Trust Your Style

trust

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:18:00 +0000

This is a photo of me and my friend Rebecca at a 50s party during college. I was 17 or 18 years old. We got together last night for drinks and were talking about how much harder it seems to be a young girl now. If you don't have the money to get plastic surgery these days, you're out of luck. We were laughing about how when we were in college at Berkeley, showing your cleavage was just about the lamest thing you could do, like an offense to other females--all the cool kids would be like "don't you have anything better to show for yourself?"

Like me, Rebecca is a transplant to Orange County from Los Angeles. We were talking about the process of making new friends and how the only people we really trust are the friends we made when we were in college--for me that was between the ages of 17-21. Those people are still the ones I hold dearest. That, and my blogging friends. I really did tell her that! Something about the process of getting to know people little by little, day by day through their diaries and comments is a very intimate process. I never dreamed when I started blogging 6 years ago that it would become such a big thing my life. It was meant to be a commentary on style to brand my company, but it became a place where age, occupation, and appearance were bridged, and it didn't matter and never really did whether my friends have "style" as long as they have goodness. Okay good people, I am signing off. If my blog comes back tomorrow there will be a nice giveaway--if not, first thing Monday!

xoxo Mary Jo

back in a minute!

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:34:00 +0000

Just wanted to let you know that my internet was down yesterday and today my blog will be migrating to non-ftp Blogger and may or may not be down for a full 24 hours at some point in the near future. Hopefully there will be no down time, but if it happens, I'll be tweeting more to compensate. So please check back soon--I have a wonderful giveaway this week + lots of stylish things to share with you!

In the meantime, the winner of last week's Tonic giveaway {chosen by the random number generator} is Teri Rees Wang. Congrats! Please contact me at trustyourstyle@gmail.com so I can find out what products you'd like and have them sent to you.

monday's bittersweet obsessions

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:06:00 +0000

Bittersweet Obsessions by Orly Cogan

The only thing better than coffee and fashion on a chilly Monday morning is coffee and art, so please join me with a steaming cup and let's catch up. This weekend I was able to stop by Orly Cogan's reception for her new show, Love Street, at the Charlie James Gallery in Chinatown in Los Angeles.

I really enjoyed Orly's work--modern themes about the roles of women and their desires juxtiposed on granny linens. The play of the sweet embroidery and all of it's connotations of submissive femininity contrasted with subversive content somehow works brilliantly.

Searching for my Prince

I only wish these photos better conveyed the sewing, applique and painting details which are quite stunning in person. Using vintage printed fabrics and found embroideries, she embellishes them with her own concepts and questions about femininity. As Orly explained to me at her opening, the show addresses the different stages of femininity and love: hopeful love {the girls and the appliqued frogs}; bitter love--an arrangement of pillows embroidered with familiar comments: It's not you it's me, We can still be friends, Is that what you're wearing?}; obsessive love {the piece with girls snorting cocain and eating cupcakes}.

If you're in Los Angeles, the show runs through June 19. You can see more of her work at OrlyCogan.com.

Despite some killer traffic getting in to see the show, it ended up being a really fun weekend! I got together with some of my friends in Los Angeles after the show for a nice dinner, checked out a new {at least for me} Silverlake hot spot, had a great Sunday brunch {thank you Cynthia!} plus did a little hipster shopping on Sunday before heading home. And somehow I ended up picking up three new gray sweaters in less than 24 hours--I guess you can never have too many gray sweaters...Hoping you had a good weekend too. What did you do?

friday's dreams

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Bella Freud's Collaboration with Susie Bick captured by Sam Taylor-Wood is just dreamy. Read more about it at Nowness.

For some full on let's get the weekend started reading: Six to Bliss--Everything Fabulous' guest post on Decorista was my fav post this week--you'll love it I promise!

And don't miss Apartment Therapy's Small Cool Apartment Contest. It's just the best. I'm still as taken with this contest every bit as much as when it first started.

