By Ali Anderson Smith
Photography by Cody Buell

It doesn’t really matter what you’re trolling for. Sundress for summer picnic? New denim to jazz up your jeans routine? Frock for roommate’s wedding? Blousy top for job interview? Check, check, check aaand check.

We love a cute ‘n reliable shop that offers a little something for anyone on any occasion—whether the shopping list is long or short. And if it’s easy on the wallet and the eyes, then you’ve got us hooked.

That’s how it goes with Salt Lake’s Koo De Ker. The pink outfit that neighbors Hip and Humble in the quaint Ninth and Ninth shopping area has earned a reputation for bringing together affordable and forward-thinking fashions for the last eight years. (Eight years? Surprised us too. Time flies when you’re having fun shopping.)

If you’re feeling like a boho-chic goddess today and reaching for your inner flirt tomorrow (ruffles, anyone?), this boutique has offers the hardware for building any silhouette. If the staple you’re in need of is as simple as a dress, visiting this haven for the ultimate easy outfit is a a no-brainer. This shop is crawling with one-piece wonders: sleeved, spaghetti-strapped, striped and smocked.

Other favorites in-store right this minute? Billowy tops perfect for high-waisted shorts and skirts. Diamond pendants for dressing up summer dresses. Stacks of premium denim from the likes of Hudson and James Jeans. And handfuls of markdowns in the sale section—as well as tops that start as low as $24.

And that’s where we say check again, mateys.

{It’s Koo}

Koo De Ker
1037 E. 900 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 359-4870
www.koodeker.com

{Doorprize} This one’s triple the fun! Koo de Ker is feeling the YHO love and handing out three different $75 gift certificates to three readers. Is this your idea of summer lovin’? Leave one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, May 24.

{YHO Special} Make it more than a fling and print out this coupon to get 25% off your Koo de Ker purchase through the end of June, 2009.

Brit B. who needs something fun for summer, you’ll be sitting pretty in one of Shade’s new Bright Side tees, courtesy of our Bright Side giveaway. That’s right, you’re one of our lucky winners. Next up: Lindy P.S. who said, “Pick me!” (Random.org was smiling on you.)

Ladies, send e-mails to ali (at) yourheartout.com with “Doorprize Winner” in the subject line and we’ll get more details to you.

Thanks, Shade. Things are looking Brighter already.

Look on the bright side, ladies. It’s easy to do with the help of Shade Clothing—even if the dog ate your laptop and you walk to work uphill both ways. A new collection of graphic tees for easy wearing (and easy buying) will help you help families in need. At just $20 a pop, you can sport a positive message and cute design like Look Up or Bloom, and 50% of your purchase will go to United Way. Things are looking up already.

Feel good, look good and start shopping here.

{Ms. Brightside}

The Bright Side
Shade Clothing
www.shadeclothing.com

{Mini Doorprize!} Shade Clothing is going to treat two YHO readers to a Bright Side tee of your choosing. Need something to wear? Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Friday, May 15 for your chance.

Whether June and July take you as far as Lanai or as un-far as Lagoona Beach, a new suit should be part of the pool picture. Summa-time is just around the corner and for beach strolling, watersliding and general sun soaking, we’re liking the tankini selection from Utah’s own DownEast Basics.

With two-pieces coming in at a reasonable $50 a pop, the DownEast swimwear collection features cute details like ruffles and vintage-inspired buttons. Seaside-inspired patterns include seahorses and goldfish and poolside staple, polka dots. And have you seen the subtle elegance of the Santa Monica? Three cheers for the return of the iconic one-piece. This one is sleek through the waist with a party around the neckline.

Easy to wear and more than barely-there, DownEast boosts its lineup with demure options like coverups and skirts and a retro-inspired swim dress that would make any ’50′s starlet proud. With prices and styles coming together so nicely, we betcha can’t settle on just one item … especially if it’s a two-piece.

{Go Swimmingly}

DownEast Basics
Locations here
www.downeastbasics.com

{YHO Promo} Enter code “mdaysale” at checkout and receive free shipping on online orders over $40.

