fashion

January 14, 2011

fashion friday: being realistic

When I look at my rather embarrassing collection of fashion magazines (I’m doing “research!” Really!) or browse People.com, I’m constantly feeling inadequate, as I’m sure most of us do. I certainly don’t look like that out together in real life!

The truth is, that if you see me at the bus stop or at school drop off, I’m probably unshowered, not wearing makeup and under the sweater I threw on as I ran out the door, I’m still wearing my pajama top.

Its true. Want to see my secret for those days when you just want to wear your pajamas? Something super cozy and comfy? Well, I have a outfit that lets you feel like you’re in your jammies, but doesn’t look like it.

Cardigans by Old Navy
Sportswear Pants by Athleta

Really. Its so comfy that it really shouldn’t count as being remotely stylish. But somehow, it is.

So this fashion friday, I encourage you to find a secret weapon outfit – one that is so super comfy that it feels like you’re slummiing it, but its actually stylish too. Because as busy moms, you need something like that in your closet! Trust me – THIS is an investment piece you’ll actually wear!

Look at Sarah Jessica Parker. For despite her well-deserved status as a totally gorgeous fashion icon, even she looks like a totally normal mom of three while dropping her kid off at school:

It makes me love her even more!

Join our blog hop! We are going to implement a few simple rules of standard carnival etiquette. As usual, please link directly to your Fashion Friday post, not your main blog page. In addition, we would appreciate it if you would link back to one of the carnival hosts. And if time permits, try to visit all of the participants and leave some feedback. After all, everyone loves comment luv!!

photo courtesy of celebrity baby scoop

January 7, 2011

fashion friday: workout gear

Melissa 3 Comments

Well, it was the first week of the new year! How many times did you work out? Because I’m sure that you, along with almost everyone else including me, has resolved to exercise more! I lucked out, having broken my toe on Sunday I had a perfect excuse to delay getting started.
Lucky me.
So instead of actually working out this week, I instead found all sorts of cute workout clothes! Because one mustn’t exercise without appropriate (and cute) workout gear, right?

I do not run. But if I did, I would pick a cute outfit like Nina Dobrev’s!

She looks super sleek, but comfy in her UnderArmour long-sleeved shirt and Escape Short (which even have a hidden pocket for your key! Nice!) Although girlfriend needs to get an armband for her iPod. I also love this shirt from GapBody with thumbholes!

Personally, I don’t run. I’m a huge yoga/pilates girl! See? This is me:

HAHA! Just kidding!

I’m a total amateur.

(Now this pose, I could handle.)
My very, very favorite brand of yoga/pilates gear is Athleta. Love their stuff. I prefer to work out in capri leggings and a long tank. Ooo – I love this tank as well! (And I have been coveting this Handkerchief Burnout Tunic all season! Love, love, LOVE!)

For more budget options for yoga gear, try Old Navy or GapBody.

I own FOUR PAIRS of Old Navy’s wide leg yoga pants. Because they have pockets. (FINALLY! Yoga pants with pockets! Why has this taken so long, people?) Pair them with a zippered jacket and you’re good to go! Target has terrific workout gear as well – and its almost all on sale this week. I highly recommend C9 by Champion: every piece I have by them has been comfy and has lasted really well!

Be good to your girls and pick up a good sports bra (For yoga and pilates, I LOVE the ComfortFlex Bandini bra! Seamless and very comfy! You’ll need something more supportive for cardio, though.)

And don’t forget socks. Hanes Cushioned Athletic Socks are my new favorite – I love how these fit! I’ve never once gotten a blister, they stay perfectly in place and are just cushioned enough without being bulky. I literally threw away my old athletic socks after I discovered these… and immediately ordered more!!

Don’t forget to add the amazing new products out there that help you make more of your workouts. FILA recently introduced these Toning Resistance Pants, which are supposed to be really amazing, but I personally haven’t tried them. I’m a huge fan of shaping shoes though! I love my Reebok EasyTone sneakers!

I know I joked about needing cute clothes to work out in, but I really do find that I’m more motivated and work out harder when I’m in appropriate gear that makes me feel good – as opposed to throwing on old shorts and a ratty tshirt from college.

What is your go-to workout gear?

