style tips

December 3, 2010

fashion friday: festive attire

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)

October 15, 2010

my favorite tshirts and jeans

Melissa 7 Comments

My friend Kelly from The Centsible Life recently asked for my favorite long sleeve tshirts and affordable jeans.

First lets talk tshirts. PLEASE do not spend money on tshirts. A long sleeved tshirt is not an investment piece. If you have money to buy a $200 designer tshirt, good for you. But even if I was able to afford it, I still wouldn't. It's just not worth it. As a mom, my tshirts get rips, indescribable stains, get used as a tissue (not by me, I swear.) and get worn to death. And there are tons of cheap options out there that will last you a few seasons before you need to replace them.

My very, very favorite casual t-shirts are shirred v-neck t-shirts from Old Navy. This is such a flattering cut – gives your chest a tiny boost and the front hangs just a tad loose, so it doesn't cling to your tummy. Its thick enough to wear alone, but easy to layer as well. I think I have this in 4 colors. AND they are on sale for $6:

I also love the cross front yoga top from Mossimo. I think Target tshirts are really nice – mine have all lasted years. Until I spill something on them. Even plain Mossimo and Merona shirts are fabulous.

For something a little nicer, try LOFT or GAP. They have tons of shirts that take your long sleeved tshirt to the next level with embellishments, ruffles and fun necklines. Like this one from LOFT:

I love the length of this one by Daisy Fuentes at Kohls. Good for when you are too busy running after your kids to worry about trying to yank up your jeans that are slipping too far down your bum!

Now lets talk jeans. While my very very favorite jeans are designer, I don't wear them super often. I love them too much to subject them to my daily life. For those everyday jeans, my favorites are from LOFT. I highly recommend their denim – its pricey, but the 4 pairs I have are all from the clearance rack or outlet and were all under $20. I have the modern boot cut, the skinny jeans, trouser jeans and – of course – jeggings!

Another sure bet for denim is Gap Long and Lean jeans. These jeans are flattering on just about anyone and – if you wait for a sale or score them at the outlet – they're really affordable. For an even lower price point, try Old Navy.

I'm all about saving money. But remember, jeans are the staple of most of our wardrobes – many of us wear them almost every single day. Seriously, think about how often you wear your favorite jeans! When you thing about cost per wear, you really get your money's worth on jeans. Good denim will last as long as you still fit in them, right? 😉

What are your go-to brands for jeans and tshirts?

For more fashion fridays, check out Big Mama (little of this and a little of that), Baby in my Kitchen (what to wear for family photos). Did you do a fashion post this week? Leave me a comment and I'll link up to you!

September 24, 2010

take the tshirt and jeans up a notch

Melissa 5 Comments

Today, we're going to talk about one of the Mom Uniforms: jeans and a tshirt. With about as much effort as it takes to throw on that ratty old hoodie, you can turn your I-Give-Up look into something really stylish and trendy

1. A Blazer. Blazers are very hot right now. Its an easy way to dress up your jeans and tshirt and investing in a classic blazer is something you won't regret. You can dress it up or down and wear it forever. This one is fabulous from Express, but a little more of an investment at around $100:

For a more budget friendly option, try this one from Kohl's for under $25:

2. A Military Jacket: even more on trend that the blazer, this is a super hot look. This one is from Macy's and is totally gorgeous.

Try a military coat made of knit cotton. Its basically a sweatshirt with buttons. No one but you will know how comfy you are!

3. More than just a cardigan: Take that classic black cardigan or navy crewneck sweater to the next level by adding something extra! Like ruffles:

or an interesting cut or pattern:

or try the Fair Isle trend:

or my favorite, a cozy sweater wrap:

4. A Sweater Cape: Another hot trend. Looks great and just about anyone too!

5. Add Accessories: I love scarfs. Look at how cute they look with just a tshirt:

It doesn't take much to turn your style up a notch! Go for it!

For more Fashion Friday, check out Big Mama, Musings of a Houewife (Black is back!), b*Stylish (coats that look more expensive then they are), Mommies With Style (vintage details), TwoFer Mom (fashion toys) Did you post a Fashion Friday post? Leave me a note in the comments and I'll link to you!

April 9, 2010

transitioning into summer weather

Melissa 1 Comment

As the temperatures positively SOARED here in the Northeast this week (90 degrees? WHAT?!) spring is in the air! Between that and our rapidly approaching trip to Hawaii (HOLLA!) I am SO excited for warm weather!!! Of course – because this is New England – you know this 90 degree weather is totally going to transition back into snow or something.

So this week, we're going to tackle that annoying in-between weather. When its not really warm enough to wear your summer clothes, but you are so sick of bulky sweaters you could just scream.

1. Lightweight cardigans are prefect for any season. In summer you can layer them over a sleeveless top or strapless dress. In winter, layer over a ruffled blouse or even another light sweater. For an instant spring look, just punch it up with pastels! Corals, pinks, yellow or this gorgeous sky blue cardigan from Anthropologie:

This Flower Applique Cardigan from Old Navy with three-quarter length sleeves and a lightweight weave is perfect for spring. Express has a Dreamweight Flyaway Cardigan in some adorable summer colors. The Chiffon Petal V-Neck Cardigan from LOFT just shouts spring.