{Doorprize} Get the look for even less—a lot less. DownEast is handing out one $50 gift certificate to a YHO reader, and they’re throwing in a cute swim coverup to complete the silhouette. Want to take a dip in something like the Sausalito? Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, May 10.

Sweden is responsible for much more than tasty meatballs, cheap modern furniture and stylish cars that hot vampires drive. Have you seen the latest to roll out from Swedish design duo, Odd Molly? Our guess is no, since their frills and flourishes are typically relegated to racks of boutiques some 750 miles away.

Lucky for us, Kaleidoscope is here yet again to satiate our L.A. shopping blues. The Provo boutique and YHO sponsor keeps its walls chock full of new pretties from Odd Molly that are outshining even Edward’s Swedish-made Volvo C30. Think embellished smocks and textured, tiered tops in bright colors and layered, floral patterns. There are dresses and light sweaters, too, that are perfect for stepping out in this spring, especially if you want to make it memorable.

{Odd Girl Out}

Odd Molly at Kaleidoscope
4801 N. University Avenue #350
Provo, Utah
(801) 225-1352
www.notamallstore.com

There’s a new kid in town. Next time you want to get your paws on the latest pretties to roll out of Chelsea‘s head and onto Shade Clothing‘s racks, you won’t have far to go. Shade’s newest retail location sits just above the Apple store at the Gateway Mall. Not only does the new locale come stocked with Shade’s full line of products, it’s boasting a larger swim collection than ever before. And aside from the extra-long layering basics you love, you’ll also see shorts and skirts this time around.

Shop now and get 20% off all dresses, shorts and skirts at all stores and online at www.shadeclothing.com today through April 19. Hurry up, it’s just a click or a shorter-than-ever-before drive away.

{Shade Out}

Shade Clothing
Gateway Mall
2 S. Rio Grande Street Ste. B (above Apple Store)
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 456-8870
www.shadeclothing.com

Who’s your favorite president? FDR? JFK? This Monday, we think it will be Honest Abe, since his dapper beard will be decorating each little five-dollar bill you hand over at Shade Clothing‘s Five Dollar Sale at Provo High School. That’s right, each item will be priced at just five dollars, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Provo High School’s IB CAS Club. So you can feel good about your shopping binge, too.

{Five Bucks, Five Bucks}

Shade Clothing President’s Day Five Dollar Sale
Monday, February 16, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Provo High School Commons Area
1125 N. University Avenue, Provo
www.shadeclothing.com

The economic climate doesn’t mean a girl can’t have a little shopping fun, especially when you’re no doubt in need of some quality and colorful basics for the new year. And if you spy a sweater for as low as $3, there’s no reason you can’t treat yourself to a handful. Clear out your trunk and hit up Shade Clothing‘s sale this Friday and Saturday at their warehouse in Pleasant Grove, where thousands of overstock items and discontinued styles will be on super-discount.

If you don’t call the Grove home, don’t fret. You can expect the same great deals at Shade stores in Centerville, West Jordan, American Fork, Orem and St. George. Check locations here.

{Sale in the Shade}

Shade Clothing Warehouse Sale
Friday, February 6, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
864 S. 490 West (behind Kangaroo Zoo)
Pleasant Grove, Utah
www.shadeclothing.com

Here’s a silhouette to help you harness your inner Blair Waldorf—minus the Waldorf wallet. Plaid patterning, ruffle details and crisp black topped with a headband scream grown-up prepster chic. If you want to take it down a notch (and stay cozy), try throwing on your boyfriend’s oversize cardigan.

links:

headband
blouse
pants
heels

Here’s a black-and-gray combo that’s anything but drab. Details like oversize gold buttons and pockets—not to mention tights with bow patterning—only have a cheery effect at this time of year. ‘Tis not the season to be buying for yourself, but that F21 dress is ringing in at just $22.80, which gives your holiday wallet some welcome wiggle room.

links:

dress
shirt
tights
boots

Plain, long-sleeved tee? Check. Casual jacquard sweater vest? Check. Supersoft purple scarf? Check. How about dark jeans? Yep, we’ve got them too. And we threw in some holiday-ready glitter-fab shoes, for extra credit. All for just over $100, and great for a day of shopping or night out with friends.

links

tee
sweater vest
jersey scarf
jeans
flats

Spotted: High-quality and high-design dresses for holiday gatherings

Good For: Making a short-term investment in your wardrobe for silhouettes that will outlast December 25.

