Anyone who knows Marni and me knows one thing: we LOVE shoes. 

Like...we really love shoes. 

Just me, rocking my favorite pair of red stilettos during a recent bridal shoot (Photo credit: Kristen Mak Photography)

I'm super excited about today's blog post, because I'm going to walk you through what I consider to be "The Essentials" when it comes to shoes: the pairs that, in my opinion, every woman needs to have in her closet!

Comfy Sneakers

Yes, yes, I know--SHOCKING for me to be posting that sneakers are an essential (people who know me only see me in them if I'm taking my dog for a walk or my kiddo to the park). But even if you are a heel lover like me, don't underestimate the importance of a great pair of sneakers--you need them for more than you think. Whether it's for a workout class or a run in the neighborhood with your dog, or simply to have on hand if your feet hurt, you absolutely need a very comfy pair (this is not an area where you can splurge on quality). 

Pointed-Toe Stilettos

I've always been a platform stiletto type of gal, but I've recently come around to seeing the classic elegance of a pair of pointy-toed stilettos without a platform. These essential shoes are excellent choices for more formal occasions when you want to create an ultra-feminine silhouette--occasions such as an important business meeting, or a cocktail party. Just be aware--without the support of the platform, they WILL hurt your feet more quickly, so maybe pack your pair of ballet flats for wear later in the evening. 

Platform Stilettos

Some people disagree with me on this, but I personally can't think of a better or classier work shoe than a stiletto with a hidden platform. The platform is essential for keeping your feet comfortable despite the height of the heel, and the silhouette of the shoe is utterly classy when paired with your favorite suits. My advice is to make sure you have a pair of this type of stiletto in BOTH black and a nude that matches your skin tone--trust me. You won't believe how much wear you get out of them, because they will go with everything, for everything. 

Ballet Flats

While I always prefer to rock a pair of heels, there's no denying that sometimes...life just calls for flats. They can look classy if you have to wear them for work, and yet they still work comfortably for times where you know you are going to be chasing little ones all over the place or for when you are traveling.

Wedges

Ah, wedges. Personally, I can't think of a better Summer shoe--you get some great height (admittedly, this photo shoes VERY high ones...), while still being able to walk (carefully) on grass. A perfect choice for hot weather days where you have to dress up (think: Summer weddings), a pair of wedges are an essential to have in your closet that you might not even realize is such an essential until you need them. 

High-Rise Boots

Take it from this Fall-loving girl: A great pair of boots (especially knee-high or over-the-knee ones, like these ones from a Fall shoot with Leviticus Fashions) are a cold-weather staple for your closet. Boots pair beautifully with jeans, leggings, sweaters, dresses...a.k.a. everything you will wear from October-March, at least. I highly recommend having two pairs of boots that either nearly hit the knee, or are over the knee: ones with a flat or less than 3" heel, and ones that feature a stiletto heel for dressier occasions. 

Flip-Flops

When it comes to flip flops, the cheaper the better! These foam babies are easy to slide on to do everything from letting the dog out to spending a day at the beach/on the boardwalk in easy, breezy comfort, but I promise: you definitely need at least one pair of these for the Summer.

Rain Boots

Rain boots, like this classic Hunter pair in a fun color, are an absolute necessity (trust me, I know: my cheap pair split open when I was least expecting it). Cute enough to wear out and about on a rainy day while still protecting your more expensive shoes, you will want to invest in a pair that will last. 

A Pair of "Party" Shoes

Whether you choose a stiletto, platform, wedge, or flat style: Every woman needs a pair of "fun" shoes in her closet for parties. These shoes should express your personality in the best and most fun way--for me personally, that looks like an ultra-high heel and sparkles; for others, it might look more like bright, funky colors and a Y2K heel. 

There you have it, Folks! My guide to what I consider the absolute "essentials" for your shoe closet...and that reminds me...I have some shopping to do for my own :) 

Until next time...shop small, y'all!

<Em

This weekend, we take a pause as a nation to honor and reflect on the lives of those who served our country in the armed forces, but tragically did not make it home. We here at TCC would like to thank all those who served and who continue to serve, past, present, and future, to keep America safe and free. We would also like to thank their families--the life of a military spouse is NO picnic (just ask Emily's sister, Anna, a brave military wife and mom). 

