Northshore Mall

Whether it is stripes, polka dots or a fabulous damask design, there are no colors I adore more than classic black and white. It amazes me that when I am faced with fabric pattern choices for my clothes or home decor, I always choose black and white if it is available, and then I'm shocked when I think "OMG, I just chose black and white...AGAIN" without even realizing it! This means I happen to have habitual colors-of-choice, which is great when there is an entire store at Northshore Mall dedicated to it: White House | Black Market. 

I visited this favorite store of mine last weekend, and as usual, I was not disappointed. I went in looking for a cute party dress I could wear to dinner in Boston for my 4th wedding anniversary to Mr. Flattery. I immediately fell in love with this cotton, natural-waist, a-line short stunner:

If you have ever visited White House | Black Market, you know how well-made their clothes are, but have you ever had a chance to meet their staff? They are so knowledgeable about how their clothes fit women, and they will personally style entire outfits for you! I love this part about shopping there, even though I like to style myself most of the time, I get wonderful ideas from the sales associates at this store. 

Not only did I find this adorable dress there, but my necklace and shoes! Everything in that store coordinates, so if you find a red belt, it coordinates with the red shoes and jewelry from that season...it's brilliant and so stinkin' easy to shop there!



This dress and accessories are so versatile - I can wear them to a wedding, special event, and if I add a button-up, black or red sweater I can easily wear them to work! I can't say enough about this new dress, my favorite colors, and this great store!

As for me and the hubby, we enjoyed a wonderful night eating alfresco at one of our favorite restaurants on Boston's waterfront, Smith & Wollensky. It was the perfect way to spend our anniversary!

Yours in style & flattery,
Tara

It's unofficial - the start of summer has arrived! Although my calendar says summer will not be here until June 21st, I'm celebrating now anyway! Mr. Flattery and I took a short, scenic ride up the coast to beautiful Ogunquit, Maine on Memorial Day. It was everything I hoped it would be - warmth, green trees, gorgeous flowers, and (of course) filled with many styles from Northshore Mall. We packed the day with our favorite things: a trip to the beach, a walk by the boats, a bike ride on Marginal Way and a stroll through some of our favorite shops. We just wouldn't have it any other way!

My favorite thing to do at the beach (when I'm not relaxing on a lounge chair) is to jump around and do cartwheels. Yes, I realize that I don't look like a cartwheel kind-of-girl, but I'm under the impression that I will NEVER be too old to do a cartwheel, so I do them often! Mr. Flattery tried to capture some of my world-class gymnastics, but I was just too quick for him. You'll just have to settle for a picture of one of my "high-jumps!"
 

Shirt: Banana Republic | Jeans: Gap | Sunglasses: Coach

If you have ever been to Ogunquit you will surely identify with my love for this quaint town. It has everything, including some wonderful boat-watching. We love to sit on the rocks and watch as boats pass by...so mesmerizing!

Shirt & All Accessories: Banana Republic | Skirt: Ann Taylor

Next, we headed over to Marginal Way, a long, ocean trail that winds through the outskirts of Ogunquit. Incredible houses line the shore, and friendly people stop to say "hello." We rode our bikes and had some fun in the sun before walking over to our favorite shops in downtown. Candy stores, restaurants, gift & antique stores - a vacationers dream lives in Ogunquit! Everything in this town screams "SUMMER" and I just love the feel of it!
 

Shirt & Skirt: Banana Republic | Flowers & Sign: Pottery Barn | Bike: Central Cycle, Beverly, MA

As with any day, there are always some bloopers! Whether I'm tripping over my own feet, standing on top of a windy bridge with a skirt or falling off my bike - there is NEVER a dull moment! I may be all dressed up, but that doesn't mean I stop being the clutz I was born to be...sometimes I just have to laugh at myself :)
 

All in all, this was one of my favorite days of 2013. I'm so glad we had one day of great weather during our Memorial Day Weekend to enjoy the sun, as well as remember all fallen service men and women. Without them, I would not be able to do all the things that I love doing in this country...my heartfelt thanks. 

Enjoy the rest of the beautiful week ahead!