To set a contemplative mood, check out what Elizabeth Gilbert {of Eat, Pray, Love fame} has to say about the thrill of falling flat on your face: Screw up (often, and boldly), learn from your mistakes, repeat. Haha, I'm going to re-read this one!

And to end this reverie on an outrageous note, I leave you with Lady Gaga's ode to Alexander McQueen at the Brit Awards--beautiful in an Elton John-meets-Liberace kind of way...Click here to watch.

Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo Mary Jo

beach hair + giveaway

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:21:00 +0000

Dreaming of having luxurious beach hair? This past week I've been trying out a line of organic, environmentally-friendly products by Tonic which are designed to protect hair from nature's harsh elements both on and off the beach.

So far I've been loving The Chronic Tonic Shampoo and Conditioner system which is made for weather beaten hair {hello that's me}. I'm pretty picky when it comes to hair care products and I liked that this product not only is 100% earth friendly, sulfate and paraben free, but it's also light and leaves my hair smelling good and feeling conditioned.

TrustYourStyle teamed up with Tonic to offer a lucky tys reader a chance to win either The Chronic Tonic Shampoo and Conditioner system {retails for $28} or a bottle of Luster leave-in conditioner + a bottle of Threesome Tonic, a shampoo, conditioner, and stimulating body wash {retail $26 for the pair}.

If you'd like to protect your hair from the damaging effects of sun, salt, wind and chlorine be sure and enter the contest! {It doesn't matter whether you've won before, entered every contest tys has ever had, or never entered--the random generator is impartial.}

This giveaway is for US residents only and will end next Thursday. To enter, just leave a comment below and please make sure there's an email/website where I can contact you if you win. For an extra chance to enter follow trustyourstyle on twitter or google {buttons are on the right hand side of this blog} and leave a comment letting me know. Good luck!

Before I sign off, I want to announce last week's winner of the neuLash giveaway--the random number generator picked Tamara Nicole of Memory Bean Designs! Congrats! Please email me with your address so I can make sure your tube of neuLash gets out to you asap.

Hope you're having a fab week, meet you back here tomorrow!

xo Mary Jo

Top photo via tumblr; Surf photo by Aaron Chang; Tonic photos courtesy TonicShop.com

message in a bottle

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:52:00 +0000

Today is one of those days where it's too overcast and windy to be outside but not rainy enough to stay inside...a good time for reflection. Even though it's not beach weather, I am craving time at the beach--soon enough it will be hot and crowded with tourists and I'll probably miss this quiet time.

Yesterday a younger friend of mine told me that she felt pressure because she should be doing certain things for her career, but all she really wanted to do is take time off and work on her art; draw, paint, and sketch. That she'd lost touch with that part of herself that was creative and always making art. If only the answers to life could wash up in a bottle for us to find on the beach...

I think that when we force ourselves to do things we think we should be doing they never turn out well anyway, so it's best to do things that make us happy. All this striving for our careers and in the end, what does it really mean?

I changed so much after seeing my father slip away right before my very eyes. He was such a successful accomplished man, but at the end of his life it was his goodness that made doctors and nurses give that extra bit of themselves to make sure he was comfortable, and I saw them wipe away tears on more than one occasion after leaving his room. At the end of your life nobody cares how much money you have, what celebrities you hung with, or what kind of clothes were in your closet.

I'm wishing you, me and all of us simply to be happy and loved today.

Photos via Tumblr

who says coffee isn't glamorous?

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:14:00 +0000

Good morning! Hoping you had a wonderful weekend. Thought you might find these glam ladies inspiring while you sip your morning coffee. Ah, fashion and coffee--does it get any better?

Sending you stylish coffee wishes until tomorrow!

xo Mary Jo

photos: LeCheapCestChic; Tumblr; Vogue Italia; OlsensAnonymous; GoogleReader; WetBehindthears; JennyLewisMySpace; Facebook; Tumblr.

ode to a magpie

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

There's a superstition related to magpies saying that seeing one is bad luck. Saluting the magpie apparently counteracts this. There's also a poem related to this superstition indicating what it means to see a certain number of magpies together:

One for sorrow. Two for Joy. Three for a girl. Four for a boy. Five for silver. Six for gold. Seven for a secret never told. Eight is a kiss. Nine is a wish. Ten is a chance never to be missed.

