A lot of Moxie.

Getting in contact with and supporting local boutiques has been a desire of mine since this blog took a turn towards the fashionable. Portland has such a fantastic style-scene and I've wanted nothing more than to get swept away in it. My chance finally came last month when Dee, the owner of Moxie got in contact with me.* Read more over at the Review Blog.

Cruising with Katie Holmes.

I had made up my mind, and had even written in my planner, to do a men's fashion post today. I'd done the googling, I'd collected most of the images and then...I found myself distracted. Distracted by the tall, dark, somewhat mysterious Mrs. Cruise.

I must admit that I was 1) never a big Dawson's Creek fan and 2) convinced Ms. Holmes was INSANE when she announced she was going to marry Tom Cruise, (I'm still not convinced there isn't something seriously weird going on in that household) but one thing I DO know is that Katie (regardless of her last name) has fantastic, fantastic taste.

Her use of classic patterns (like polka dots and stripes) and timeless pieces leave her looking very put together and always the lady. Some stars have the tendency to dress one way on the red carpet and in front of the cameras, but have a totally different street style. Katie is not one of these stars. Whether it's a shopping trip in NYC or attending a show at Fashion Week, she always looks chic, classic and totally herself. Katie is truly an American style icon and a great example of classy-sexy.

Are you as infatuated with Katie's look as I am? Here's a few pieces that can help you capture her classic look.

1. O'Reilly Jacket, Anthropologie, $128.00.
2. The Tomboy, AG Jeans, $235.00.
3. Back-zip Ballet Flats, J.Crew, $128.00.
4. St. James Meridian Tee, Madewell, $85.00.
5. F1070 Sunglasses, Forever 21, $5.80.

The Arbonne Advantage.

I've been dropping hints lately about some new sponsors around Krameymartin, and I'm pleased to introduce the first! If you've noticed over in my sidebar, some new ads have appeared, one of them being Arbonne!

To read more about my Arbonne experience, click here.

Anniversary Contest Winner!

First of all, thank you so much for your fantastic ideas! The idea we decided to go with was Jana's, I believe, and involved a couple nights treehouse tents and traipsing around some orchards. Alas, the tents have been taken down for the winter so we are back to square one for now. Good thing we have a HUGE list of ideas! Seriously, thanks SO much for your help.

And second, a giveaway winner has been picked!!

Congrats Angela and thanks again everyone for playing!

Catching up.

It's Friday! And that means it's time for me to show you what I've been wearing the last week, as I continue my 30-for-30 challenge. Let's get started, shall we?

Click on the image to see clothes credits.

Click on the image to see clothes credits.

And here I am today, showing off one of my favorite purchases ever. "But you're not supposed to be shopping," you might be saying. Oh, but I didn't, dear readers! This jacket is the product of two items (Field Scout Skirt and a pair of wedges) purchased before the 30-for-30 challenge that I returned. They paid me $10 to take this supple leather beauty home. You might also be saying, "But that's not in your 30 items!" Well, my friends, since I returned the Field Scout Skirt (due to fit issues) and sold the Rainforest Shirtdress (due to pattern issues) in my closet sale, I subbed in the Cynthia Vincent Wedges and this jacket to take their places. Is that kosher? I've decided it is. :)

What are your plans for the weekend? I think we'll be doing a lot of relaxing, as Taylor is down with some sort of bug, but I'm looking forward to debuting some new sponsors next week! Until then, have a fantastic weekend!

And don't forget to enter the Anniversary Contest! You could win $25 to Anthropologie or J.Crew! Enter here. Contest ends Monday.

French Envy.

 Clemence Posey, Eva Green, Marion Cotilliard and Audrey Tatou.

Ever since my co-worker returned from Paris, I've had my eye on all-things-French. I keep checking Travelzoo for airline deals, I can't stop dreaming of macaroons and it's been all I can do not to wear my striped top every single day. I'd like to think it's my ancestry showing it's influence- my maiden name, "Ramey" was originally "Remy," when my ancestors came to America but was changed due to pronunciation issues- but I think the bloodline is a little diluted at this point. :)

Anyway...between the influence of Emersonmade and my French-fixation, I've really been paring down my wardrobe to pieces that fit fabulously, all work together and give a sense of put-togetherness no matter how casual the material; the cardinal rules of French style. I've also never been a huge pattern person, always been a little picky when it comes to print, and now I'm feeling even more inclined to stick with plain colors and simple fabrics.

