Beauty Remedies- Fashion Road

Blog #11-

The Remedy to All Your Gift-Giving Questions

What’s the #1 question this time of year? Have I been good enough in 2021 to warrant a visit from Santa? What will I serve my family for holiday dinner this year? What should I wear to the annual office party? Will I finally get that pony I’ve always dreamed of?

No. None of the above.

It’s- “What in the heck am I going to buy everyone else on my X-mas list this year?” because after all, the holidays are supposed to be about doing something nice for others. In 2021, we have the added extra headache of Covid-induced shipping delays to factor in as well, especially if, like me, you’ve yet to even get started, let alone finished with your holiday shopping list. 

The remedy? Shop local of course! There are an absolute ton of wonderful stores in downtown Bentonville, not to mention all the other small businesses when you expand your search to the rest of Northwest Arkansas. 

But what, Bea, you’re now asking, should I purchase for those loved ones in these quaint shops? Well keep trudging through the gift-buying and giving snows with me below to find something perfect for everyone on your “nice” list:

1. For the men in your life- Whether it’s Dad, Peepaw, Uncle George, your husband, boyfriend, boss, or best friend, the following are great ideas to help you get started.

a. Specialty food items- From Hoff’s seasoning salt and Eat This’ bacon marmalade to Neat Nick Preserves’ pineapple hot pepper or creamsicle jelly. From ranch dip and mulling spices to fireside chili mix and raspberry habanero pepper jelly, all by Mills. And maybe most importantly, our Hoff’s hot sauce, proudly made in Tennessee, including a variety pack, original, wake-up call, smoken ghost, and mean green- we’ve got you covered here.

b. Outdoor related- Obviously, not all men love the outdoors, but we are in Arkansas, so you could try a portable bonfire- very cool, or cozy rather. Make some s’mores over the holiday break. 

There are outdoor scented candles such as saltwater teakwood by Little Bison for his office. 

Beanies in a rainbow of different hues will keep him warm when he’s out raking leaves or shoveling snow, as will nice thick socks from United by Blue, and with a purchase from that company, you can help clean up our oceans too. 

If he has a good sense of humor, get him a novelty tee, like “Old Men Rock,” a pun referencing The Old Man of the Mountain in New Hampshire. 

Aviator Nation is an entire brand that evokes the outdoors, from more surf-related pieces such as their standard soft gray tee to those that feature colors like army green or a rainbow serape that are a bit more mountainous in nature, everything is made right here in the USA, and many of their items are unisex, so you could even get a matching set. 

And when he’s ready to come in from a long day of work, exercise, or outdoor play, he can clean up with one of our more masculine-scented soaps such as flannel (I already have one of these in my husband’s stocking) or pumpkin ale. 

c. Real men aren’t afraid of a kitchen- Because it would be silly to pigeonhole an entire group, let’s talk about household-related gift ideas too. There are Que bottles that he can carry anywhere and collapse down to fit in a backpack or briefcase when he’s done. 

If he’s just not himself without his morning coffee, get him a dog or lion decorated mug. 

Maybe he has his own bar setup at home, then a nice set of gold straws would be an original choice. 

Or if he likes to take the bar to-go (responsibly of course), then we’ve got a really cool gold Art Deco flask you might pick up. 

And finally, if he’s all about the planet too, invest in a set of Alt-Linens. You buy a 6-pack, use those instead of paper towels, wash them until they literally fall apart, mail them back to the company, and they will replace them for free! For life! 

2. For the younger men in your life- Luckily, much of what’s listed above will work for those tween and teen guys you love, from sons to nephews to daughters’ boyfriends (if you actually approve of him), including everything under specialty food items and outdoor-related gifts, especially the Aviator Nation clothes. 

Plus, Pura Vida jewelry is quite popular with this subgroup, especially the unadorned string bracelets, and many donate to specific causes such as saving the coral reefs or suicide prevention. 

3. For the youngest “men” in your life- And for these young men who are well below the age of tween, get him a pop-it. He’ll definitely thank you (though you may not thank me- ha). These fidget toys come in a plethora of different colored animals like the blue whale, a horse, or a dog; we have baby Yoda in rainbow or red, white, and blue; and there are even X-mas themed selections including Santa’s hat, mittens, or head.

4. For the youngest ladies in your life- On the flip side, what about your daughters, nieces, and grandbaby girls? We have an entire corner devoted to them and all things pink, glittery, rainbow, and unicorns.

There are bars of literal unicorn magic soap (just tell her if she bathes every night really well, maybe she’ll turn into one), not to mention unicorn mugs, figurines, and pop-it purses!

If she’s an ocean as opposed to a land girl, get her a sweet mermaid jewelry box.

For school, we have girl power journals she can write all her secrets in, pencil cases that match for a set, Pura Vida backpacks to cart around all her unicorn and mermaid goodies, and glitter-filled bags, laptop cases, umbrellas, and pouches. 

The Pura Vida line of jewelry is a great way to teach her to take care of such things before you move her up to more expensive pieces. 

And teleties will help keep her hair pulled back, while smiley face necklaces, bracelets, star necklaces, and butterfly necklaces have just the right amount of whimsy combined with dressiness to let her wear on special occasions.

5. For the younger ladies in your life- As for maybe THE hardest to shop for group- tween and teen girls- I’ve still got a few smart suggestions. For starters, you could play it safe with a giftcard, setting a limit for her but also letting her assert her independence by choosing her own clothes, accessories, and gifts. 