I must've been a magpie in my former life because I do love bright and shiny objects of delight. Here are some stacks of carnelian, jade, turquoise, pearl and Czech crystal treasures that will be hitting my etsy shop in the near future.

Want more whimsy, magic, and brightness? Here are a few links I thought you might like to tide you over this weekend--enjoy!

* From DuJourMag.com, Rachel Roy's enchanting video, Miroir Mirror

* Cynthia Rowley's watercolor collection for Roxy {click here}

* Pleated to Meet You or Burberry's new killer bags

* Style.com's pick of the week by Zimmerman {and I don't mean Robert}. Click here for the scoop.

top photo via Tumblr

gleeful glam giveaway!

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:45:00 +0000

Anyone else a Glee fan? Lea Michele looked so glam at the Glee Premier party at Chateau Marmont that I had to post a photo. And omg, did you see Glee's crazy cheerleader coach Sue Sylvester starring in her own "Vogue" segment which recreated Madonna's video shot by shot? It was pretty great. Sorry I can't help it, I have to post it:

Speaking of glam, today's giveaway is for all you glamorous readers who might be wishing for fuller, luscious, longer-looking eyelashes. Trust Your Style has teamed up with neuLash to give away a 6ml tube of NeuLash (which retails for $150.00) and one lucky tys reader is going to be the winner!

To enter to win your tube of neuLash just leave a comment below. And if you'd like a second or third chance to enter, sign up to follow my blog or trustyourstyle on twitter - buttons are on the right hand side. If you do sign up, please leave me a message letting me know that you did and make sure that your comment links back to an email address/or blog where I can reach you. Good luck!

p.s. If you're hunting for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, Neiman Marcus stores nationwide will be offering an exclusive in-store gift set from neuLash valued around $200.

p.p.s. In case you were wondering what neuLash is: it's an eyelash conditioner that naturally improves the overall appearance of lashes and brows in as little as two weeks. The serum contains renewing properties that protect lashes and brows from breakage, making them fuller and healthier and giving them the appearance of fuller, thicker and healthier-looking lashes. The serum is safe for use by those who have eyelash extensions or contact lenses. Ophthalmologist and dermatologist approved, neuLash has been found to be safe and gentle to eyes without any known adverse side effects. All of its ingredients are cosmetically approved and backed with several years of independent testing, For more information, visit www.neulash.com and www.neimanmarcus.com.

Still reading? Good, because I'm announcing the 2 winners of the
Tweezerman Pro Eyelash Curler: K from Never turn down a Cupcake and Miss Neira are the 2 tys readers picked by the Random Number Generator--congrats!! Ladies, please email me your address at trustyourstyle@gmail.com so I can have your eyelash curlers sent out asap.

Hope you're having a good week! Meet you back here tomorrow for an end-of-the-week round up and lots of lovely links!

xoxo Mary Jo

arm candy!

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:24:00 +0000

Amethyst stretch bracelet with Candy

Hoping you've been having a great week so far! I've been having some technical difficulties with my new computer/internet connection, but think it's all worked out now. Anyway, a sunny Tuesday afternoon seemed like a good time to introduce some new semi-precious arm candy I've been working on. Hope you like it!

Rose Quartz stretch bracelet with Cookbook

Rutilated Quartz bracelet with vintage Brass Monkey

Pale green Freshwater Pearl bracelet with Vintage Deer

Turquoise bracelet with Horse Coin Charm

p.s. I worked really hard to keep the prices affordable. I saw a turquoise bracelet identical to mine at a trendy boutique in Laguna this weekend. The only difference was that theirs didn't have a horse coin {Yes, I've got some new horses to show you} and was $83 more! Because you're buying from me directly it hasn't been marked up 2.5 to 3 times more than it needs to be and this way you can afford to get a few of these pretty candy bracelets!