What are your favorite French looks/fashions?

Have you entered the Anniversary Contest? You could win $25 to Anthropologie or J.Crew! Enter here.

A little Anniversary contest.

Taylor and I need serious HELP deciding what to do for our two year anniversary coming up in a couple weeks! Neither of us can come up with any ideas that we're really stoked about, so I thought getting some input from you brilliant readers would help us out!

We even decided that we'd make this a little CONTEST. Submit your idea and enter to win a $25 Gift Card to Anthropologie or J.Crew (your choice)!* The winner will be chosen at random Monday September 27, 2010.

To enter: 
1. You must be a follower of this site.
2. You must leave an idea and your e-mail in the comments below.
3. For an additional entry, tweet about the contest (copying me @krameymartin in the tweet) and leave the url in the comments below.
4. For yet another entry, post about the anniversary contest on your blog and post the link in the comments.

Good luck!

*This contest is in no way sponsored by J.Crew or Anthropologie.

Emersonmade me do it.

Now and then in a fashion-lover's life, they stumble across something that inspires them so much, something they relate to on such a deep level, that it changes their whole outlook on their personal style. In the past, J.Crew and Anthropologie have both had this influence on me. I get on a roll and add 100 things to my wishlist at once. I often clean out my wardrobe, ridding it of pieces that don't fit into my "new" aesthetic.

This time around, it was the simple, preppy-chic style of Emersonmade that struck my fancy. I cannot get enough of the high-quality, handmade pieces from the New England designer. I go to sleep dreaming of stripes and tweed, giant flower pins and Hunter Wellies. Emerson (and her husband/business partner-how cute is that?) have so perfectly captured the idea of wearing beautiful pieces that make you feel good, but at the same time, let YOU be you. I just can't get enough!

I saved up and bought The Stripe, and being the nerdy clothes-lover that I am, I emailed Emersonmade to gush about how much I love their stuff and see if possibly they'd like to read my little old blog. And, lo and behold, they sent me The Poppy to review. They even spelled my name right! :)

Head on over to the review blog to READ MORE...

Oktoberfest is Ok.

Despite the rain, the Fab Four and their men (minus my brother-in-law, sorry Andrew!) hit the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest last night. We ate, and ate, and ate some more. We visited the Beirgarten and Weingarten and some of us (not me) danced the chicken dance. And overall, we had a fantastic time. Long story short, I love my friends. And, the guys they all decided to include in their lives are pretty great too.

The rest of the weekend was spent with my family, who were visiting so my brother could check out colleges. We went to breakfast at my favorite French bakery, held the cutest new baby ever and bought some gorgeous flowers at a farmer's market, SEE:

We also had a great dinner with my in-laws, listened to a fabulous message at our new church, I got to brunch with Kerri and Rhi and, finally, I renewed my love for Lois and Clark, which I watched in like 4th grade. Superman is dreamy.

How were your weekends?

Day the ninth through day the eleventh.

You guys. I'm really struggling with this 30-for-30 thing. Not because I can't decide what to wear, or feel like I have no clothes. No, not that at all! It's actually been pretty fun and easy. The only thing I'm struggling with is remembering to take my photo everyday! I'm a failure. Anyway, I only have three outfits for you today, though I successfully dressed myself all five days this week. I'll have do a make up batch here soon.

When:
September 13-15, 2010

What:
DAY NINE:
Glasses: Kate Spade
Top: J.Crew
Necklace: J.Crew
Button Sampler Skirt: Anthropologie
Pumps: J.Crew

DAY TEN:
Flower: Made by Mandee
Sea's Epitome Shirt: Anthropologie
Field Scout Skirt: Anthropologie
Pumps: Urban Outfitters

DAY ELEVEN:
Scarf: Postalaparia
Dress: J.Crew
Tights: Target
Boots: Dolce Vita

Where:
Work, work, work.

Why:
It's taken a turn for the chilly here in Oregon, so I had to be a bit more resourceful this week. I started with a preppy look, donned a breezy skirt and top for Tuesday which was a bit warmer and then donned my favorite jersey dress and some tights for a rainy-er Wednesday. Thursday I wore jeans with a blouse and cardigan and today I'm wearing jeans with my striped top. Nothing too exciting!