But if you’d like to put in a little more thought and effort, chancing things a bit more but still getting a gift receipt just in case for store credit, from head to toe we have:

• Smiley face trucker hats
• Red plaid and glittery gold headbands
• Scrunchies in velvet and satin
• Teleties in every color of the rainbow
• Heatless hair rollers
• Towel scrunchies
• Pura Vida earrings in silver and rose gold
• Statement earrings by brands such as Purpose or Mata Traders
• Gourmet hot chocolate and marshmallows
• Pura Vida necklaces in gold, silver, and rose gold, with and without semi-precious stones
• Butterfly, star, heart, smiley face, and other teen-approved necklaces in a variety of brands, mainly in gold
• For Love and Lemons crop tops 
• And other crops like a black tie dye or bright yellow
• High/low crop tops like our soft pink number
• Smiley tees and baggy sweaters
• Jean jackets
• Fuzzy, furry jackets and shackets
• Sparkly short holiday dresses 
• Leather mini skirts
• Tennis skirts
• Lots of loungewear by Spiritual Gangster and Aviator Nation
• Pura Vida backpacks
• Backpack purses
• Furry purses
• Furry clutches
• Shiraleah shoulder bags
• Journals
• Pura Vida bracelets in just string, with charms, for causes, featuring specific animals, with semi-precious stones, and anklets in gold, silver, and rose gold
• Smiley face, heart, and star bracelets
• Rings from size 5 to 9 in Pura Vida in rose gold and silver, with and without stones, even for her toes
• Butterfly rings
• Pura Vida matching necklace, bracelet, earring, and ring sets such as the mermaid quartz
• Bath accessories like scrubs, body wash, and bath bombs
• And smiley face slippers
• 

Whew! Surely, something on that lengthy list will tickle her fancy. And guys, I strongly urge you to seek help buying for this group from an older female in her life- no shame in asking for a second opinion (or a first one for that matter). 

Now that covers everyone in your life except for you, ladies, so tune in next time and the time after that for what the magic holiday elves should bring you this year (and it certainly couldn’t hurt to forward the next 2 blog posts to that special man in your life to throw him a life preserver of helpful advice).

Until then…

Blog #10-

Thrift Shop Fashion

Bazaar, flea market, discount store, emporium, variety store, five and dime- all terms that Merriam Webster lists as synonyms for “thrift shop.” As in “I’m gonna pop some tags/ Only got twenty dollars in my pocket/ I’m hunting/ This is awesome” (I might have edited that a smidge for a PG rating)- “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, a song that when released in 2012, suddenly made the regular practice and fun pastime of flea market spelunking “in” again. And Gen Z, the ones starting to set the trends to follow for the rest of the world, which might be the most socially conscious generation ever- they’re poised to be at least- loves a good thrift shopping expedition. 

I can remember when shopping somewhere like Goodwill or Salvation Army marked you as “poor” and therefore “uncool” when we were in elementary and middle school. And I can also remember when doing the very same thing was suddenly the very definition of “cool” when we got into high school, thanks largely in part to the grunge movement in music and fashion. In other words, it ebbs and flows. But the tide is in and it’s going to stay in this time because we’re all realizing just how many benefits we can reap from secondhand shopping, not to mention that it shows incredible taste on the buyer’s part. Hence why Remedy Road, a boutique that was already focusing on socially conscious and female-owned brands, decided to expand and open up Remedy Closet, a thrift shop room off the back of the main store. 

In fact, there are countless good reasons to go thrifting regularly:

1. For financial savings- this is of course the obvious one. Whether you’re a high school student with just a part-time job and therefore a minuscule clothing budget, you’re saving up for something big like your first home or a pricey vacay, you’re just down on your luck, or you’re a regular person who can’t blow a large wad of cash on clothes alone, we all need to shop smart at least now and then if not regularly. And thrift shopping helps you avoid buying expensive items which can be a real problem if you’re hard on things, ruining or losing them and therefore money. 
2. For sustainability- but thrifting doesn’t just mean saving your pocketbook, because it’s also great for the planet, reducing waste by upcycling and trending us away from big box stores and fast fashion in favor of taking the time to choose pieces you really love, holding onto them, and when you’re finally ready to let them go for whatever reason, passing them on to someone they’ll be new again for. And contrary to popular belief, you can find designer items in thrift stores and occasionally, even new pieces with the original tags still on. Once you donate and buy, you’re creating a cycle, and when you start influencing those around you to do the same, it becomes a movement. 
3. For practicality or just plain fun- maybe there aren’t many clothing stores near you- thrift it then. Maybe your idea of fun is searching, exploring, and eventually returning home triumphantly with treasure in hand- then thrift it. 
4. To be one-of-a-kind- thrift shops are by definition full of nothing but one-offs, so you get to avoid walking into school or work the next day wearing your new shirt only to discover that one girl has on the exact same thing while another has the same but in a different color. Our clothes are a way to express our creativity, and that’s so much easier to do with a store full of unique pieces. Plus, how you wear the upcycled find, what you pair it with creates it anew- it’s reborn in a way. And that’s especially important when we’re younger and still exploring our own fashion sense and identity. Thrifting is a much more economical means of doing so. 
5. For better inventory- because each piece is a one-off, there’s tons of turnover in a thrift store, meaning their inventory changes radically on a weekly basis. Because so many different people donate, you can find just about any and every style, all in one convenient location. And because so many different ages contribute to thrift store stock, you can find actual vintage items, not to mention styles that are no longer being produced. 
6. And because it makes us happy- though it can be a bit overwhelming at first, once you learn all the tricks of the trade, you’ll be the Indiana Jones of fashion. Thrifting is rewarding, it can lift your mood, and it’s not unlike a treasure hunt, only without the elaborate and deadly booby traps, moustache-twirling villains, and dangerous curses. And when you wear your “new” piece and feel beautiful in it, it’ll lift your spirits. 

So what are the important tricks? Common sense really- check very carefully for stains, rips, and tears (unless you’re going for the on-purpose lived-in look). Sometimes, the workers who accept donated items might miss a defect like that. Though if you’re a pro at DIY, you may be able to execute easy repairs and enjoy that process too.

Zip and unzip items featuring those to be sure they work properly, and that applies to other hardware such as snaps and whatnot. 

As most pieces are not new and therefore won’t shrink at all or stretch out much either, make certain that your finds fit well. That’s also helpful in that most thrift stores have a no returns, all sales are final policy. But not shrinking or stretching can also be a hidden boon because once you’re certain it’ll fit, the item will remain the same over time as long as you take care of them. 