Faceted Rose Quartz bracelet

Mother of Pearl bracelet with Horse Coin Charm

Faceted Cherry Quartz bracelet

These are just a few of the pretty semi-precious stone bracelets and vintage pieces arriving in my Etsy shop. Hoping you'll drop by soon!

it's been a good week!

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:50:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I'm a little pooped from this week, which seemed to whiz by in a flash, what with lots of outings, lunches, and even a play added in to my work week. Still, I cannot wait for the weekend! Actually, the fun starts tonight, I'm having a friend over for dinner. Then there's a class I'm planning to take from sweet blogger Katie of Goodnite Irene--I'm serious now about getting into shape--and I think she's just the one to inspire me. There's a tenative bike ride/brunch brewing so fleamarkets will have to wait. This is the season where people are starting to visit me in Laguna, which is swinging into pre-summer blissful weather, so I'm expecting to log in some time in the quaint shops and restaurants on Sunday.

I'm hoping to have time to lounge around and thumb through a magazine or two. Even though I've sworn off buying random design magazines, I couldn't resist picking up this issue of Traditional Home for no better reason than the Warhol and blue hydrangeas caught my eye. Then when I saw the kitchen of my dreams in the back of the mag, I was a goner. This is actually a great magazine for those of you who have never checked it out. While I hardly think of myself as traditional, I fell in love with their garden spread and thought every article was excellent.

If you have a little extra time and feel like doing some internet reading, I recommend perusing DivorcedBefore30.com--Thanks to Lynne Bruning, who tweeted about her former college mate's story/website, I found Emma's very sweet love story that completely hooked me from chapter 1: How I Left My Husband On My Lunch Break, and found myself devouring the whole story in one night.

And in case you've ever wondered what is it that I do do, {to quote Young Frankenstein} I'm honored to have a feature spread {page 20} in a new online magazine called Stiletto Glam and just found out this morning that they chose me as the designer they are cross-promoting in their mainstream publication, Stiletto Woman Magazine. So all in all it's been a good week!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Meet you back here on Monday!

xoxo Mary Jo

photos: Doggie from Graham and Green; Cover courtesy Traditional Home; Bride photo courtesy DivorcedBefore30.com; Chiffon dress via MaryJoMatsumoto.com

spring has sprung + luscious lash curler giveaway!

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:51:00 +0000

Do you feel it too? It's warm and flirty and it's finally here--SPRING!! I've been down to the beach and dining outside, it truly is wonderful! And of course, suddenly I feel the need to leave my cocoon and socialize + entertain. All this to say that I have been remiss in my blogging and blog reading this week, but hopefully you'll understand the tantalizing spell that spring weaves.

Now on to TrustYourStyle's Nude Lip Giveaway: the Random Number generated winners were #15 and #20-- Persis Shah and Callie Grayson who were the 15th and 20th people to enter. Congrats ladies! Please email me your addresses at TrustYourStyle@gmail.com so I can have your Sue Devitt Nude Lip pencil and Lip Gloss sent to you tout suite!

More good news--in case you did not win {or even if you did} make sure to enter TrustYourStyle's luscious lash curler giveaway. With Shu Uemura--revered for its Eyelash Curler--pulling their products from US shelves last week, eyes are now on Tweezerman's Pro Curl Curler, long considered the beauty fanatic's eyelash curler gold standard. With its beautiful and distinctive rose gold design and ergonomically crafted, pinch-proof precision, this contoured curler is designed to fit all eye shapes. Best of all, the Pro-Curl Curler could be your next award-winning beauty tool! I have 2 of these fab Tweezerman Pro Eyelash Curlers to giveaway!

How perfect is this to celebrate spring? All you need to do to enter is leave a comment below. If you want an extra chance to win follow TrustYourStyle on Twitter. It's that simple.

Well I am off to L.A. for shopping and to catch the play that my friend and stand-up comic Cynthia Levin is directing. It's crazy, but I'm already thinking of the weekend and more time at the beach! Hope you're having a good week and getting out to enjoy the weather!

