

It’s tough to pick one but I did eventually settle on my own personal favorite. Spend some time browsing and I guarantee you’ll find one that’s right up your alley too.

Average Price: Varies by item

Rating: 5 out of 5!