Yours in style & flattery,
Tara

Welcome sunshine, sunglasses and sunscreen - it's 70 degrees on the North Shore of Boston! While most people across the country would consider this mild, we (those of us who drink iced coffee in 25-degree-weather) consider this an all-out heat wave! With that in mind, I have some GORGEOUS flattering fashion and accessories to share with you today. 

I stopped by some of my favorite Northshore Mall shops to get inspired for my fun photo shoot, and let's just say it was easy! Stores are jammed with natural nauticals, pretty paisleys‎ and beautiful blue seaglass - the combination of which equals some seriously sunny style. Here is what I found:

The items I chose for this are the perfect representation of this time of year, and putting this look together was a breeze. Speaking of, the light sea breeze blowing and the sounds of sea gulls overhead during this shoot were so refreshing. I looked out onto the horizon, past The Friendship, docked in picturesque Salem Harbor, to see the aqua blue sky fading from dark to light into that North Shore ocean. I couldn't be more happy with my choice of location. This is just the beginning of summer, and the first stop of many on my fashion, styling and photo adventures. I hope you take advantage of some of these spring styles from all of the great retailers at the North Shore Mall, and follow me over the next few months to see what I will be wearing and where! 

Yours in style & flattery,
Tara

P.S. Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery:
Jacket: New York & Company
Scarf: Loft
Bathing Suit: Victoria's Secret
Clutch: Coach
Top: Loft
Shorts: Loft
Sunglasses: Sunglass Hut
Jewelry: Coach
Shoes: Aldo
Belts: Aldo
Fisherman's Net Table Cloth & Glassware: Pottery Barn (Fun fact: Pottery Barn at Northshore Mall offers FREE in-home design experts. They will literally bring products to your home and design a room for you!)
 

Hi there North Shore,

I am filled with joy! My sweet cousin, Ashley, (who also happens to be a fashionista) is graduating from college this spring from Suffolk University in Boston. I am so proud of her and all she has accomplished so far in her life. Not only is she graduating with a Bachelor's Degree, but she is also leaving college having had many amazing experiences. She lived on her own in Boston for 4 years, as well as in Greece for a semester! This really got me thinking...what in the world am I going to get my beautiful cousin to help her celebrate one of the biggest achievements of her life? There are so many options!

GRADUATION FASHION:

First of all, knowing her, she will be wearing an adorable outfit under her cap and gown. If I had the opportunity to help her choose (which she never needs help looking fabulous) I would probably put a look like this together for her. Something light and colorful, with wrap heels and a fun necklace:



Dress: Express | Shoes: Aldo | Necklace: Forever 21

Turns out, she wore an even cuter outfit to graduation...of course she did! The best part about Ashley's graduation outfit: it's all from Northshore Mall!



Dress: Forever 21 | Shoes: DSW

GIFT IDEAS:

I know how hard it can be to shop for someone else. When shopping for someone, I always picture what kind of items they wear, and where they are right now in their life (or in this case, what the next chapter will be). My cousin, Ashley, has already been living on her own and will be starting a professional career. Here are two gift ideas I have for her:

- This beautiful leather bag from Coach is not your typical "briefcase" but will certainly hold everything she needs to run around town for interviews, in style!

- Since I want to get her something special, something that will last, something...timeless, I found this beautiful Skagen watch at Macy's and just knew it would be perfect for her. I absolutely adore the gorgeous stainless steel mesh band, and the pop of black on the face with rhinestones. This watch is simple and elegant, something that will not only last the test of time with fashion, but also a great quality.
 

And, of course, if you are completely stumped on what to get your special grad (and you are out of time) a Simon mall gift card also works great too! Good luck shopping, and as always I am here to help. Leave a comment or question on my blog, and I will respond with some ideas!

Yours in style & flattery,
Tara

Hello fashionistas,

This is my first official blog as the Northshore Mall Style Setter! I am thrilled to be bringing you new and fabulous ideas direct from your favorite mall in Peabody.

Wedding season is upon us, and many of you are going to be looking for that perfect floor-length gown for the black-tie wedding or cocktail dress for the less formal affair. I completely understand how overwhelming it can be to narrow down the style that is appropriate for the occasion, decide which type flatters you best, and then have to find it! Well, fret-no-more, I am here to help!