I leave you with the perfect song for this spring day--Madame Butterfly--RIP dear Malcolm McLaren...

xo Mary Jo

Snail via Joo Joo
Flirty girl & Pink Eyelashes via Tumblr

lara stone's nude lips

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:16:00 +0000

No model is edgier right now with a jolie laide beauty more debated than Lara Stone, who recently replaced Madonna as the face of Louis Vuitton.

Trust Your Style has featured her several times times over the past year, but lately with her engagement to David Walliams, the co-star of my favorite comedy show, ( Little Britain for those of you who don't watch) this Dutch supermodel has been on our radar with increasing frequency.

I was perusing the latest fashion news over at at Umba Momba about Lara's reported takeover as the new face not only Calvin Klein collection (replacing Monika "Jac" Jagaciak) but also Calvin Klein Jeans where she will replace Eva Mendez, and I couldn't help but notice her pronounced nude lips. Which leads me to remind you that you have till tomorrow morning to enter the tys Sue Devitt Nude Lip Giveaway. Click here to enter. Good news, there are going to be 2 winners!

I thought I'd leave you with this Warhol-esque footage of Lara being directed by Karl Lagerfeld in the Chanel dressing room.

pink monday!

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

How cute is this cozy by Wayside Violet? Please, grab a coffee {or tea} and tell me what you did this weekend! After finishing my column and my taxes this past week, I really needed some time to unwind. I actually made it up to The Rooftop for the first time this spring--it has my favorite view of the ocean and even though it was mobbed, it was still worth it to stop in for a drink before the movie {Roman Polanski's Ghost Writer}. I also got to spend some time organizing my studio, so I could work on a new perfume and some other products that will be in my shop very soon.

On Saturday I did some blog reading and fell in love this bike. How I would love to own this and take it for a spin on the beach boardwalk! {Sorry, I really can't remember where I saw this photo, but if you know--please let me know}.

Finally, I leave you with Kitty Wigs--I was crazy for them a couple of years ago. Then I forgot about them, but lately they've been getting some press, and now I'm seriously in need of an intervention before I order one for Lady Jane, who looks a lot like this cat...Please help me to help myself before it's too late!

So please tell me about your weekend. I'm signing off now and wishing you a happy pink Monday!

xo Mary Jo

the nude lip giveaway!

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:09:00 +0000

The nude pout on Marc Jacobs' runway

Beauty trends come and go, and while I probably won't be sporting a grunge comb-over a la Alexander Wang or the "trashy with dignity" look via Zac Posen's runway, I'm already embracing the nude lip. Who isn't down for anything that's low maintenance and high chic?

Prada was another one who set the tone for the nude lip, and as you can see, it looks nice backstage as well as all dolled up out in the world.

Wondering how to get the nude lip?

Darling, I have you covered! Just recently I wrote about Sue Devitt's new Lip Intensifier Pencil in Kirakira (a fab nude color) and her Trinity Beach nude Lip Enhancing Gloss for my column in Affluent Magazine. I loved these products so much that I asked to do a giveaway for you! I've never been one to pencil my lips, but the nude pencil is different, it gives a nice lasting base that helps give the nude gloss the most wonderful wash of natural color over your lips.

Leave a comment below about why you'd like to win this ultra luxurious duo and you will be entered to win the Sue Devitt set. You can enter twice if you sign up to follow trustyourstyle on twitter or facebook--just let me know in the comments below so I can add you in again for the drawing. Good luck lovely ladies!

p.s. If you just can't wait to win the duo, you can always order them from SueDevittBeauty.com.

xo Mary Jo

photos courtesy style.com

you had me at the rose vines

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:16:00 +0000

After a few tedious seasons of the boyfriend jacket (I'm sorry but a sloppy ill-fitting blazer is not my idea of great fashion), my heart melted the second I saw this sweet rose vines blazer. I like that it's not trying too hard--it's not fake rumpled or deconstructed, but not stiff either.

Is it just me, or has J. Crew gotten really good this season? I skipped about a year without picking up much in the store near my house, but I stopped in yesterday and found myself making a mental list of all the basics I need to go back and stock up on.