This year, Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 30th (this also happens to be our Emily's Wedding Anniversary!). It has become something of a tradition for many people to wear patriotic colors as they observe Memorial Day, and TCC has got you covered--all of the photos below are screenshots of the actual items, so you can simply plug the name of the piece you love into the search bar and find it right away! Use code MEMORIAL22 for a special, one-time-only 22% discount. 

Red

This cute tank is comfy and effortlessly chic for a hot summer backyard barbecue!

An ornate and romantic take on the shade, this wine-colored velvet cami is an all-season essential layering piece. 

With hints of blue and white on a red background, this swingy dress will keep you cool while simultaneously providing a subtle nod to patriotic colors. 

The obvious choice for both Memorial Day and 4th of July!

Blue

This adorable, button-accented cami just screams "Summer is here!"

Versatile, comfortable, and flattering, this blue skinnies will be a year-round wardrobe staple. 

This high-necked blue lace blouse will compliment your favorite low-cut tops (try layering it under one of our white camis below!)

Of course, you can't mention the color blue without including the ultimate wardrobe staple: denim. These classic shorts will go with absolutely everything. 

White

How sweet is this feminine, flirty lace top? 

Trust me--every woman needs a pair of white denim skinnies in her wardrobe! They are classic, timeless, classic, and a true "go-with-everything" staple. 

This sweet off-shoulder top is both elegant and feminine. 

Whether you wear this top alone or layered under a favorite sweater or jacket, this flirty white top is sure to be a new fave!

Both simple and sexy, this white denim skirt features a sultry lace-up front. 

There you have it, Friends--some great TCC picks for this weekend (that will also work for the 4th of July!). However you commemorate this weekend, please take a moment to reflect on those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could be free. We are free to spend time with our family and friends this long weekend only because of their bravery, and we stand in their debt. 

From all of us here at TCC to you, have a safe, happy, and healthy weekend, and thank you to those who served and are serving, and to their families. We are grateful for you forever. 

Love, 

-Em <3

For one day each year, we collectively celebrate the mothers (and found mother figures in our lives). After reading a post recently about "what mom really wants for Mother's Day", I thought I'd put my spin on the idea myself (and, of course, throw a reallllllly awesome TCC Mother's Day discount code your way if your fashionista mom would love some amazing new clothes as a gift!). 

So...what do moms REALLY want for Mother's Day? Here are my top 5 ideas!

Five Things Mom Really Wants for Mother's Day

The Chance to Sleep in

Image credit: risescience.com

As the mom of a BUSY 4 year old who thinks 6 AM is an ideal wake up time (spoiler alert: it's not), my daily morning routine involves a zombie-like shuffle to my Nespresso machine as my little one runs/yells/toddlers around me. I can't even imagine how moms of more than one little do it--y'all are superheroes, seriously! Breakfast in bed is a sweet idea and all, but what I'd REALLY love is to actually get the chance to sleep in and have Daddy handle the morning energy for a change (though if you are listening, Honey, a triple shot espresso skinny latte left silently on the nightstand is a lovely idea...haha).  

No Housework

Image credit: nextdaycleaning.com

Moms everywhere will tell you that housework is, quite literally, never-ending. When you have kids, the second you clean something, it gets dirty again almost instantaneously (and for those of us with pets, it genuinely doesn't matter how much you vacuum...there will ALWAYS be fur...shoutout to my Golden Retriever mix, Teddy). The absolute last thing mom wants to worry about on her special day? Dishes. Or laundry. Or vacuuming. Or scrubbing toilets. Or...you get it. Consider treating mom to the ULTIMATE Mother's Day gift this year, and deep clean (or hire a maid service to deep clean) her home. Trust me, this is a gift that she will love, and one she will never forget. 

No Cooking

Image credit: cnn.com

This is kind of a no-brainer, but unless she uses cooking as a form of therapy or artistic expression, your mamma probably does NOT want to be the one who has to cook on Mother's Day. If you aren't the best cook in the world, definitely consider treating your mother to take out on her special day (and it goes without saying, make sure she doesn't have any dishes to do afterwards, either!).