Did you do a fashion post today? Link up!

photos by justjared, athleta, gap, hanes

December 31, 2010

fashion friday: fashion resolutions

Melissa 2 Comments

I’d sure love to have a new look for the new year. But for most of us, a new wardrobe, a personal stylist and a $500 haircut are not at our disposal to update our looks. So let’s look at some practical ways for us to update our looks for the new year:

Underthings
Sometimes, its not your clothes that are making you look bad. Underthings are called “Foundation Garments” for a reason – your whole look is built over them and they can make or break you. Having children, losing and/or gaining weight and age can change things. Don’t just wear the same size and brand you always have – make sure that what you’re wearing FITS.

Let’s declare right now: Let 2011 be the Year of Keeping our Underwear Private. No more pantylines, no more whale tails, no more back fat, no more bra straps hanging out your clothes. I’m talking seamless panties, seamless bras… Invest a little money in your underthings. It will make a WORLD of difference in your look. You don’t have to spend a fortune: Hanes makes wonderful seamless bras and panties that are really affordable and high quality.

Shapewear

Repeat after me: “Embrace the shapewear. Shapewear is your friend.” Shapewear is on every celebrity you see on the red carpet. It was on every model in the fashion show I was in earlier this year. And its probably on most of your friends.

Trust me.

I have two favorite brands of shapewear. (Yes, I wear Shapewear. And I’m not ashamed to admit it.) Assets by Sarah Blakely is terrific. It lasts forever, is affordable, really stays in place, and you can find it at Target or Loft. Yummie Tummie is wonderful as well, but pricier. Shapewear is a bit of an investment – but you’ll wear it for years.

Clothes that do more:

There are so many clothes out there that have shapewear built in. Yes, you read that right – clothes that make you look skinny. Yummie Tummie makes leggings with shapewear that are fantastic – they not only give you a smooth look, but slim your whole leg! Nice! They make adorable tops as well. Miraclebody Jeans are fabulous – I wear the Jeggings all the time. Assets have really nice tights.

And did you know that they even have… wait for it… bathing suits with shapewear?? Seriously, girls, its a great time to be a woman! Brands from Lands End to Victoria’s Secret to Spanx have amazing bathing suits that will hold in all that you’re trying to hide. And they don’t look like shaping suits – its your little secret.

Add Accessories

Two of the season’s hottest accessories are belts and scarves. Go crazy, girls. They are super affordable, easy to add and are such a terrific way to quickly update your look.
Add a pop of color to jeans and a black sweater with a bright or textured scarf.
Cinch a tunic over your jeggings with a belt and you’ll instantly look on trend!

Check out Forever 21, Urban Outfitters and Aldo for cool jewelry for practically nothing. Accessorizing is also a great way to try a new look without spending a lot of money.
When it really comes to sprucing up your look, there really are no shortcuts: it starts on the inside.Drink more water. Eat right. And give a gift to yourself: one hour a week. Just one hour. By taking just 20 minutes, three times a week to exercise, you’ll be amazed at the difference you’ll see in your look! You’ll be more energized, your skin will be better, your clothes will fit better, you’ll look younger – not to mention thinner!

Did you do a fashion post today? Link on up!

December 24, 2010

fashion friday: give

Melissa 2 Comments

We are so privileged to be able to indulge in Fashion Friday. Even to be able to consider the type and style of clothing we are wearing is something that millions of people can only imagine. So – in honor of the holiday – I encourage you to think about giving others some fashion help. Millions of children live in tattered rags because they can’t afford decent clothing to protect them from freezing temperatures — or the hot sun.

In our travels around the world, our family has personally seen children without shoes, wearing clothing that is several sizes too small, huddled under blankets because they do not have a coat. Its a picture you never get out of your head – even our children, who were preschoolers when they saw this – still remember years later.

There are so many simple ways you can help.

Through World Vision’s matching gift program with partnering corporations, a donation of just $35 will provide shipping and distribution of $385 worth of brand new clothes to families in need. $25 provides an American family living in poverty $150 worth of winter clothing. For less than the cost of a pair of non-designer jeans, you can provide needy families and children with the clothing they need to survive.

Dress for Success is another incredible organization that provides low-income women with the clothing they need to get a job. They accept both financial donations and donations of gently used office attire. When you clean out your closet in the new year, I encourage you to set aside an outfit or two for women who need clothing to be able to get a job to support their families.