My family is here this weekend, so I will probably be scarce around here, but will be back next week with some lovely new sponsors and review-y goodness! Ciao loves!

Fashion Week favorites (Round 1).

As many of you may know, this last week has been fashion week in New York and the Spring/Summer 2011 collections have been showing. As I've looked through many of the collections online, I've found that sheer fabrics, whites and neutrals, short hemlines, lots of draping and slouchy trousers are going to be the basis of spring and summer dressing next year. It always amazes me that the trends get set so far in advance! Anyway, here are a few of my favorite looks that took trips down the runway this last week.

Little White Dresses:
There is nothing lovelier than a crisp little white dress. When I saw these dresses, I instantly pictured the episode from Gossip Girl where they attend the white party in the Hamptons, which has always been a secret wish of mine. Both being in the Hamptons and going to a party with a dress code.:) Here are a few of my favorites!

Rachel Comey, BCBG, Christian Siriano, Erin Fetherston, Rachel Comey.*

Bright Red/Orange:
I was so excited when I saw this color in multiple collections on the runways, especially because I already own several pieces in it! I love the cream colored blouse and the gold belt with the bright red/orange. I'll have to stow that away for spring!

Monique Lhullier.*

Big Bows:
Emma Pillsbury should be thrilled, big giant bow blouses are IN for spring! And I'm right there with you Emma! I love that this look popped up in so many collections. Lovely, lovely, lovely. So chic, so seventies and accessible at all price ranges!

Tracy Reese, Jason Wu, Jason Wu, Rag & Bone.

Smart Suits:
I don't have a lot of opportunities to wear suits, but I couldn't help but notice how lovely the spring suits were. I loved the cream embellished suit by Monique Lhullier and the cropped pants suit by DVF. Such a nice alternative for those of you who work in more formal office environments.

Monique Lhullier, Jason Wu, Diane Von Furstenburg.

Pretty Prints:
I'm incredibly picky about prints. And I usually don't buy a lot of them as they just don't seem as versatile in my wardrobe, but there were definitely some very lovely, subtle prints circulating NYFW. I can't wait to see more!

Jason Wu, Doo Ri, Erin Fetherston.

Two Piece Wonders:
And finally, I loved the shorts/skirts pairings that designers were doing. So many lovely printed blouses and a really great overall length of shorts and skirts. I felt like these were probably the most accessible looks and I can't wait to replicate some of them, come spring.

Peter Som, Rachel Comey, Rebecca Taylor, Tracy Reese.

Anything that struck your fancy? Have you been keeping up with NYFW? What are your favorite looks so far?

And don't forget to check out the blog sale! Tons of great pieces! See it here.

*All images courtesy of style.com.

Major Closet Sale.

Hey loves! Not much to report today, other than I've cleaned out my closet and posted some seriously good items (lots of Anthro) over on the closet sale blog! So make your way on over and do some shopping! I'm in the midst of a major closet purge, so subscribe to Shop Krameymartin to get updated sale items!

Portland Fashion's Night Out.

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I spent Friday in downtown Portland, helping local stylist Kevin Lennox with PDX Fashion's Night Out. In short, it was ridiculously awesome. The show went great, the event was a blast and there were lots of people out to support fashion in Portland.

For a little bit more of the story, here are some of my "behind the scenes photos." They're kind of crappy since I took them with my BlackBerry, but I was too busy to play photographer! There was a professional photog there, so once I can get a hold of those images, I'll make sure to share them here.

11 a.m.- The clothes have been set out according to walking order and model info.

12 noon- Crystal and I, styling assistant extraordinaires grabbing a quick break after fittings.

3 p.m.- The runway right before rehearsals.

5 p.m.- First look of the show. Chanel boots, drool.

7:15 p.m.- The final show.

The whole thing was such an incredible experience and I'm so glad I got to be a part of it. And, if you're really bored, you can watch the first minute or so of the local news video below. I'm in the background, on the left.:)

Daydreaming.

Despite my determination to lay off the material and focus a little more on the people in my life, a few material items have managed to sneak their way into my brain and onto my wish list! Besides pure bliss and world peace (Hee!), here's what I'm wishing for this fall!