Time to Herself

Image credit: azurepalmhotsprings.com 

Hear me out on this--moms DO want to spend time with their families on Mother's Day. However, I can tell you from personal experience, that we also want this togetherness balanced with some time to ourselves. It doesn't need to be expensive--maybe we just want a few hours to read a magazine or book, or go to the bathroom without interruptions whenever we want for one whole day. However, if it's financially doable for you, treating mom to a spa day is a great option (just make sure it's something she really wants...I know it sounds crazy, but spa days actually aren't as relaxing as you might think for certain folks). Make sure to let mom know that you have blocked out time for her to relax how she relaxes best, whatever that looks like...I can promise you, a gesture like that will help her feel "seen" (which is something that is often hard for moms. 

A Day to do the "Fun Parent Stuff"

Image credit: iMOM.com

Moms have to spend lots of time being the "bad cop" on a regular basis. From shooing the kids out the door to school in the mornings, dealing with whining over meals, potty training debacles and messes, to any and everything in between, I can tell you from experience that sometimes being a mom feels mired in the "hard stuff". What would mom REALLY enjoy for Mother's Day? Give her a chance to focus on the fun mom stuff for a change--the pretend play, the reading stories, and the creative activities she probably longs to do, and rarely has the time to enjoy with her kiddos. 

A Special Note in Closing...

I always feel that it is incredibly important to add a gentle reminder to everyone as Mother's Day approaches that this day can be extremely hard for many women, and it can be easy for people to overlook this fact. Please take a moment this week to reflect not just on your own mom, but also to think about which women in your life have acted in mom-like ways to bless you.

Many women suffer through Mother's Day in silence. Women who are single and never found a partner to share their life/make a child with; women who have lost children; women whose bodies have never given them the opportunity to create a child; single moms who just KNOW that Mother's Day is going to be another reminder of how alone they feel...all of these scenarios just a few examples of women who genuinely struggle ever time Mother's Day comes around. Often, they hide this pain behind a smile, and no one knows that they are hurting deeply inside. 

I'd like to gently encourage you to think about the women in your life who might fit the descriptions above. Consider doing something special for them, too--maybe surprise them with flowers or a meal; maybe offer to take them out to eat or surprise them with a self-care day. Whatever it is decide to do, just know that by letting them know that you SEE them; you see their struggle even if they have never found the words to be able to share it, might be life-giving for them on what is usually a painful, painful day. If any of this describes you, please know that you are not alone, and that you are loved in ways you can't even imagine. This day is for you, too, and I pray that you have a village around you to help you see that. 

However you decide to celebrate the moms and the mom-figures in your life this weekend, know that they are grateful for you...we here at TCC are grateful for you (and them!) too. As our special gift to you, use discount code MOM20 for a special 20% discount on some of our most popular items and styles...and know that we are celebrating you always. 

With love, 

-Em

We've all been there...innocently scrolling on social media, when we become unwitting witnesses to major crimes. 

Crimes of FASHION, that is!

Marni and I have been DMing each other fashion faux pas photos for YEARS now just to make one another laugh. Recently, I started calling them our "WTF Fashion Files (WTF standing for "What the Fudge, because we are classy ladies...lol)", and Marni responded with "Oh! Make this a series! People will love it!" 

So here we are--once a week on our FB and IG, we will be featuring some of our favorite "What in the world of fashion is going on here?!?!" moments. As someone who is no stranger to walking a runway, these make me laugh even harder because...yeah. Models just wear whatever we are told to wear, whenever. Maybe that's why they put so much makeup on us, to hide the inner turmoil and deep questioning of previous life choices flashing in our eyes. 

Here's a little introduction of some of the "fashion" that had us giggling like crazy this week:

Dryer Lint...but make it fashion

Your Toddler's Artwork...but make it fashion

Hole-y Underwear with a Dash of Sofa Cushion Couture

Your Backyard Fence...but make it fashion

See something that belongs in the gallery? Tag us on IG or shoot us a DM with the photo you think should be included, or hashtag #wtffashionfiles. We'll feature your fabulously funny find, and you might receive a cool discount code :)

Until next time--stay stylish!