So how did we end up here? Remedy Road wanted a way to be socially conscious with NOT new fashion, to move into an adjacent market, to find another way to care for the environment and the local community. After all, as fast as Bentonville and NWA in general is growing, there’s no such thing as too many venues for fashionable upcycled clothes. So the focus there is on sustainability. You can bring in your gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories in women’s but also men’s and children’s; receive a 30% off coupon for the main store; feel good about yourself; and maybe find a hidden treasure for yourself in the process. 

So if any or all of this sounds good to you, come check us out at Remedy Closet. Run by socially conscious people, it’s a people-conscious boutique and thrift shop on a mission not only to sell beautiful products but also create positive change. You can donate to us. We’ll donate 30% off to you. We’ll donate credit to local women to shop for interview and work clothes (#womensupportingwomen), and we can all look for a new old find for ourselves!

In addition, in Remedy Road right now, we’re carrying four different super soft and cozy hoodies/sweatshirts, and a portion of the proceeds go to the Kendrick Fincher Foundation. Those are pictured below along with a selection of my favorite outfits from the thrift store-

Welcome back guys and gals. And whew- we’re almost finished (finally) with what we’re all dying to wear this season to stay cozy and warm but also sexy, chic, classy, and gorgeous! So last up is “bottoms,” starting with: 

1. The Legend of Baggy Jeans- As I’m sure you’ve all noticed by now, all pants, but maybe especially jeans, are moving away from the skinny silhouette of the millennials in favor of all things the loose fit, wide leg, and baggy that Gen Z prefers, though I would always urge you, dear readers, to wear whatever jean type flatters you and adds signature to your style! Lord knows I’ve been stubbornly hanging on to the low-rise flare legs of my youth for years. You’ll certainly be comfy in this resurgence of an old cut though, and not to worry- there are simply tons of ways to work these into an outfit that don’t make you look heavier or like you’re trying too hard (two common complaints about the baggy jean that I often hear from above twenty-somethings). Just check out these adorable ones from Morrison with the distressed details and red/black/white plaid underneath, perfect for a Razorback tee and calling our beloved Hogs:

Katie Holmes who is always effortlessly chic, even when just running errands, shows you that all you need is a white tank and sneakers (probably a jacket now too) to pull off this trend:

Hailey Bieber pairs a lighter wash with a lovely lemon yellow crop, coat, and ballcap, bringing sunshine to winter:

And Liu Wen dresses hers up for a night out on the town with a crop and cute blazer:

2. The Dark Denim Knight- Just like fit, we’re definitely all free to wear whichever wash flatters us (so we can walk into any room and own it), but super dark seems to be the popular shade right now. You can stick with a bluer dark like Katie Holmes (and just look at that cute, practical puffer she’s pairing it with):

Or you can go for a more neutral dark, like these basic staples from ABLE:

But we don’t have to reserve our dark denim for pants, instead opting for the same shade in a dressier skirt for work, like Irina Shayk rocking denim on denim here:

Or we can lose the blue altogether and go straight to the black baggy jean that Bella Hadid has paired up with a sweater and chunky sandals:

3. Liar, Liar, Utility Pants on Fire- Because right now is all things Y2K (and it was a fun time in fashion- I’m plenty old enough to remember that clearly), we’re also seeing the return of the utility pant, another super comfy trend. You can go for a monochromatic look, like Gigi Hadid in a white button-down, pant, and lug sole boot:

The army green that’s so popular right now like Emily Ratajkowski in a sexy burnt orange button-down and sneakers:

Or the ever-beautiful and timeless Miss J. Lo in a straightforward khaki utility that matches anything and everything:

4. Texas Chainsaw Leather Pants (and Skirts too)- We can’t forget to take a look at popular materials also though, and leather is on the rise, something we’ve now finally mastered as far as making it look good AND feel good. Here, we see them in a higher waist and looser fit perfect for the weekly rotation at work:

For a night out, check out our rock goddess lady in holiday red, Miley Cyrus:

Or go fun and flared like Kendall Jenner:

But we can also opt for a flirty micro mini leather skirt, like this gorgeous deep red:

5. How the Grinch Stole the Micro Mini- Because it can’t be, shouldn’t be, all pants all the time, even in winter, lest life get dreadfully boring, we have the micro mini skirt trend. Ladies, I don’t care what your age is (that’s why we invented stockings, isn’t it?), I triple dog dare you to try out a flirty little number like the leather skirt above.

A sweet little tennis skirt in any color of the rainbow:

A saucy brown leather like Hailey Bieber here, something that would look to die for with a dressy jacket or blazer:

Or a lovely watercolor print like Kendall Jenner if you want a softer, more feminine look:

6. Mighty Morphin Power Pants and Trousers- But because it’s fall/winter and we do have to leave the house for work now, I give you the power pant. You might be asking yourself what separates these from your regular ol’ basic trousers, and I answer with- you go big or you go home, people. Whether that’s with cut, leg opening, color, or print, the point here is to grab passersby’s attention and make them appreciate your painstakingly perfect outfit, mainly the bottom half. So it’s sort of like the out out fashion we talked about with the outfit blog. You can mimic the Duchess of Cambridge and be a queen too, using that gorgeous purple to highlight your legs:

Or Lady Gaga, looking very classy here, drawing attention to those tailored and crisp whites with a platform heel only she can pull off:

Kaia Gerber captures the eye with cut and waist here in a look perfect for literally anything:

Cara Delevingne makes lilac pop against white:

Or you can go bigger.