Like almost everyone I know, I'm wanting a great chambray shirt. There a few different ones to chose from at J. Crew, but I know that one of them will find its way into my closet.

Do you love a good checked shirt as much as I do? I can see wearing a couple of versions of this one on a daily basis.

It's a cardigan AND ruffled...what else do I need to say?

Finally, these metallic espadrilles--not too high, not too low--just perfect. Are you a J. Crew person? If so, what are your favs this season?

p.s. if you're in the mood for bags--

Click here to find out why I can't stop flip flopping between light and dark this spring.

Hope to see you back here tomorrow morning for a fresh and pretty new give-away!

xo Mary Jo

and the garden giveaway winner is...

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:26:00 +0000

So I'm here to announce on this sweet spring day the winner of Trust Your Style's garden give-away. I used the Random Number Generator to chose the winner--MMW of Never Withoutis the winner of What's Wrong With My Plant (And How Do I Fix It?) I'm so glad it's on her wish list!

Hoping that you're having a good day-before-taxes-are-due day!

xo Mary Jo

mary jane, mcqueen, moran and more monday

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 07:23:00 +0000

oil painting by Ronald Moran

Hoping you had a good weekend! Please come in for a cup of coffee and let's catch up. This weekend sped by so fast, I can barely remember what I did on Saturday--I think I made it as far as my garden, but crossed little else off my list. It was the best weather we've had so far this year--sunny and warm, the sky bright blue and beautiful. After a long fashion discussing brunch (my favorite kind) in San Clemente, yesterday I went into Laguna to meet another friend and catch The Second City satire of Laguna Beach and Orange County, Can you be more Pacific? It was fun to see improv and sketch comedy right here in the hood. So, now that I've had my first cup of coffee, I'm ready to move on to fashion.

How great is it that Style.com is calling today Mary Jane Monday? Mary Janes have always been a fashion weakness of mine along with cardigan sweaters, meaning I wear them even when they're not the trend. You have no idea how happy Prada is making me about Fall 10.

While many minds are turning to spring cleaning, mine is focused on spring shopping. My mental list of wardrobe pieces I need (that's right, need not want) to add to my closet includes:

A great chambray shirt--(Miranda Kerr's Victoria Secret body wouldn't hurt either)!

A pair of pale, white or metallic (or all of the above) oxfords. In case you've ever wondered how to wear flat white oxfords, there's some great advice over at Polyvore--click here to read.

I'm not usually one to put handbags on my shopping list since everything I'd ever want to carry is conveniently in my own line, but I find myself lusting after the Alexander McQueen Biker Cross Body bag...for more bugging out over McQueen bags, I'm over at Senora Cartera today.

Cheryl Cole in Rayban aviators (note the McQueen sheath dress)

Finally, previewing Spring's new shades for my column in Affluent has caused me to fall for the aviator look hook line and sinker. So many designers have put their twist on this classic it will make your head spin, but a few of my favorites are Kate Spade's leather stemmed pair, Gucci's white hot take, and Marc Jacobs' over-sized glam version.

p.s. On my way to the playhouse last night I saw the coffee cup painting above in a gallery window and had to stop in and find out more about it. The piece is by Ronald Moran, named one of the 100 most influential contemporary Latin American artists of our time by Exit Madrid. He covers furniture and objects with white padding as commentary on domestic violence and the silencing that covers up most cases. I'll be going to the opening at Salt Fine Art on Thursday, so more on the show very soon.

What did you do this weekend? And more importantly, what's on your fashion must-have list for spring?

xo Mary Jo

looking forward to the weekend!

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

photo via Hoss

I'm so looking forward to the weekend, for some long leisurely walks along the ocean, for French coffee, mimosas, and an egg white omelet for brunch at my favorite cafe with one of my sweet friends, for time in the garden planting lavender, Japanese eggplant, and some other goodies...for an afternoon nap, and the Roman Polanski movie.

What about you? Hope your weekend is divine!

p.s. Don't forget to enter the Garden Giveaway below--a book to help even the most clueless gardeners {like moi}!