-Em

I don't know about all of you, but I'm so excited that Spring is finally here! I love everything about this season--the flowers, the beautiful weather (not too hot and not too cold is my JAM), the fact that most of the bugs haven't woken up yet...I even LOVE the rain (cool, rainy days are my absolute favorite kind of days).

One of the most exciting things about a new season is sharing my "must-haves" list with all y'all, so without further ado...my Spring 2022 Must-Have Items!

Emily's Spring 2022 Must-Haves

• Clothing--TCC's Flutter Sleeve Off-Shoulder Dress

This flirty, feminine dress (also available in a deep Magenta) from TCC is at the top of my clothing must-have list this season. The hemline of this piece makes it perfect to wear ANYWHERE (just throw a boyfriend blazer on over it to wear it to work), and the off shoulder neckline shows just enough skin while still be super classy. From Easter brunch to summer weddings, this dress is definitely going to be getting a lot of wear in 2022. I plan on rocking this dress with my favorite pair of stiletto heels and statement earrings (see below) every chance I get!

• Skincare--The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution 

Ok...I KNOW this stuff looks crazy strange, but I'm telling you--it works. For less than $10, this super concentrated serum from The Ordinary (available at Ulta, Sephora, or online) works to deeply exfoliate your skin. Be warned--it really does look like/have a similar consistency to blood (bleah), so it's pretty ewwwwww on your face...but your skin will thank you for using it. It's important to read the label, because it WILL burn sensitive skin, and you have to make sure to ONLY use it for 10 minutes or less, make sure your skin is hydrated afterwards, and use a sunscreen when you go out. But, you will have the glass skin of your dreams once you wash this stuff off and use your favorite moisturizing serum. 

• Jewelry--Emerald's Earring Boutique 

Ever since high school, statement earrings have been my favorite way to upgrade my look (when I was a 15-16 year old cashier at my local Shoprite, I used to wear earrings so long that they would catch on my uniform apron when I turned my head!). These stunning earrings from Emerald's Earring Boutique (emeraldsearringboutique.com) are an exact match for my Mrs. Pennsylvania Continental Worldwide crown, and owner Rebecca Anderson (herself a pageant queen) cultivates a matchless collection of beautiful, AFFORDABLE statement earrings (and no, you don't have to be in pageantry to wear or purchase them). :)

• Accessory--BOOMBA

Where are my fellow tiny tatta queens? Even before I started breastfeeding my daughter (and let me tell you--breastfeeding is MAGICAL, but it definitely changes your boobs), I have only ever worn bras that are supposed to give you a lift up to 2 additional cup sizes. While I love my add 2 cups bras, it has been almost IMPOSSIBLE to find inserts that give that much lift (never mind finding a backless one for wearing underneath the wedding gowns I model). That said, I was SO excited to discover BOOMBA, an amazing women-led business that specializes in inserts and backless, strapless "magic" bras that add up to 2 cup sizes! The most incredible thing about these inserts? They STICK TO YOUR CLOTHES so you can wear them literally anywhere--inside your bathing suit, inside your favorite tops, or even inside your wedding dress--for added lift and cleavage (and did I mention that they are reusable!?). Don't believe me? Head on over to getboomba.com to see some pretty incredible before and after photos, and stay tuned for some amazing partnership work I'm excited to do for them later this Spring. 

There you have it folks! Four of my favorite picks for Spring that you are sure to love, too. Stay tuned for my next blog post in a couple of weeks that will feature my Mother's Day 2022 guide!

Until then, enjoy every second of beautiful Spring :) 

<3 

-Em

Growing up with a last name like "Fitzpatrick", it's no secret that I'm about as Irish as they come (shoutout to my great grandparents who came over to the US from Ireland decades ago). This year, for the first time in two years due to the pandemic, I'm actually hoping to go out on St. Patty's Day and do a little celebrating at an amazing new winery friends of mine just opened in Bernville called Violet Vintage Wine Company. 

