I spent most of Monday wandering around our beloved city and ran into Alex and Ashley. You first met Alex when we snooped through his closet. They were on a walk, trying to avoid some sheet rocking in their apartment and apologized for being spotted not looking “too dressed up.” I thought they looked great, as usual, in casual and comfortable Monday afternoon attire. 

Check out Alex’s style blog here. It’s full of outfit shots, pocket squares and thrifting tips. 

Look who it is! Portland’s very own Mandy, of Shop Grandma June, whose face is lighting up Starbucks ads in NYC! Congrats girl! 

(Source: msmandylou)

Stand firm ye boys of Maine. If you’ve heard that quote before you’re either a) a Joshua Chamberlain fanatic or b) a Loyal Citizen Tees devotee. I am of the latter. We met Loyal Citizen creators Jeff Lauzier and Julian Redman at their HQ - Joseph’s on Free Street. They work in the store and peddle their amazing line there too. 

Jeff is the “business brain” behind the brand while Julian finds concepts for the shirts. His inspiration comes from everywhere. The covers of old books, an image off an old pennant,  a historical quote. Even the name from their line, “Loyal Citizen” was written on an old gravestone. Loyal Citizen shirts “exemplify New England pride.” After all, only Mainers are willing to wear their state tree on their chest.

Screen printed and made entirely in Maine - we can’t think of a better gift for Father’s Day. Stop into Joseph’s or Lalo Boutique where you can pick out your favorite - or order from their website here. And don’t worry ladies, they come in sizes for you too. 

Here are Sarah and Heidi’s final transformation. Our stylist Anna (the leggy redhead pictured above) sat down with our gals a couple of weeks ago to go through their wardrobes and talk about their personal style. We were knee deep in blazers while Anna showed them how to use existing items from their closets in new ways.

Anna spotted Sarah’s gray knit mini-dress and vamped it up with a gold belt and a fitted black blazer. Her necklace (My Little Anchor, Bliss) was just enough of an accessory. Anna suggests keeping the jewelry simple when you’re working with a bold print.

Heidi wore a swingy, Parisian inspired dress (Better by Nadia Brigitte Stripe Dress, Bliss) and a colored skinny belt for a pop of color. Her elephant necklace ($60, Helene M) added another colorful dose and playfulness to the outfit.

I think our work is done here. We hope Heidi and Sarah will be able to smoothly maneuver through their wardrobes every morning. Perhaps they’ll even think of us every time they dress. One can only hope.

A huge, enormous thank you to Anna for all her hard work, to Heidi and Sarah for being such sports. And many thanks to Helene M and Bliss for letting our ladies play dress up and to Irina, our insanely amazing makeup artist from the Regency Spa. (Book her ladies-she’s so good.)  

Anyone else up for a makeover? Email us at info@forefrontfashion.com 

L.L.Bean Signature Spring 2011 line is out. Silk dresses, pleated skirts, and boatneck pullovers rank high among my pick’s. The replica of the Bean’s Warden’s Jacket is my favorite new men’s product. And can we talk about these shoes? I am in L-O-V-E.

Spotted in the West End: this is what Mainers do with giant plowed piles of snow. They dig tunnels, complete with windows and built-in benches. 

(Full disclosure: FFF photographer, Nate, and my boyfriend created this tunnel. I was in awe and felt it deserved public display.) 

It’s time to start thinking about a Valentine’s day gift for the lady love in your life. We suggest some organic undergarments from designer brookthere. We love her lacy bras and flirty undies. Plus, they’re good for the environment. We expect you’ll reap some of the benefits as well…  

Activated charcoal, pine tar, and fuller’s earth. These aren’t items at the local hardware - but soap scents by midcoast company Rocky Top Soap Shop. The selection of handmade, vegan and all-natural soaps come in a variety of “smells”, from carrot to coffee shampoo bars to yerba mate. The soaps are made with herbal infused oils specific to skin care, along with teas, clays and minerals. Your chapped wintery skin will surely thank you. Learn more about the soaps here and do your body good here. 

We’ve had a good year. Our blog was born this past June and since then it’s been a whirlwind, with mentions in the Press Herald and Down East and a supportive following. We were glad everyone was picking up on what we already knew: Portland’s lookin’ good! Here’s a few favorite street shots we’ve been able to capture thus far. We’ve got lots of exciting stuff in the works for 2011 so stay tuned!  

Cheers,

Laura & Nate