SUMMER WEDDING: FORMAL
My favorite type of floor-length-gown to wear to a summer wedding is a light-weight chiffon in a gorgeous color. This coral, chiffon dress from Cache features a pleated skirt, halter top, and one of my favorite trends - a high-low hem! This a-line-cut gown flatters most body types because the natural-waist-belt draws your eye to the smallest part of a woman's body - the waist! The flowy, pleated skirt adds a nice touch and completely eliminates showing off any unwanted mid-section.  
 

SUMMER WEDDING: COCKTAIL

Semi-formal attire can be a little trickier than formal because it is more open to interpretation. I stick by one rule - choose a solid color. A pattern can sometimes be a little too informal for a wedding. My favorite kind of cocktail dress is also a natural-waist A-line. I love this Diane von Furstenberg dress from Nordstrom because it is the perfect blend of sophisticated (neckline) and sexy (flirty skirt). Add a gorgeous necklace,  a pair of fabulous earrings and the perfect clutch, and you will be hotter than the summer sun!

I absolutely love summer weddings - from the open-air ceremonies to dancing under the stars. Wishing you all the best in choosing the dress or gown that lights you up inside and out. Just remember, flattery is everything! Happy shopping Northshore!

Yours in style & flattery,
Tara

Hello North Shore Fashionistas,

This is my favorite time of year. Not only do I have a chance to restock my wardrobe with color and new trends (and share it with all of you), but I also have a chance to show appreciation for my mom. After all, , my mother is the woman who taught me about dressing well and wearing red lipstick; she deserves a special day! There are so many wonderful gifts to choose from this year.

Here are my favorites:

- Spa Service - Did you know the Northshore Mall has a spa and salon? That's right, Green Tangerine is a full-service luxury spa and salon located near H&M and Scosso Ristorante & Martini Bar. Why not treat your mom to shopping, lunch and a massage, facial or manicure/pedicure? This year I'm treating my mom to a spa service (but shhhh don't tell her)!

- A Nautical Look for Mom - Living in New England my entire life has strongly influenced my style - I have an affinity for navy blue, stripes and a pop of red like no one else I know. This outfit would make the perfect Mother's Day gift. Gorgeous for a spring day of browsing around Newburyport or lounging at a cafe in Portsmouth.



Navy & white striped sweater from Loft, Jellypop flats from DSW, Michael Kors red bag from Macy's. 

- Giving Back - If your mom happens to love Loft, a nice way to show your appreciation for her AND give to a worthy cause is to purchase a Loft Cares Card. 90% of this card's purchase price will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

- Never underestimate how much moms love JEWELRY - I subscribe to the philosophy "when in doubt, buy jewelry." This gorgeous set of white gold Tahitian pearl earrings and necklace would look stunning on your mom, my mom, really ANY mom.  



Whatever you give your mom this Mother's Day, be sure to tell her how much you love her and what she means to you.

So "Ma," I know you're reading this - I love you, you're my biggest inspiration and I don't know what I would do without you! Happy Mother's Day.

Yours in style and flattery,
Tara 

Have you ever been tired of your look? Maybe it's the end of the season and you've been wearing the same outfits, or it could be you just haven't had time for shopping . Whatever the case, every woman falls into a fashion-rut every now and then. What is the key, then, to never tiring of your attire? Become a style chameleon! I tend to go for the "same" styles each season because they flatter my body, such as, a natural-waist dresses with a great pair of stilettos.



However, the other day I stepped out of the box and into some different, equally flattering trends at Forever XXI at Northshore Mall, and I was pleasantly surprised by the result. Here is what I found my best "style chameleon" equation to be for Summer 2013: Extremely cute summer vests (-) Being afraid to mix patterns (+) A bit of biker chic (=) A fun, flattering and different look for me!






This next sentence is as much for me as it is for you, readers: don't be afraid to change it up every once-in-a-while! The best outfits happen when I try something totally out of my comfort zone, and mix and match different styles (come on, biker-chic and stilettos, Tara? Yes, absolutely!) The most important thing is to laugh at yourself (and maybe take a picture and send it to me) if an outfit becomes a complete fashion disaster! Pull different things together and try them on in the dressing room - work it, ladies!

For help navigating any new trends, leave me a comment here! I will respond with some helpful tips.

Yours in style & flattery,
Tara