December 10, 2010

fashion friday: crazy holiday edition

Melissa 3 Comments

Last night, I had a fantastic time at the Chester County Moms famous Holiday Extravaganza! So I was crazy busy all week and have a crazy busy weekend ahead, so lets keep it simple.

My perennial favorite, LOFT, is having a HUGE sale! 40% off your purchase and free shipping with the code HOLIDAY. (And if you buy through ShopatHome, you’ll get 6% back on your purchase as well… ca-CHING!)
Oh, you can buy some loveliness, girls!

I seriously am in love with this look! Oh, the belt, the tights, those boots!! Not only is the dress now just $53, but those boots are 40% off too!

I just love this ruffle neck sweater dress as well:

And there are about three zillion sweaters that are absolutely adorable (and 40% off). Personally, I think this Long and Lean Cardigan would not only be a great gift, but is a classic that will be in your wardrobe for years:

This top would be perfect for a holiday party, wouldn’t it?

And you can make a killing with 40% off accessories like scarves and belts… not to mention all of LOFT’s gorgeous jewelry! Like this piece of loveliness:

What are your favorites at LOFT right now?

Did you do a fashion post this week? Link on up!

***

Speaking of fashionable gifts, be sure to check out bStylish’s Fabulously Fashionable Gift Guide! We have tons of ideas for you, including 50 pieces of jewelry for under $50, some amazing pieces to get your guy looking more fashionable, beauty and fashion stocking stuffers.

And we’re giving away a giving away a 3 strand 4 mm purple black peacock twisted elegance necklace AND a One of a Kind – 3 strand golden bronze freshwater rice pearl and teal blue green potato freshwater pearl bracelet – hurry, it ends today!

December 3, 2010

fashion friday: festive attire

Melissa 1 Comment

Well, its holiday party time! And the big question… What to wear? If your husband is anything like mine, he gives you helpful hints for his holiday party at work like “I think I’m supposed to wear a suit.” Which is completely unhelpful to me. So lets help each other out:

For the Casual Holiday Party: Go with dark jeans or dress pants and heels. And as for the top – this is where we can have some fun! Be as conservative or as festive as you wish! Some ideas…
1. Pima Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Sweater by LOFT (was $39.99 now $19.99) love the little flower!! 2. Cable Sweater Dress by LOFT ($89.50) HOW cute are those boots?? LOVE the brown boots/grey sweater combo! 3. Ruched Short Sleeve Top by Ann Taylor ($38) Pretty silver color!! 4. Night sparkle tee by Madewell ($198) Pricey, but cute. 5. Flower Vendor Top by Anthropologie ($78) I love this color! The coral is such an unexpected holiday color! 6. Halter Top with Rosette Trim by Ann Taylor ($78) I love fushia at Christmas. 7. Allover Sparkle Tee by White House Black Market ($68) Wouldn’t this look great under a cardigan with jeans for everyday? 8. Hints Of Mesh Tee by Anthropologie ($68) I may have to buy this one. Love, love, LOVE!!!

For the Not So Casual Holiday Party: You could still wear dress pants, but a pencil skirt would be even more fabulous! And its a terrific excuse to wear a dress 🙂

1. Petal Sleeve Cowl Neck Top ($68) and Metallic Lace Skirt ($108) by Ann Taylor How gorgeous is that??? 2. Tweed Sheath Dress by Ann Taylor ($148) This is almost exactly the dress I’m wearing to my husband’s work party this year, right down to the boots. Isn’t it cute? 3. Sleeveless Silk Wrap Top by Ann Taylor ($88) This is so elegant! 4. Ruffle Neckline Sweater Dress by LOFT ($79.50) Again, loving the gray and brown combo. 5. Tuck Shift Dress by Topshop ($80) Love that detailing. 6. Short Sleeve Wrap Top by Ann Taylor ($78) Oh, that necklace!!

For the Far-From-Casual Holiday Party: Or New Years Eve. GO for it!!
1. Ruby Ponte Sheath Dress by White House Black Market (was $148 now $69.99) Gorgeous! 2. Strapless Grosgrain Satin Dress by Ann Taylor (was $228 now $99.99) I LOVE THIS! Look at that fabulous necklace! 3. New Years Tweed Dress by Anthopologie ($268) OOO – fancy! 4. Bow Mini Tube Dress by Arden B ($89 now $71.20) So fabulous. Would be great for New Years Eve as well! 5. Ruffle bib dress by Gap ($59.50) Super cute – and a terrific price! 6. Draped Sheath Dress by The Limited ($89.90 now $62.93) Cute neckline – and love the little belt! 7. Scoopneck Ribbed Sweater Dress by Ann Taylor ($128) I am seriously in love with the ankle boots and tights look.