Keep reading for my picks for an amazing St. Patrick's Day look that will bring all the green (and hopefully all the luck of the Irish, too!). 

Hi all, and welcome back to the official TCC Blog! We have been on a brief hiatus for the last couple months as we switch gears here at TCC. 

As of last week, the brick and mortar location of the boutique has moved from Bucks County, PA to Naples, Florida--but now that our website is officially up and running again you can still order anything, from anywhere, anytime!

2022 has certainly been an interesting year so far for the biz--owner Marni has successfully relocated to her beautiful new home in Naples (seriously, just LOOK at her gorgeous new pool!). 

In other news, I'm still stuck her in the frigid North--I mean, Pennsylvania. However, that has been a blessing in some ways. Through a wild turn of events at the beginning of the year, I was crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania Continental Worldwide! 

Photo credit: Lindsey Hart Photography

My state title actually has its roots in TCC--my pageant platform is "Supporting Small Business Owners of America", and it is, quite literally, because of Marni that I chose this platform. Back when I first started at TCC--when my daughter was such a little baby that I would strap her to my chest in a baby carrier to come to work--I had an up-close view of exactly what it takes to make a small business run. I was unprepared for just how hard it is for small businesses to make a bottom line, much less thrive and make a profit (and advertising is insanely expensive). I decided last year that I wanted to do something about it, which is why I created my show Small Business Spotlight, and now it is why I am excited to have the honor of being Mrs. Pennsylvania Continental Worldwide and promoting small business owners in our state (and across the nation!) any way that I can. I owe all of this to Marni, and to The Curated Closet. While I'm sad that my dear friend is not in PA anymore, I'm also thrilled--this new chapter for herself and for the business is going to be extraordinary. 

So, as we step forward into this new year with all of these new plans--we want to hear from YOU!

-What are some styles/brands/etc. you would like to see us carry?

-Naples locals: what are some awesome events at which you'd like to see TCC?

-We want to see your fashion moments on our socials!

-We want to collaborate with some fabulous influencers!

-We want to see your #TCCintheWild...where have you been wearing your favorite TCC pieces? Tag us!

Looking forward to doing 2022 with you, and don't forget: Shop Small, Y'all!

<3, 

-Em

Holiday Gift Guide 2021

It’s finally here...the most magical time of the year! If you are anything like me, you have been waiting for the holidays since...well...last holiday season! 

In celebration of my first Christmas as the host of Small Business Spotlight on BCTV.org, I am compiling my Holiday Gift Guide for 2021 in advance of Small Business Saturday (which falls on 11/27 this year). Below, I’ve listed some of my favorite small businesses in every category so you can shop for everyone on your list. Please note: Many businesses are in or near Berks County, PA (where I’m located), but all have dedicated websites where you can shop online for both products and gift cards. 

For the Fashionista:

-The Curated Closet (www.thecuratedcloset.net)

1. Both an online boutique and a brick and mortar location within The Mercantile (444 N Main Street, Doylestown PA 18901), The Curated Closet is the perfect choice if you want to spoil someone (or yourself) with designer clothes this year...but on a budget. TCC specializes in selling designer clothes for steeply discounted prices, and also features a EuroLuxe line of high-end items (shoes! bags! Men’s clothes!) shipped straight to you from Europe. For more info, visit the website above, or visit their social media accounts: FB (https://www.facebook.com/TheCuratedCloset.net) and IG: (https://www.instagram.com/curatedcloset_/)

Photo credit: Facebook 

• For the Shoe Lover:

1. Want to give the shoe lover in your life the gift that they will be talking about forever? Look no further than Leviticus Fashions. A PA based company, LF specializes in creating completely customized leather boots that are sure to turn heads wherever you go (trust me, I modeled them… and never wanted to take them off!). Supremely sexy, absolutely gorgeous, and so comfortable that you can dance an Irish jig in them (true story), these aren’t to be missed. Check them out online or visit their socials: FB (https://www.facebook.com/leviticusfashions) and IG: (https://www.instagram.com/leviticuslady/)

Photo credit: Leviticus Fashions

• Jewelry

• Sincerely Ginger Jewelry (www.sincerelygingerjewelry.com)