And before I sign off for the weekend, here are some great links if you feel like being inspired:

Lose yourself in this white white kitchen round up.

Get your ruffle on at Elizabeth's new store iviemade!

Go ahead and splurge on the most decadently delightful lingerie around at Faire Frou Frou.

Feeling slightly rebellious? You might like reading this article about the joy of unfollowing. With so many fabulous blogs and people to read and get to know, why waste time being anything other than inspired?

Oh, and if you want to smell magical and delicious, stop by my shop!

xo Mary Jo

ruffles, flowers and a spring garden giveaway!

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:23:00 +0000

With spring officially here, it's time to think about gardening, flowers, and floral dresses! In addition to this lovely print by The Wheatfield that I had to nab for my kitchen, I'm also loving Stella McCartney's big ruffles, an easy way to brighten up spring dressing.

Sweet, no? And speaking of all things garden grown, I have a wonderful treat for those of you who love to garden! You can win this fabulous and helpful garden book!

I haven't been able to tear myself away from What’s Wrong With My Plant? (And How Do I Fix It?) since it arrived. It's geared to help you diagnose problems in your garden with helpful photos and organic remedies. I especially love the organic part since I'm big on growing everything organically and already have a remedy for my Camelia bush's sad yellow leaves (I will let you know how it comes along) + they make composting sound so easy I'm going to have to try that this season. If you'd like to win this thick handy book for your very own, just leave a comment below about why you'd like to win and make sure you're linked to an email where I can contact you if you win. For an extra chance to win follow me on Twitter or Facebook {links are on the right hand side of this index}. Good luck! The winner will be announced next week!

love on tuesday

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:49:00 +0000

This image is from Ruffled, one of my favorite blogs. It's rife with the most beautiful settings, flowers, and ideas, and always inspires me.

Sending you lots of love this Tuesday!

xoxo Mary Jo

things that amaze & inspire me

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

It's another bright and shiny Monday, at least here in California, where the sun is already shining. Please come in for a cup of coffee and let's catch up on the weekend.

Highlights for me included catching The Runaways. I loved that Kristen Stewart surprised me by being a really convincing Joan Jett and Michael Shannon as producer Kim Fowley was fab. I also got around to planting some new tomato plants and spent a nice day in Laguna with friends. All in all, a good weekend.

I'm am amazed that:

* old lady bags are back. Yay! I just love a good granny bag and in my opinion, Miu Miu has the best so far for Fall '10. Click here to see more.

* fashion keeps going back in time, yet makes it fresh with each re-visit. Like socks with shoes--one of my readers mentioned last week how she wore little white socks with her shoes at her wedding 15 years ago. It made me flash on these little white ankle socks with lace that I wore in high school and freshman year in college with fisherman sandals. I thought I was so cool. {hey I kind of was}. I just love how for as long as I can remember fashion is always reviving the past decades but each time it's cooler than the last. This go-round: the 50s {madmen} 60s {emma peel} 70s/80s {the runaways}.

Looking very Emma Peel: leather trench coats and bowlers at Hermes

* What else? I'm amazed that Erin Wasson twitters.

* My obsession with the Cobra Snake continues. He likes to retweet insults about himself {like how does that cobrasnake guy get all the girls, he's not even cute}

* helpful hint: I still like twitter but I need to take breaks from it or the wild dissemination of info will overwhelm me.

I'm inspired by:

* Natalie Chanin - She just taking her whole world farther a step at a time, adding, expanding, creating more delicious beauty. {click here to check out her world, or check out a few interviews I've done with her on the left hand index.

* Maira Kalman - I've been revisiting her work and love her textile, "Story of My Life". Her work is so good. I just found out about a new project of hers coming out soon, more details to come.

* All the people sharing cool things to make at One Pretty Thing. Even though I'm notoriously bad at getting through DIY projects, I'm always inspired by looking at them. No big surprise, I did not make my diy door mat this weekend because I didn't have time to hunt down a plain coir mat, but it's on my to-do list for this week. Looking forward to doing them is half the fun as far as I'm concerned.