Where: Kaleidoscope Boutique (4801 N. University Avenue, Provo)

How Much: Prices range from $120 – $150

Why not let the colors on your clothes match the colors on the trees … or on the lawn? (Where is that rake, anyway? And where did all this snow come from?) We embraced yellow and added a poppy orange for a fall ensemble that’s set to spring.

links:

cardigan
top
jeans
flats

By Jessica Goldfond

We have banished yellow for far too long to the lands of daffodils, spring time and easter bunnies. Let this versatile hue be a refreshing and unexpected option in the cold winter months ahead. As daylight fades, ease out of your summer wardrobe by pairing this sunny color with toned-down neutrals like camels, slate, even black.

Before you reach for that reliable little black dress, rethink this new color option for your formal occasion, where you’ll undoubtedly shine. Too bold for you? Be a part of the huge hosiery comeback, which won’t break your sense of style nor your bank. Before the winter weather brings you down, let yellow help you stay positive and bright this season. It could lighten your life and your day … from the outside in.

Image credits and links; left to right, top to bottom: Editorial image from British Vogue, February 2005 (via This is Glamorous); A.P.C. Pea Coat in Lambswool from Le Garconne; A Peace Treaty scarf from ShopBop.com; “Mouse” by Sherbet Tone; Haute Hippie Stripe Sequin Dress from Otte; Off the Gold Chain necklace by Yokoo; editorial image from British Vogue, February 2005 (via This is Glamorous); VPL Cowl Knit from Creatures of Comfort.

Spotted: Sharp-as-a-tack coats for taking you from fall to winter

Good For: Buttoning up and bundling up, style points included

Where: Flower Basket Boutique (409 N. University Ave., Provo)

How Much: Prices vary

By Rachel Jones

Boy am I glad that I answered the phone yesterday. To my delight, my sale-savvy friend told me about a barn-sized event that’s probably one of the best I have been to, and surprisingly, it’s in Utah County.

How about a high style—even expensive-in-appearance—silhouette, all for just over $100? This romantic swing jacket is the kind we see Rachel Zoe swooning over at her fave Malibu vintage shop, and right now, it’s yours for $69.99 at J.Crew. Match it with a structured, pleated skirt and some grown-up Mary Janes, and you’ve got yourself an outfit, as well as some timeless pieces without getting in trouble with your significant other. (Unlike our friend Rachel.)

links:

jacket
skirt
tights
mary janes

By Jessica Goldfond

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed that cardigans are everywhere this season. (Turn over a stone, and you might find one there, too.) From the ever-popular boyfriend cardigan to long and oversized, this once-drab sweater that’s anything but mini is making its way into everyone’s wardrobes as well as onto the runway.

Once relegated to prep schools, the cardigan can pull off more than a school-bound silhouette. Use one to brighten an otherwise-muted outfit or to subdue a loud-and-fun dress. With so many styles and so many uses, we’re starting to feel like you can’t own enough of these versatile knits. Just do some shopping around to find the best one for your style and body—you’ve got plenty of options.

Thin and Wispy: This style is best worn with delicate and feminine pieces that accentuate your curves. Try a slip dress, sky-rocketing heels, or if you’re feeling daring, a little fur.

Bold and Beautiful: Use bright, printed cardigans to offset high-waisted, wide-leg jeans and a paper-thin tee. Pick up a set of stacked wooden heels and a pocketbook to hang at your hip to recreate a cool and pulled-together ’70s vibe.

Bigger the Better: If there’s just one cardigan to slide your arms into this fall, this is the one. It’ll make a statement, especially if it has a bold color or stitching. Don’t be afraid of making a bit of an investment—you’ll be reaching for it each time you dive into your closet. Trust us.