Jenna Coleman of Doctor Who fame who’s sporting yellow flowers against royal blue, the ruffle details at neck and wrist making the traditional male-dominated suit ours, all ours, ladies:

My absolute crush, Kristen Stewart, channeling her inner Princess Di in light and airy blue:

The lovely Blake Lively in head to toe velour, another “it” material this season:

Or Olivia Munn, a vision in gold satin:

Now before we move on to shoes, fabulous shoes, I will take a moment to address the missing elephant in the room, ie. Bea- why aren’t we talking about rise in pants? Well, because we seem to be in a state of flux this season. High rise is in, and it flatters now, comfortable too finally thanks to the blends we use in pants to give them some stretch, but low rise is also creeping back in (although the red-headed stepchild, mid-rise doesn’t seem to be on anyone’s wish list at the moment) thanks to our obsession with Y2K fun. So I will simply round out our pants discussion by urging you to go with what makes you feel good. But get out of your comfort zone every now and then too and try a rise you might normally not. If I can sit here writing this wearing pink as a redhead, two things that many think shouldn’t go together unless you’re Molly Ringwald, then you can trade in your low-rise skinny for a high-rise flare or swap your super high bell bottom for a low-rise baggy jean.

And now for shoes (yay)! And what would a section on shoes be without our beloved Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City (reboot coming to a TV screen near you soon) and the woman behind her, Sarah Jessica Parker. Those two vixens and the ladies of Remedy Road have got you covered for all your shoe-spiration. 

7. The Wizard of Silver, Animal Print, or Both- In terms of color this season, what’s trending most in shoes is silver, probably more of that out out mindset. So look for a little sparkle in the detail like Bea’s dark blue and silver pair here:

Or go full-throttle and strap some disco balls to your feet in time for New Year’s kisses like the SJP classic here:

Or like Lisa who’s eyeing this silver Sarah Jessica Parker pair (and maybe one of these awesome cocktail dresses):

But animal print (cruelty-free ONLY ladies) is also on the rise, so choose leopard, cheetah, alligator, or snake, and tap into your inner earth goddess like Carrie’s knee-high pair:

Or Bea’s booties:

And we want to be stylish at home as well, so pair smiley with leopard, and you’re all set: 

Of course, the trifecta (difecta?) would be a boot that incorporates both, so let me know when you find such a pair!

8. Star Wars: A New Platform- But what about shoe height? As in just how high can we go and still be trendy (especially if your 5’3’’ frame needs a little help in that department like mine)? Good news- platforms and, if you’re wobbly in every kind of heel, flatforms are in. You can go steady and safe:

High but reasonable:

Full rock star like the Steve Madden that Lisa has been eyeing:

Or up in the Lady Gaga stratosphere like that heel she’s wearing in the power pant pic earlier in this blog.

9. The Empire Strikes Knee-High- As for how far up on the leg itself your boots should crawl this winter, we’re back at knee-high and even over-the-knee boots, so break out those micro minis we talked about and keep your calves cozy with something like Carrie’s snakeskin pair above.

Or something simpler like Bea’s here:

10. Return of the Lug Sole- In case you somehow missed the first nine times we've talked about it in this series of blogs, Y2K is back again (minus all that pesky and irrational fear that the Google was gonna crash and the world was therefore gonna end). And to that end, lug soles are making a big comeback, the only shoe trend I couldn’t find Carrie or SJP wearing. So put on your crop sweater, plaid power pants, and lugs to channel your inner Spice Girl or Liv Tyler in Empire Records. Like our lovely Lauren in white here:

Gabby’s pair with some bling:

Or Bea’s favorite new buy this season (if Carrie wore lug soles, it would totally be this pair, right?):

11. Singin’ in the Rainboots- I guess occasionally, we have to be practical in our shoe blog and carefully consider what kind of shoe we should be sporting on rainy fall days and sleeting winter nights. Enter the rainboot which is no longer your great grandmother’s, grandmother’s, or mother’s plain black rubber affair. They now come in all shapes and sizes and a veritable Thanksgiving cornucopia of prints and colors. Like SJP here:

Or the ones Bea uses to get through the sodden streets of downtown Bentonville with her socks still dry:

12. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Loafers and Oxfords- But for those milder days in December, we have punk loafers and oxfords, more of that dark academia fashion that’s so prevalent, like SJP in mary janes which are loafer adjacent:

Lisa’s coveted Steve Madden pair from above.

Bea’s lower-heeled pair here with a bit of bling:

Or Gabby’s buckle oxfords:

And Bea’s more masculine oxford vibes:

13. The Chamber of Clogs- If you’re fearless enough to leave part of your tootsies bare, you can go for a clog instead, very comfy in Bea’s corduroy print:

Or SJP on set:

14. The Prisoner of Fancy Fuzzy Slippers- Or combine the best of sandals and cushy, cozy, comfy winter wear with slippers cool (or warm) enough to wear out of the house, like these from Remedy Road:

Carrie’s bit of lavender poof here:

Or Gabby’s absolutely adorable Uggs:

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is that. We are now clad from head to toe in gold satin power pants, puffy jackets, halos, logos, and everything in between. See ya next time because this is Bea, signing off!

Blog #8-

14 Fall & Winter Tops to Fall in Love With

Hola, namaste, and ni hao my fellow fashion people. Today, we’ll be diving into a proverbial snowdrift of wardrobe choices and coming up clad in everything from cozy ski sweaters to sexy crop blazers that will heat up those chill autumn nights. That’s right- this blog post is a very merry deep dive into fall/winter 2021 tops. And up first is…

1. Planes, Trains, Automobiles, Slogans, and Graphics- Who said catchy phrases and pretty pictures were just for little kids to wear? After all, all girls just wanna have fun. You can go basic, like telling the world what you’re into:

Make a pop culture reference that anyone born before 1986 should chuckle over:

Stand with pride solidarity:

Express your love for fur babies:

Or flashback to the 60s (and maybe pile on some smiley face socks and a beanie too):

2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button-Down- However, if business is your pleasure and you’re dressing for work (at a job that doesn’t necessarily want you pushing fashion boundaries like a clothing boutique allows), go for a classy button-down. Something simple and silky:

Fun with color blocking:

Vibes of merry ol’ England and Oxford (see center image):

Or a high fashion catwalk version of Kurt Cobain and Seattle grunge (see bottom orange number):

3. Rise of Planet of the Bodysuits- Similar to the catsuit we featured in the outfit portion of this blog series, the bodysuit has the upper hand I think because you can pair it with wide leg jeans or loose fit trousers so you don’t feel quite so body image self-conscious. Try sexy and soft blue:

Simple and elegant white:

Or a high fashion work of art from the runway:

(honestly, who even needs pants when your top looks this awesome).