What’s you go-to holiday look?

Did you do a fashion post today? Link on up!

November 19, 2010

shoes every girl should own

Melissa 1 Comment

Well, last week's clothes every girl should own post was such a hit! Lets move on to shoes! Here are some essentials for your shoe wardrobe you'll wear for years to come!

1. Ballet flats – The go-anywhere, with everything shoe. They've been in style for decades and they're not going anywhere. Go classic with black or super trendy with animal prints or fun and festive with sequins! (OHMYWORD, These are to die for!)

2. Amazing black heels: These are a total investment piece. You will wear these for years and years. Go very basic – nothing trendy. Not a pointy toe or square toe – round, 3-4 inch heel… Try a slingback or peeptoe if you don't want to be too conventional. If you can find ones that are comfy to boot – buy two. You've hit gold!

3. Knee-high boots. Again. Classic. If you're more trendy, go with a small heel. If you're more classic and casual, you can never go wrong with black riding boots. Dress them up with a skirt, tuck in your jeans… the possibilities are endless.

4. Pretty heels. Amazing heels certainly don't have to be black! Add a flash of color (red, maybe?) to perk up your jeans and black top or even go for nude: nude heels are one of this year's hottest looks! They'll go with everything and make your legs look a mile long.

5. Casual sneakers: Not running shoes. Yuck. Running shoes are for the gym. ONLY. These are cute little shoes to wear with jeans or khakis on the weekend. I love the retro look of Converse All-Stars. But my personal favorites are Pumas and Privos.

6. Sandals: Not flip flops. Cute little sandals to wear in the summer. Flats, wedges… whatever floats your boat!

What would you add?

Did you do a fashion post today? Link on up!

November 12, 2010

clothes every girl should own

Melissa 9 Comments

There are some pieces that you will wear forever. No matter what the trends do, these are the pieces that will stay in your closet for years to come. These are worth spending money on – they should fit perfectly and be the best quality you can afford.

1. The Perfect Pair of Jeans: If you haven’t found your perfect pair yet, keep looking. Go with a friend to a store with lots of brands, have a salesperson help you and try lots of different jeans until you find them. Buy something classic – dark wash, boot cut, no embellishments. These will be your go-to jeans that will make you feel amazing.

2. The Little Black Dress: This dress fits perfectly. You can dress it up with heels and an amazing statement necklace or you can throw on flats and a cardigan and wear it to work. You can wear it to a formal wedding or out to dinner with friends. Its something you can throw on at a moment’s notice and feel fabulous.

3. The Dress pant: Even if you’re a stay-at-home mom, you still need a pair of all-occasion dress pants in your closet. They don’t have to be black — try charcoal grey, heathered chocolate brown, herringbone or even pin stripes. Because sometimes denim is just not okay.

4. The Trench coat: When you slip on a classic belted trench, you immediately look (and feel) like a sophisticated city girl. Its been in style forever and its not going anywhere. A good trench will last you the rest of your life.

5. The White Blouse: Can you even imagine a wardrobe without one? Wear it with everything.

6. The Day Dress: Whatever floats your boat. Go for an amazing fit – whatever flatters your body most. It can be floral or solid, bright or neutral: think something that will be perfect for a day wedding, showers, etc.

7. The Festive Top: Something you can pair with denim for a girls’ night out or dress pants or a skirt for date night with your husband. Find one with a great pattern, a bright color, a interesting neckline – something different than you would normally wear. This should be something that feels special and fun!

8. The Peacoat: Like the trench, this will last you for years and years and is not going anywhere. While you can go with a classic color like black or camel, why not get red or plum to add a splash of color to your winter wardrobe?

9. The Cashmere Sweater: Who doesn’t love cashmere? Or sweaters? Maybe a black turtleneck? Or a heather grey cardigan? Or a navy cable crewneck?

10. The Pencil Skirt: Instead of insisting that you should have a suit, I think having a pencil skirt is a good compromise. This is a ‘trend’ that comes around every year because its just so darn flattering and easy to wear that we just can’t let it go! Pair it with a sweater or blouse and heels and you’ll look just as nice as if you were wearing a suit.