1. Whether you want to gift fine jewelry to a loved one, a friend, or yourself, Sincerely Ginger Jewelry has stunning pieces. Featuring one-of-a-kind handmade designs created from eco-friendly gold, diamonds, and gemstones, jewelry designer Ginger Herbein creates stunning art that will last for generations. Planning to get engaged this holiday season? Ginger will work with you every step of the way to create an engagement ring and wedding bands that will be completely customized to fit your dream design. Even better? If you know someone getting engaged and you refer them to Sincerely Ginger Jewelry, you can earn a $450 credit towards a jewelry purchase for yourself! Find out more at the website above, or on their socials: FB (https://www.facebook.com/sincerelygingerjewelry) and IG (https://www.instagram.com/sincerelygingerjewelry/). 

Photo credit: Ginger Herbein

• For the Oeniphile: 

• The Bar Cart (www.thebarcartpa.com)

1. Opened in the summer of 2021, The Bar Cart is a Pennsylvania producers tasting room and bottle shop. Featuring an ever changing cocktail menu, Pennsylvania wines, craft beer, and cider, stop in for a drink while you peruse the bottle selection to take home. If you live local to Berks County, PA, it is the best place to go for both drinks and amazingly fun educational classes and tastings. Additionally, you can find top shelf wine and spirits to build your own “bar cart” at home, all the while receiving guidance from owners Chris and Kacie Griffith as they educate you about what you about what you need! Visit them online or on their socials: FB (https://www.facebook.com/thebarcartpa) and IG: (https://www.instagram.com/thebarcart_pa/)

Photo credit: Facebook

• For the Fine Art Lover:

• Jennifer Gershon, Fine Art Portrait Photographer (https://jenngershon.myportfolio.com/)

1. A truly unique gift, surprise the art lover in your life by turning THEM into a completely customized piece of art that will be handed down for generations to come! Award-winning fine art portrait photographer Jenn Gershon (Bucks County, PA), creates completely customized, highly innovative portraits that will be sure to make an excellent gift for even the most challenging person to buy for on your list. For more information, check out Ms. Gershon’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Vizzzuals) and IG: (https://www.instagram.com/vizzzualsfaces/)

Photo credit: Jennifer Gershon

• For the Kids:

• The Freckled Fawn Boutique (www.thefreckledfawnboutique.com)

1. A brand-new business created by a toddler mom, The Freckled Fawn boutique features stunning, cuddly, and child-safe handmade toys and play sets created with a Montesorri learn-through-play vibe. Featuring free shipping on all orders as well as play ideas for kids, this is one small business that anyone with littles (or buying presents for littles!) will definitely want to support. In addition to checking out their website, The Freckled Fawn is on FB (https://www.facebook.com/thefreckledfawnboutique/) and IG (https://www.instagram.com/thefreckledfawnboutique/)

Photo credit: Facebook

• For the Man in Your Life:

• Muddy Creek Soap Company (www.muddycreeksoapcompany.com)

1. This amazing small business (located at 608 Penn Avenue in West Reading, PA) has a little bit of everything: handmade soaps, lotions, bath bombs, children’s products, etc. I highlight them here for the men in your life, however, because of their own line of all-natural men’s products: soaps, beard oil, shave oil and lotion, and more! Did I mention that everything is vegan friendly and all natural? For more information, visit their socials: FB (https://www.facebook.com/muddycreeksoap) and IG (https://www.instagram.com/muddycreeksoap/)

Well Folks, it's finally here...

The most magical season of all...

Where the weather isn't too hot or too cold, it's just perfect...

When the bugs die...

When the crisp nights lend themselves spectacularly to bonfires, twinkling lights, and time with loved ones...

It's finally FALL!

Image credit: wallup.net

Anyone who knows me knows that I literally wait all year long for this season (specifically the month of October). I hate being hot, I don't love being cold...but being a bit chilly? Well, in the words of Goldilocks..."That's just right". 

One of the things that I love the most about this magical season? The clothes, of course! We have some amazing pieces at TCC right now (available both online and at The Mercantile in Doylestown), so read on to see some of my favorite picks for this year.