4. Raiders of the Lost Crop Top (are you picking up on my movie title puns yet?)- I know, I know, if you’re over 30, you probably wonder if it’s okay to try something like a crop top- is there an age limit on that like graphics on the butt of your pants or tube tops. Well, one might argue there’s no age limit on any fashion trend as long as you play to your strengths and feel good wearing it (just check out Madonna’s wardrobe, and the Material Girl is now definitely the Material Woman at over 60). And high rise jeans are the perfect thing to pair with a crop top to minimize the midriff. So if you have Madonna’s abs or a nice healthy body image, try something simple like this at home:

Something fun with a tie-dye effect paired with dressier trousers for work like:

This one is so simple and classy that you could create any number of outfits from the staple wardrobe piece:

Go for a snugly high/low effect like this number:

Or downplay it if you feel more comfortable with just a hint of crop and enough texture to diffuse attention from your waist:

5. Inside Cutout- While some people like my mother (hi Mom- I love you) might wonder why in the world designers would purposely cut pieces of material out of a top (or in my case, jeans), the cut-out trend can really add some interesting detail. It doesn’t even have to be that “unusual.” Just look at the missing back piece on this adorable For Love and Lemons sweater: 

Or the missing sleeve on this comfy LA Made selection:

Or a true cut-out design which really elevates this basic For Love and Lemons turtleneck:

(and you can pair it up with distressed jeans if you really want to make your mom’s head explode).

6. The Longest Sleeve (By a Yard)- Though it might not be the most practical fashion trend, sleeves this season are going for the longer, the better (but since when was fashion just about practicality- I’m looking at you 3-inch heels). If nothing else, it’ll keep your arms and hands thoroughly toasty. Like this comfy basic:

This cool waffle-knit wide silhouette option:

Or go full-out with the flounce sleeve from LA Made:

7. The Devil Wears Prada… Vests- Maybe more than anything else in the fall/winter lineup, I’m super excited about the resurgence of the vest (I might have had five or six of these just lying in wait in the back of my closet for just such a returning trend). They’re just so versatile. You can let it stand alone like the off-white turtleneck option below:

Go dark academia with an argyle print:

Or have fun with crochet and needlepoint like that adorable little rose number below:

Vests just make everything look cool and classy, and the designers clearly agree:

8. Under the Tuscan Shirt- Perhaps the oddest trend to me this year is a simple and practical clothing practice that people from places such as Seattle or right here in Northwest Arkansas are already all too familiar with: layering. So shirts under… well… everything is suddenly no longer just to deal with the radically changing temperatures throughout the day, but to be fashionable and chic. Put this sweet Victorian tee under a dress for work:

Try this cute puffer-sleeve ribbed tee under a smiley face graphic tank for play:

Or put this oh-so-soft root beer brown option under a fortuna gold cardigan for a gorgeous autumn color combo:

9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtleneck- Another very useful trend is the re-emerging turtleneck, especially for those of you who are cold-natured. Like this lovely lilac colored sweater: 

Or frosty pink, both on-trend colors:

Go lighter and even softer like this number which is pink? Purple? Both? Tough to nail this one down:

Or if, like me, you don’t want to go full turtle, you can try a lower mock neck like this heavenly soft option:

10. Ski Sweater Patrol- A less practical option for those of us who don’t live in New England, around the Great Lakes, or up in the Rockies, is this year’s obsession with head to toe skiwear- hence why we’re only talking about how to bunny slope or double black diamond up your top half because even places like the deserts of Arizona or steamy Southern Arkansas need sweaters and sweatshirts at night in January. You can go casual, use place names on your top to evoke the snowdrifts of Colorado or Switzerland like:

There are plenty of simple cable knit options too like:

And cardigans:

And even though they’re no longer exclusively produced in one of the UK’s most remote regions, you can go for a Fair Isle print, used now to refer to any multi-colored and patterned knit sweater:

11. Full Metal Shacket- In terms of outerwear for this season, our first entry is the shacket- half shirt, half jacket, neither, both, and a portmanteau to boot. These are therefore perfect for when it’s chilly but not deathly so. And I personally love the grunge vibes that most of them give off thanks to the popular use of plaid:

12. Blazer(ing) Saddles- Another “sort of outerwear” option on the list is a blazer. If it never drops below 60 where you live, then you might go for one of the lighter tailored options we featured in the fall/winter outfits blog post, and a little bit of structure in your wardrobe pieces will be a nice change of pace. You can also go oversized boyfriend:

Or For Love and Lemons crop choices:

But if you actually get some semblance of winter weather, you might opt for something a little bit heavier and sized a tad larger as your outermost layer over many of the other pieces on our list like the button-down or the bodysuit. I enjoy thrift shopping for men’s blazers to fit this bill, and you never know what other hidden treasures you might stumble across (like at our very own Remedy Closet).