What would you add to the list?

Did you do a fashion post today? Link on up!

November 5, 2010

polish your look

Melissa 6 Comments

There's so much more to being fashionable than just the clothes you are wearing. Its about looking put together. I know for me, as a busy mom, it is hard to find time to take care of myself. But there are a few tricks to helping you look polished and stylish – even in a tshirt and jeans!

1. Get a 5-minute beauty routine down: Even when I'm running really, realllly late, I can squeeze in 5 minutes. (Even if its in the passenger seat of the car while my husband is driving.) Get yourself a quick routine that uses classic colors that won't go out of style. (Think smoky browns on your eyes and rose lips and cheeks.) Then you're always simply made up and looking gorgeous.

For me, I start with primer, dab on concealer, then quickly fill in my brows, put on eyeliner, shadow and mascara, and follow it all by a quick dusting of mineral foundation. Then throw on lip stain and I'm done!

2. Keep up your mani: If you don't have time to keep your nails done, don't go for dark polish. Keep your nails short and polish with clear or something very light so that chips don't show. Chipped polish drives me INSANE. It looks so awful! My secret? This:

Insta-Dri. It dries in 60 seconds. Literally. I use a very pale pink and it last a few days – chips are hardly noticeable. But when its time to redo – it takes about 2 minutes.

3. Find a signature scent: Spritz on a splash of our favorite fragrance whether you're wearing a LBD or a tshirt and jeans. Fragrances are expensive – but they last for a long time. Bottles usually last me over a year. My favorite scent is Beautiful by Estee Lauder.

Fragrance is a great item to put on your Holiday Wish List 🙂

4. Have a few killer outfit in your closet: A perfect pair of jeans and a black turtleneck sweater. Black bootcut pants and a bright sweater. A simple sweaterdress. Things you can just throw on when you're in a hurry and don't have time to spend picking out an outfit, then changing. Then changing again.

Forever 21, Merona, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Gap

Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by Marc by Marc Jacobs
Cardigans by LOFT

5. Be ready on the go: Make up a small bag to stash in your purse, car or desk. Include basics like eye makeup remover, concealer and powder, a small bottle of hairspray and lip stick. You never know when you are going to have "one of those days" or not have time to freshen up before a meeting. Or – this is the worst – you get out and realize you never even put makeup on that morning. (Or does that just happen to me?) Bonus points for including a rechargeable, cordless flat iron!

What are your secrets to pulling off a polished look?

Did you write a fashion post today? Link up!

October 22, 2010

stores you think you can’t shop in but you really can

Melissa 3 Comments

I know, I know. You wouldn't be caught dead in these stores. You walk past those stores and swear that your daughter will only wear that Over Your Dead Body. You think you're too old. But they're really worth a look, I promise!! You can get some fabulous trendy pieces for next to nothing.

**But just a warning – you will wear a bigger size in these stores. So prepare your ego. I wear 2-3 sizes bigger in most of these stores. It sucks a little bit.** Also, these stores are a GREAT place to try out trends on the cheap!

Forever 21 – This is a great place to find fabulous accessories for next to nothing: like silver hoop earrings for $1.50 or a fabulous layered beaded necklace for under $10. Or how about this tailored blazer for under $30?

Or these fantastic nude pumps – one of the hottest trends right now – for $19?

H&M – I. Love. This. Store.
They're sizes run really small and lots of it is just too young and trendy for me, but you can find some fantastic stuff!
I think I must have this sweater.

Or this fabulously fabulous cardigan!

Charlotte Russe – Again, accessories are a must see, but you can find some great clothes! I picked up this sweater a few weeks ago and I wear it all the time!
I love these boots:

and they have some really cute bags as well:

This pencil skirt is gorgeous!

Target – You can get fabulous things at Target. Really! Look around and you will really be amazed at the little gems you'll come across. Some of my favorite pieces are from there. (Remember the Target dress I wore to Ralph Lauren Headquarters that people kept complimenting me on?) Check out this outfit – would you ever have imagined something this elegant is from Target?

Day Dresses by Merona
Pumps by Mossimo

Did you do a Fashion Friday post this week? Let me know and I'll link up! Check out Big Mama, Musings of a Housewife (CAbi's Fall 2010 Collection), Sunny Side of Life (fall outerwear)