* Finally, all the bloggers that I read every week--I just love your voices, your taste, your wit, and friendship.

So tell me...how was your weekend? What's inspiring & amazing you lately?

xoxo Mary Jo

the business of style: what to do when your cash flow stops

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Almost every small business entrepreneur has been there...the day there's no phone calls or emails with orders, no checks arriving in the mail, no business. You have bills to pay and dreams of expanding.

Don't panic, there are ways to handle this.

Number one: you must collect the money that's due to you, especially if it's overdue. Email, fax, call, do what you must, but make sure this money is on it's way to you. A great tip for business owners who are need of quick cash--send out a new invoice with a bright piece of paper attached or a nice bright email if that's your preferred method of contact. This paper will serve as a reminder that all bills paid within a certain time period (say, 7 days) will get a 1-5% refund or credit of the purchase price. This will definitely stimulate payment to come a bit faster and your customers will love you if they can save some cash in the process or be rewarded for paying on time. It might even give you some nice reorders.

But what if you've collected all your money and there's just no business coming in the door? You don't want to shut down your business, but you're not sure what to do. You need cash and you need it fast. Now what?

This is where being a "creative" is going to be very helpful. You need to find ways to meet your cash crisis. You may have to take an extra job temporarily.
Recently I read an article about a woman who was having cash flow problems with her business. She went out to the garage and made a list of every item that her family was no longer using, then put it all on eBay. She made $15,000 just selling, as she calls it--"crap from her garage". Her words of wisdom: "try not to spend your profits buying more crap".

Which brings us to the bigger picture. There's nothing wrong with scrambling for money to keep your business afloat, but after you do this a few times, you'll quickly realize that you don't want this to become a familiar cycle. Take the time to make a realistic business plan. {See this post for practical advice}.

One of the biggest reasons for cash flow problems is a lack of focus. There are questions you need to ask if this is happening to your business. Are you going in too many directions? Do you know what service or what product is making you the most money? What are your best sellers? Do you know what service or what products are losing money or just breaking even? These are questions you need to address if you're going to build a profitable business.

If you're serious about increasing your business cash flow, print out this article by Randal Pinkett, who outlasted 17 other candidates to win The Apprentice. These are his top 5 ways to address cash flow issues and they are solid ways to keep money flowing if your business is generating income.

Images 1. Tumblr, 2. Laura Laine, 3. Fffound

wishing you a good weekend!

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:41:00 +0000

image by Maira Kalman

Can you believe it's the end of the week already? Do you have plans for the weekend? I just want to work in my garden and make things. There's so many projects I can't wait to work on--I want to make a new door mat--if it turns out, I will share with you on Monday. I'm also planning to start a quilt--I've been wanting to try one similar to one of the ones in Natalie Chanin's Alabama Stitch Book for the longest time. I also want to make cushions for my new bistro set, work on more textiles for my line and I have some new ideas for spring/summer samples that I'm working out. I love it when I feel projects piling up.

If you feel like stopping by tomorrow, I'll be posting a new Business of Style post. I know it's been awhile, but with taxes just around the corner, it seems like a good time to check in.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! What do you plan to do over the next couple of days? Hope you find time to do something fun!

xo Mary Jo

cherie bomb

trustyourstyle@gmail.com (Mary Jo from TrustYourStyle) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:50:00 +0000

If you thought platforms were over, think again. This article in the LAT breaks down some of the reasons rock'n'roll never dies, and Gucci is certainly on the bandwagon for Spring.

The Runaways with Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart opens tomorrow and is getting some good reviews.

Obviously aviators are going to be making a big comeback this spring.

How great is Cherie Currie's non-Hollywood version of the same outfit Madonna brought out 20 years later? I'm predicting corsets are going to be a hot trend in the coming months. They've already been on some of the Paris runways and it will be fun to see how it trickles down with the release of the movie.

Fingers crossed that winged hair doesn't make a comeback...And now for a little piece of vintage 1977.