13. Clash of the Fluffy Jackets- Is it loungewear only? Something you can and should wear out of the house and about town? You decide. This trend is another of those carry-overs from quarantine- we want to be warm and fashionable but still comfy. Enter the fluffy jacket. You can go for a trench coat-ish version of one of these:

Or something a bit more manageable while getting in and out of the car, running errands:

14. Wrath of the Puffer Jacket- Or you can go full ski mode, definitely a jacket, for work, play, or hiking through the woods (which is both work and play if you’re doing it right)- the puffer jacket. These fade in and out of style in terms of fashion, but anyone who braves the outdoors regularly will tell you that these little gems will keep you both toasty and dry. Some of them even come with a built-in foldable pouch for easy storage if the day warms  up and you no longer need it. Plus, many companies who make these offer pretty gender neutral choices, like this one from United by Blue:

So in the end, we’ve now totally got you covered. But since we don’t want this to turn into a real-life version of that recurring nightmare where you get to school or work and suddenly realize you forgot your pants, tune in next time to see what we should be pairing everything from the smiley graphic tee to the ski sweater up with on bottom (not to mention all the fabulous shoe options out there- enough to make Carrie Bradshaw’s head spin right down to her toes in her Manolo Blahniks)!

Blog #7- NWA Boutique Show

We interrupt your regularly scheduled blogs about what to wear this season to take a moment and talk to you about a local upcoming event….

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not about picking up guys (or girls). It’s not about drinking so many cocktails that things end up looking like the worst Girls Gone Wild video ever. And the spouse, kids, pets, house, etc. will not burn down in your absence. I promise. 

What am I talking about, ladies? A girls weekend of course! When two or more women spend time away from home together, free from to-do lists and responsibilities, recharging, relaxing, and rejuvenating. 

Honestly, all joking aside, we need these every now and then. Daily stress can make life predictable, boring, wearing, and exhausting. It can manifest emotionally as depression, but also physically like high blood pressure. And studies such as the one done in 2007 at the University of Manchester tell us that “female friendships are a means to express ourselves and form our identity,” but these friendships need to be nurtured- hence the girls weekend. 

And what better way to spend that girls getaway than at the 15th annual NWA Boutique Show which is hurtling towards us on November 19th and 20th. 

What is it?

It’s an event held each autumn in Northwest Arkansas where you can shop over 150 different boutiques all under one roof, including apparel, home decor, furniture, children’s products, gourmet food, gift ideas, and that’s just the tip of the Caribbean vacation-sized iceberg. 

When and where?

Friday November 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

And Saturday November 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

At the Rogers Convention Center (Embassy Suites).

Heck yeah- sign me up, but how?

VIP shopping is an affordable 15$ at the door or online.

Girls Night Out is a tiny 10$ at the door or online.

And General Admission is a microscopic 5$ at the door or online.

What’s it like?

This is Roger’s 15th year hosting this super fun and yummy event, and while it will be Bea’s first time (although she’s very excited after perusing their latest Instagram post full of pictures with pink, polka dots, girly colored Christmas trees, unique jewelry, and excellent outfits), Lisa, Gabby, and Miss Lauren are old hands at this. 

Our fearless leader had this to say about it: “It’s really the perfect event to put you in the Christmas spirit!! Great for marking off your Christmas list with all the different and unique vendors!”

And her trusty general this: “The boutique show is the best place to not only check off on your Christmas shopping but to see the many vendors and local small businesses! I love going to the boutique show because not only do I get to meet so many different people but I get to see how creative everyone is. It’s always so fun to go and it really gets you into the season of giving!”

And Miss Lauren chimed in with: “I love working at the boutique show because it is so fun to see all the different booths and familiar faces. The boutique show also reminds me of Christmas time which is another reason I love it.”

I mean, really- what’s not to absolutely love- no, scratch that- absolutely adore about VIP first dibs; freebies from Big Orange, Loreal, P & G, Dove Chocolate, and T-Mobile; concessions; fun tunes; door prizes from Local Lime; a Picture Perfect NWA free photo booth; AND a portion of the proceeds going to the Junior Civic League? 

We’ll be there with bells on, representing our woman-powered and socially conscious brands from Remedy Road. But so will MANY others. There are boutiques like us (Blue Moon and Beautiful Lives). Food, food, and more food- Kyya Chocolate to Bliss Cupcakes, Fulmer Candy Company to Hill City Popcorn, and Nothing Bundt Cake (I love a good pun). And specialty stores like The Babe Co. of Fayetteville, Winnie Waggles (for your fur babies at home) of Bentonville, Milk and Sugar Bath Co. of Springdale, Arkansocks of Little Rock (I love a good portmanteau too), Eden’s Flower Truck and Botanicals of Fayetteville, Semi-Charmed Wife (I love a good Third Eye Blind song reference) who make jewelry from vintage buttons, and Carpe Librum of Louisiana who carry book-related swag (yay!). 

Blog #6-

11 Fall/Winter Outfits to Die For (Just in Time for Halloween and Dia de Muertos)

Welcome back fashion aficionados! Today, we’ll be diving into a brand new pile of leaves, not accessories but entire outfits for fall/winter 2021, fresh off the streets and runways of NYC and Paris. Because some things just cannot or should not be separated (rom and com, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, Dracula and Renfield, snow and hot cocoa, Macaulay Culkin and elaborately laid traps- I could go on).

So up first:

1. How to Make an American Knitwear- Knit is everywhere this season (and thank goodness we no longer have to knit it ourselves).

This little matching set is classy and adorable for work:

And when you get home, ready to relax, try this cozy set:

We have plenty of warm-ish days in Arkansas, even in December, so don’t be afraid to go airier and lighter like this little number:

Or heavier for January with this simple ABLE sweaterdress:

2. Twins (like DeVito and Schwarzenegger) Sets- Perhaps because we’ve spent so much of the last 18 months in our matching pj sets, we’re seeing more and more of those cropping up in other areas of fashion.

We’ve got snugly athleisure:

Flashback to the 90s velour:

And yoga class, treadmill at home, or weights at the gym:

3. Mono(oke)chromatic- But we can actually take our sets one step further and go head to toe monochromatic, a look that made the catwalks of Fashion Week look like a walking, strutting rainbow. 