Image credits and links; left to right, top to bottom: Silence and Noise Slub Open Cardigan from Urban Outfitters, Felix Wrap Sweater from Le Train Bleu, Lutz & Patmos Mitered Cardigan from Le Garconne, streetwear look from facehunter.blogspot.com, streetwear look from www.hel-looks.com, Batwing Cardigan from Pixie Market, editorial image from Vogue.

By Jessica Goldfond

Right now, designs from the catwalk and styles from the street are showing us that Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 are times for mixing and matching. From feminine, comfy knits to bold-colored hosiery and accessories, why not use this new-found freedom to have some fun and mix the season’s trends? Transform summer clothes to reinvent your autumn wardrobe by layering, while picking up some fall staples (tights, cardigans, tights, thermals … did you notice the tights?) that will carry you through winter.

Keep it Bright: Avoid the fall blues (or traditional browns) and humdrum palettes by adding colors that pop. Get a head start on hot-for-spring tones like bright-but-burnt orange and golden chartreuse.

Social Patterns: When it comes to print and pattern, stay in the same family either by style (floral on floral) or color (red stripes on red floral). To flatter your figure, it’s best to keep large patterns up top.

All to Pieces: This season, don’t be afraid to layer deep-colored tights beneath your high-waisted wool shorts. Revisit an oversize blazer. Balance out the micro length of a knit sweater dress with comfy, thick leggings. Experiment with the length of your cardigan—let it fall well below your waistline. Cinch that skirt with a skinny belt. And don’t forget a pair of ’70s inspired heels for boosting your stovepipes.

Image credits: Spring 2009 runway looks from Style.com, current streetwear looks from Hel-looks.com, Orla Kiely ensembles from Fall 2008 lookbook at OrlaKiely.com.

Quick, name the number one reason why fall is the very best season. Now … let us guess: Is it the apple-picking that gets you hot? The long canyon drives? The crisp smell under your nose?

Nah. Though great alternatives (it ain’t easy to turn down a freshly-plucked apple), each falls short of the season’s very best attribute: layering weather. Who doesn’t love comfy and cozy clothes that are designed to keep you covered and looking smart?

Shade Clothing knows what’s up for Fall 2008. Check out their new line (online and in stores now), stacked with classic sweater pieces you’ll want to bundle yourself in this fall and next. From intentionally oversize to streamlined and structured, Shade’s latest designs come in flattering cotton blends (yum) and ultrasoft fleece (double yum). And naturally, there’s a hefty portion of basics just waiting to be added to.

We’re ready to wrap ourselves in the goes-with-anything Robe Wrap (check out the stylish cut of the sleeves), and the equally diverse Varsity Cardigan seems to by calling our names. At that price, we’ll take two. While you’re at it, have a look at Shade’s interestingly-shaped Paris Top (also interestingly-named), and the nice, poppy palette of the Sweatshirt With Gathers.

As if things weren’t looking bright enough, Shade rolls out a brand-new lounge collection—just when we though we couldn’t be more comfy. You’ll love the Zip Hoodie‘s lined hood and feminine details, and the Lounge Pant‘s generous and flattering waistline which put sweats to shame. Errand-running never looked (or felt) so good.

Say goodbye to summer and hello to Shade this September. And then start apple-picking, canyon-driving and crisp-air smelling in your favorite Shade sweater. And yes, a hoodie-and-pant combo is A-OK too.

{Shade Away}

Shade Clothing
11531 N. Main District Drive Ste. 1200, South Jordan (new!)
25 W. Parrish Lane, Centerville
50 N. Center Street, American Fork
University Mall, Orem
250 N. Red Cliffs Drive Ste. 33, St. George
www.shadeclothing.com

{Doorprize} To ensure that you’re adequately outfitted for the season, Shade Clothing is up for handing out a $75 gift card to one shop-happy YHO reader—and who isn’t shop-happy this time of year? To win this nice perk (and get your hands on some fab pieces), leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Friday, September 26.