Though I can't say that I'd wear this polish, I really love the green hue. It would go perfectly with the wellies, right? I've been dying for some wellies for the last two years but haven't been disciplined enough to save up the dough and buy them. Next budget cycle, perhaps? And, everyone needs some Penguin Classics to curl up with by the fire...in a tweed blazer of course! And finally, what better to document autumn events like Halloween and Oktoberfest, than with a Fujimax?

1. Essie Nail Polish, Pretty Edgy, $8.00.
2. Penguin Classics, around $12.00 each at Amazon.
3. Hardwood floors and white built-ins.
4. Hunter Wellington Boots, Original Green, $125.00. 
5. Emersonmade 1960's Jacket- The Tweed, $238.00.
6. Fujimax Instant, White, $65.00.

*This post has been scheduled, as today I'm helping local stylist Kevin Lennox with Portland's Fashion's Night Out fashion show and shopping event! Details and photos to come soon! Until then, check out this video!

Waiting for my story.

I don't, and I can't say that I have ever, felt comfortable calling myself a "writer." Despite the fact that I have a Writing/Literature degree. Despite the fact that I worked at two newspapers in college, not including the school newspaper, where I was the Arts & Culture editor for two years. Or despite the fact that I've been blogging for over two years.

I can't call myself a writer, even though I hit publish here at least twice a week. Even though I authoritatively tell you all what to wear. Even though I legitimately love to "physically" write (and type).

The real reason I don't consider myself a writer though, is because I haven't found my story yet.

I've never been convinced that I'm going to be a novelist, essayist, or even a "published author." I don't have illusions of grandeur, nor do I think my particular writing style is anything out of the ordinary. My life goals don't center on making the New York Times Best Seller list, but I've always felt like someday I'm going to have something to say, a story to tell or an experience to recount that will be worth writing. Something good enough to make me spend the time putting it all to paper.

It may be about fashion, it may be about faith or it may even be fiction. But mark my words, someday I will tell that story. And you can say that you waited for it with me. 

Day the sixth through day the eigth.

First of all, THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of your wonderful, beautiful, loving words on my last post. I'm not sure how this blog is going to change-or not change-from here, I don't have it planned out, but I just want to say a huge thanks for all the support and encouragement. You guys are SO amazing and are such a great reminder of why I have this site in the first place. I heart the Internet. Big, virtual kisses and hugs! You guys lift my spirits!

Anyway, though I haven't been posting my 30-for-30 outfits this week, it doesn't mean I haven't been getting dressed and following the rules! See...here's evidence!

When:
September 7, 8, 9, 2010

What:
DAY SIX:
Glasses: Kate Spade
Scarf: Macy*s
Top: J.Crew
Roxanne Skinny jeans: Seven for All Mankind
Flats: Target

DAY SEVEN:
Glasses: Kate Spade
Necklace: J.Crew
Top: Gap
Jeans: Seven for All Mankind
Flats: Gap

DAY EIGHT:
Elbow Patch Blazer: Anthropologie
Tee: Urban Outfitters
Full Bloom Clip: Anthropologie
Skirt: J.Crew
Boots: Dolce Vita
Earrings: Nordstrom

Where:
9/7- Working on the road.
9/8- Work.
9/9- Work and a little hang out time with my friends!

Why:
I didn't take Monday's photo because I stayed in my sweats all day and I won't take tomorrow's photo because I have a special event and have to wear something specific, details to come soon! But the other days this week were all about warmth and comfort! I'm liking today's look the best, it was inspired by the lovely Emerson. What do we think?

Being honest.

Since this is my very own super-de-duper honest space, I've got to be honest with you guys. I'm feeling a little burned out. I'm tired of taking photos of myself every morning, I'm tired of thinking of things to post about and I'm tired of spending hours contemplating my own personal style. I'm tired of padding my wish list full of items that I'll never be able to buy, sick of scouring eBay for items I can't afford and stressed out from scrambling to make up for not sticking to my monthly clothes budget. I feel like I've been pouring myself into things that aren't fulfilling me in any way.

For about a year or so, I've been struggling a bit. I've been generally unhappy, confused about what to do with my life and frustrated with not knowing what to do. Often during this time, I've used clothes/fashion as a means to distract myself or cure my boredom with life. As much as I think there is something wonderful and beautiful about fashion, styling, shopping, etc., in many many people's lives, it creates unhealthy habits and immense amounts of debt. And a lot of times it all boils down to not feeling good enough. And so it has been the case with me.