We have another velour set throwback (my personal favorite shown in that beautiful tidewater green we looked at in our color series):

Or this adorable prairie style dress:

And as always, we can look to stylish celebs for inspiration, including Kendall Jenner in va va voom red:

Kim Kardashian in root beer brown:

Snow angel JLo in white:

Or always classy Michelle Obama:

4. Double Jeopardy Denim- Take the monochromatic look another step further and match up your set in material too, coordinating the washes and downplaying your inner layer to focus on the jeans:

Or go bigger. After all, we’re savvy enough now to add denim to a furry coat, patchwork that skirt for a more interesting texture, carry that down to an absolutely fabulous pair of boots, and top it all off with a little turquoise bling like this runway look:

5. The Great Out Out(doors)- Maybe the most fun and risque of this set of fashion trends, the stylecasters are calling this out out, and you can execute it a million different ways. Go metallic all over. Add sequins to everything. Choose a print that’s in your face like:

Or:

As you can see by the last selection, color can help out your out as well, as can the cut of the piece like this blazer dress from For Love and Lemons:

Or this corseted number from the runway. A. DOR. A. BLE:

Even your For Love and Lemons hemline can help create a show-stopping number:

6. Y2 (Fast 2 Furious) K- Fashion is nothing if not nostalgic, so it rotates through cycles fairly regularly. Right now, we’re flashing back to the most highly anticipated New Years in centuries, when those of us old enough partied like it was 1999 because that was on its way out. That’s right- Y2K is back (although hopefully, NOT the low rise jeans that showed off the top of a lacy thong). 

This one is similar to an outfit we featured in our color series, very Cher and Dionne walking right out of Clueless and into 2021/22:

And there’s no need to worry that you’re too “old” for this trend the second time around- just look at this cute little crop sweater, loose-fit khakis, and white loafers from For Love and Lemons that would be perfect for work or play:

Or for spicy nights out, opt for something sheer and pair it with a micro mini like this, also from For Love and Lemons:

7. Cat(woman) Suits- Now I don’t know about you, dear readers, but this trend, the metamorphosis of last year's bodysuits into full body catsuits, kind of terrifies me. But if you’re brave or a statuesque beauty like our own Miss Jamison, let the runway inspire you:

But it’s also okay to play it safer and go with a slightly looser option such as a romper- no shame here, it all works off the same principle:

8. Big Trouble in Little Black Dress (China)- We all know that the little black dress is timeless, but smaller trends within the larger one emerge, and for now, it’s the tighter the better, go full bodycon. Like:

Or tighter:

Or tighter still:

Very sassy, sultry, and saucy, enough to melt those snowy, sleeting days we’ll have before long.

9. Tinker Tailored (Soldier Spy)- After a year and a half of loungewear, most of us are more than ready for at least a few more structured pieces in our wardrobe choices. Enter the everything crisply tailored look. And while I love the neutrals from Fashion Week runways like:

And:

Toss at least one bright in there too like this gorgeous red from Chanel:

10. Fast Times at Ridgemont Hi/Lo- This next trend seems like a Gucci supermodel married a “dad bod” wearing his t-shirt, plaid pj pants, and cozy slippers, and this is the resulting unique offspring. But there are tons of great if a bit odd pairings in the world. Just ask Elvis who loved peanut butter and banana sandwiches, Jim Sharman who mated horror with musicals to give us The Rocky Horror Picture Show, or Tom Cruise and Cher who dated for a hot second in the 80s. You take one “hi” piece, pair it with one “lo” piece, and voila= you’re on trend.

Don’t overthink it either. You can do a flowy, hippie dress with jeans (and you’ll stay warmer):

Or toss a destroyed denim jacket on over the LBD’s we looked at earlier:

And lastly,

11. Little House on the Floral Prairie Prints- Cottagecore as an aesthetic is far from over apparently, as evidenced by all the floral and/or prairie inspired prints we’re finding on trend. Especially in dresses like these from Mata Traders- this is right up their alley (field? meadow?):

But the end of this list doesn’t mean we’re done dressing, because we still have everything from heavy coats to silky blouses, sultry skirts to cargo pants, and cute clogs to snugly ski sweaters still to go. So while you wait for our entries on Tops and Bottoms to drop, post some of your favorite outfits for cooler weather below!

Blog #5-

18 Must-Have Accessories to Amp Up Your Autumn & Warm Up Your Winter

What do Dead Poets Society, You’ve Got Mail, and St. Elmo’s Fire have in common? Stumped? How about Coco, Practical Magic, and Dracula? That one's more obvious, right? Frozen, The Day After Tomorrow, and Fargo? No? Let’s try something easier- Love Actually, Scrooged, and Home Alone? The answers are gorgeous scenes set in autumn, the best holiday celebrations fall has to offer, frigid winter snows, and of course, Christmas. 

Family get-togethers, weekends out, office parties, and just-because-we-love-clothes, mean we all need to shuffle our closets around, tossing a little out with the old and in with the new. But what pieces should we be embracing this 2021 fall/winter season? What do everything from Vogue to Marie Claire and Bustle, Cosmo and NYC catwalks to Elle and L’officiel tell us will be on trend this season change around? For the next few weeks, we’ll be answering that question here, and we won’t leave anything out- tops, bottoms, whole outfits, even accessories. So let’s dive in (but not to the pool or lake- pile of leaves or snowdrift instead maybe?). 

And first up- Accessories. 

In headwear, weather it’s to add a little pizazz to your ensembles or to help keep you toasty and snug, we have a wide variety of hats dominating the shops and streets right now.

1. Blessed Ballcaps- For ballgames and the inevitable bad hair day, check out this inspirational baseball cap, a silhouette that’s no longer just for guys:

2. Bountiful Bucket Hats- Not just for days at the beach, especially if you choose one in a 2021 popular shade like frosty pink or army green, we have the bucket hat:

3. Winter Wide Brims- Wide brims in a smorgasbord of colors, shapes, and patterns are proliferating shops, parties, and fashionable evenings out, from brights like that beautiful blue to subtler hues like the lighter pink to tried-and-true neutrals:

4. Bodacious Beanies- And one more “B” for you… the beanie of course. You can go with something practical, simple, and functional:

Or soft, sweet, and feminine:

Fashionable like:

And my personal favorite:

Or fun with graphics that are very in, such as the timeless smiley face:

Of course, not everything in headwear is hats.

5. Hallowed Halos- “Halos” can dress up any outfit with a simple, classic choice:

Or one that’s more whimsical:

6. Haute Hair Kerchiefs- And hair kerchiefs are making a big comeback, something we borrowed from a wide variety of different cultures, including most recently, vintage housewives:

But what about our ears, necks, wrists, and fingers? Won’t they get lonely without a bit of bling too? That’ll work as an excuse to go jewelry shopping if nothing else. 

7. Pretty Pearls- Pearls are the go-to stones cropping up this season, and you can stay costume like these earrings from Bracha:

Or switch to fine jewelry such as these dainty necklaces from a jeweler we pair up with from Magnolia, Arkansas- Murphy’s:

Even barrettes want to get in on the dress-up fun:

8. Fancy Flowers- Flowers are also popping up all over the place despite the cooler temperatures, just not the kind you plant in the ground but instead in ears:

On wrists like:

And sunflowers are big (my personal favorite):

And you can stack as many of these sweet Pura Vida rings as you like:

9. Flamboyant Fringe- We have more unique choices too, such as fringe here, there, and everywhere (honestly, you can add a little to jackets, shoes, or even earrings for some pizazz). Just look at this unusual Mata Traders necklace:

Or this sassy little bag:

10. Fabulous Faces- And while it was B’s and H’s in the hats, it’s the F’s elsewhere because faces on our accessories are popular this season (perhaps because we’ve been hiding our own as of late), whether it’s the whole or just a part. You can put lips on your ears:

Ears with eyes, lashes, and brows:

An extra set of lips on your face when Covid makes you hide yours away:

Or just pack this winking journal and pencil case in your bag for work or school:

11. As Many Round Rings As You Have Room For- Fingers are being loaded up with circles on circles. Just look at our very own (Cinder) Ella (who can take herself to the ball thank you very much) wearing Bracha or Pura Vida:

12. And if you really like to have fun like I do, include some Sassy, Saucy Statement and/or Awesome Acrylic earrings:

Or rings to your repertoire:

(These are from Bea’s own personal collection and her staff pick for the next few weeks).

But accessorizing doesn't stop above the waist. 

13. Lovely Logos- Brand logos are big right now, and I can’t think of a better logo than V is for Vegan like on these two versatile belts:

14. Perfect Puffies- And we need at least 5 or 6 purses to cover any and all occasions. From puffy choices to match our cozy winter coats like:

Or:

Or a bit dressier:

15. Sweet Silver- To silver to match our jewelry choices:

16. Subtle Suede- From beautiful suede pieces such as this smoky blue-gray:

17. Basic Bottomless Bags- To useful bottomless bags that we can pack an entire day or week away in:

18. Clever Clutches- And last but not least, to clutches that are somehow out of the ordinary, such as these designs:

Now of course at some point, we need actual clothes to go with all our fun and flirty, simple and sweet, or classic and cultured accessories, so next time around in Blog #2 of this ongoing series, we’ll get to work dissecting tops, bottoms, and everything in between.

In the meantime, hit us up in the comments below with any fav accessories you’re dying to debut this season!!

Blog #4

Spotlight on Socially Conscious Brands

Welcome back y’all! We’re delighted you’re sticking with us down the road to beauty and fashion remedies. For the second half of this week, we wanted to take a moment to spotlight one of the socially conscious brands we partner with at Remedy Road, because our mission is not just to help you look and feel your best self, but to do so while supporting companies that are busy remedying the world’s most pressing problems. So this week, we thought we’d take a look at Project Social T. 

Founded in LA in 2011, they’ve become the go-to place for the softest, most stay-in-bed-all-day-and-binge-Netflix tees and sweatshirts on the market. They’ve since expanded to include whole collections such as the “Little Black Everything” because who says that has to be limited to just dresses (linked below). 

https://www.projectsocialt.com/collections/little-black-everything 

Or the “cozy” corner you can see linked here, perfect for those cold, cold January evenings and early mornings we’re moving inexorably towards. 

https://www.projectsocialt.com/collections/cozy 

They originally began with the mission of creating the perfect tee (and if you’ve ever touched anything from this company, you know they succeeded), but they’ve grown, focusing on style, durability, quality, and simplicity too. 

From initial design all the way over to production and finished product, everything is “home-grown” right there in LA. And the most impressive thing about Project Social T, our reason for carrying them, is how they connect “compassion” and “consumerism” by donating profits to a variety of nationwide charities in their “Our Projects” program.

Each quarter of the year, they select one extraordinary charity, getting to know them, their volunteers, their goals, and donating $5,000 to help them continue their crucial work. But they also strive to create awareness as well about the charities’ causes and efforts, for example- The Grace Rose Foundation and Kids Need MoRE. 

TGRF was founded by Leah Bauer and her daughter Grace Rose when she was sixteen, and it’s a nonprofit that supports Cystic Fibrosis research and mental wellness for those diagnosed with it such as Grace herself. They even host an annual fashion fundraiser which the stars of the Netflix show Lucifer, among others, attended in 2019.

(courtesy of Just Jared)

KNM is a nonprofit which works with children, young adults, and families struggling with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Among other things, they run one of the only camps in existence for children diagnosed with cancer and their siblings because those kids need normal, fun, and adventurous childhood experiences just like anyone else. The MoRE stands for Motivational Recovery Environments. 

(courtesy of https://kidsneedmore.org/) 

So anytime you purchase a Project Social T product, you could be benefitting anyone from an everyday family dropping off their child at camp with kids going through the same hardships they are, to nonprofits working with redirecting youth offenders or re-empowering victims of violence. 

We love charity awareness here at Remedy Road, so if any of you have one you’d like us to feature here, just hit us up with the name in the comments below. 

Colors Trending For Fall/Winter, Part 3 

The Final!