I'm not saying I'm going to stop shopping, stop blogging or stop writing about fashion. It's still one of my main and favorite interests. I'm not saying I'm quitting the 30-for-30 challenge or that I'm going to stop taking outfit photos. I'm not saying I don't still want to be a stylist when I grow up. I'm just want to be honest with you guys and I want to find and develop the areas of my life that really do matter. Like the fact that we think we may have found a church. I want to have a healthy relationship with clothes and fashion and I want to build up a hefty nest egg in my savings so that I can do things like travel to Paris and Ireland with my fantastic husband.

I hope that it's okay for me to share these things here, I know a lot of you come here for the clothes, reviews and not so much reflect-y goodness, but I have to hope somewhere deep down that some of you come here for a little bit of me. And I hope that some of you understand where I'm at. Thanks for letting me bare my soul a little bit. And, here's to a healthy relationship with the clothes we all love so much! Cheers!

Day the fifth.

When:
September 3, 2010

What:
Bitty Beatles Earrings: Anthropologie
Pollyanna Ponytail Holder: Anthropologie
Daring Dart Blouse: Anthropologie
Slender Strands Belt: Anthropologie
Field Scout Skirt: Anthropologie
Heels: Jessica Simpson

Where:
Work.

Why:
When I first tried on both this skirt and top, I tried them together. So as soon as I procured them both, I couldn't wait to wear them together. I added the hair bow I've been trying to figure out how to wear and some black accents to tie it all together. What do we think?

There's still a bunch of sale items from my closet, you can check them out here. If these items aren't purchased, they're going straight to the thrift store, so happy shopping!:)

Day the fourth.

When:
September 2, 2010

What:
Rainforest Morning Shirtdress: Anthropologie
Earrings: Kate Spade
Necklace: Falling Whistles
Flats: Gap
Watch: Nikki Jane's

Where:
Work and dinner with my husband, Mandee & Ryan, Jaime & Ian.

Why:
I can't lie to you, I struggled with what to wear this morning. It's been chilly the last few days, but warmed up today so I didn't want to wear too many layers. Also, my boots, which I almost always wear with this dress are still wet from being polished. Quite a pickle I tell you. But I am excited about wearing my Falling Whistle! Such a great organization! Check them out and buy a whistle!*

There's still a bunch of sale items from my closet, you can check them out here. If these items aren't purchased, they're going straight to the thrift store, so happy shopping!:)

*This post is in no way sponsored by Falling Whistles. 

Style Star: Mandy Moore.

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that last night I experienced a renewed love for the movie Because I Said So, and more specifically for Milly Wilder's (Mandy Moore) easy, breezy style. I had forgotten how much I loved her long, layered locks, her light and airy dresses and especially that red polka dot dress. She masterfully mixes modern and vintage styles (both in clothes and her ADORABLE apartment). Great, right?

But Milly wasn't the only forgotten style star I remembered last night. I was reminded as I started to search for Because I Said So images for this post that I've always really liked Mandy Moore's style too. She does a great mix of soft and edgy. She has gorgeous gorgeous hair, no matter how it's cut and she has a beautiful smile. She has disappeared off the radar a bit in the last couple of years, but she has some new movies coming out and I'm looking forward to seeing more of her fashion choices in the near future.

I have no doubt in my mind that I'll be taking a photo of Mrs. Adams-Moore into my next hair appointment!

What do you think of Mandy (and Milly's) style?

Day the third.

When:
September 1, 2010

What:
Glasses: Kate Spade
Top: Gap
Belt: Gap
Jeans: Seven for All Mankind
Juliet Pumps: J.Crew
Earrings: Etsy

Where:
Work and a private preview party at the new Saks Off 5th opening soon at Bridgeport.

Why:
I've long dreamed of putting together a 70's look using a neck-tie blouse and some high waisted jeans. However, I've yet to stumble across a pair of high jeans that I really look decent in, so today I decided to just go for it with my bootcut pair. I think it turned out pretty well- an updated 70's look!

Also, I've loaded up a bunch of sale items from my closet, you can check them out here. If these items aren't purchased, they're going straight to the thrift store, so happy shopping!:)