2. I was NOT a fan of the whole lumberjack look that was creeping up over the winter, but there are some really adorable plaid shirts out there that would will look so cute tucked into jeans or open over a tank top instead of a cardigan. I just picked up this one from Old Navy:

Its very lightweight, so it could even be a cute swimsuit cover up later this summer. OhmyWORD, I love this one from Gap. And this one. or a higher end shirt, look at these fabulous ones from Anthropologie and Free People. For another twist on this look, try a tunic!

3.Oh. My. Fluttering. Heart. Oh my. Look at this striped strapless dress. I can't get the picture, but click. You will NOT be sorry. I'm not sure how that fits into this post, but I had to share because its so stinkin' cute.

4. A twill blazer would quickly become one of the most versatile items in your closet – its light enough for spring or summer, but you could wear it all year.

What are your tricks from handling 'in-between' weather?

February 5, 2010

fashion friday: getting ready for disney

Melissa

Well, I don't have a theme today. What can I say… I need more coffee this week. But here's just a few things to share!

1. Well, its supposed to RAIN while we're at Disney next week. BOO!!! So now I"m doing a serious re-design of the clothing plan. I may need to get this for me. Because I'm sorry, I REFUSE to wear a poncho.

2. I bought these shoes for Disney. They arrived two weeks ago and I have barely taken them off. These are the most comfy shoes I've ever worn!
Really!! I still love my pumas, though, and I'll bring those too. We just got these for Ellie and she loves them. Sneakers are a must for the kiddos at Disney!!

3. How much will Colin love this Cars shirt for our trip?? Gracie got a princess one and Ellie's has Lady and the Tramp. Disney store's graphic tees are only 3 for $20 — doubt we'll find those prices in the parks! (Oh my word, I LOVE this mechanics shirt for Colin! Wish I has seen it sooner!)

4. For me, I'm still completely hemming and hawing about what to wear! Such a big decision, I know. Poor me! 🙂 The only thing I've decided on for sure is shoes (my privos and my pumas) and wearing my favorite jeans every day. With the weather, we're going to be layering up a storm. (Ha ha! Storm! Get it?) I'm probably end up in tshirts under sweaters under a raincoat!

5.I almost bought this today at Target. Isn't it cute? And LOOK AT THIS DRESS!! Too cute! I wish we had an excuse to wear a cute dress at Disney – I have the cutest dress that I snagged at LOFT in the fall for only $9.99 (REALLY!) and I've been dying to wear it! Can I just say "cute" again? CUTE!

That is all. Go shopping now – if you're not buried in snow, that is!

January 15, 2010

looking cute and comfy at disney

Melissa 10 Comments

Well, we decided to go to the Disney Social Media Moms Conference. Now comes the big question:

WHAT DO I WEAR??

A conference at Disney comes with a unique problem: you must wear comfy shoes. Which can put a serious damper on cute outfit planning. But we can push past this, Ladies. Let us begin.

1. SHOES: You don’t have to limit yourself to your chunky ol’ workout shoes! I’m definitely bringing my suede Puma sneakers which were one of my best fashion investments because they are at least 6 years old and still awesome (They look a little like this). I adore my Uggs, but they are not for 70 degree weather. So I’m seriously eying these little beauties.
Aren’t these cute? I could even wear them with everything from skinny jeans to leggings or yoga pants. (Please tell me you know better than to wear huge workout shoes with skinny jeans? Please?) Plus, it looks like there are a few times when we’re not in the parks that we can still sneak on our awesome shoes 😉

2. LAYERS: Layering is key at Disney – for you and your kiddos. Its a little chilly in the morning, but by afternoon it gets quite toasty when you’re waiting in the sun for Dumbo. Just remember that whatever you take off, you have to then carry. So leave the bulk at home. This is the perfect time to pull out a cute cardigan, sweater wrap or hoodie sweater.
I love this belted boyfriend cardigan – would look terrific with a ruffled t-shirt and skinny jeans. I’m bringing my go-to sweater this winter, the runched cardigan from LOFT. I have two and I wear them all the time.
For days in the parks with the fam, I’m all about sporting just a cute t-shirt and jeans with my Pumas.

Sidebar: I cannot begin to tell you how much these rompers disturb me. Sometimes researching fashion posts is scary.

3. DENIM: The no brainer at Disney: wear jeans, jeans and more jeans! I’m a little bit in love with these Dark Wash Boyfriend jeans from LOFT. Talk about something comfy to wear around Disney! And my year-long premium denim search ended with LOFT’s Modern Boot Cut Jean and the Modern Skinny Jean. (They are fabulous – and right now buy one, get one 50% off! Use code SAVE50.) For a cheaper option, hit up Old Navy or Target. The Diva Skinny Jean is very nice as is the Sweetheart Boot Cut.

4. CUTE & COMFY: A T-Shirt can be so much more than just a t-shirt, girls. Old Navy has these cute Jersey Cardigans and I love this Surplice V-Neck Top. Just the tiniest details, like ruching or ruffles can turn an ordinary t-shirt into something cute.
For the conferency-part, the cuteness possibilities expand! There are zillions of cute, lightweight sweaters to choose from. Tunics are also super comfy with jeans or leggings and are great for traveling or sitting in an air conditioned meeting room.

Sidebar: Old Navy has adorable vintage graphic tees with Mickey and Minnie! Only $10.50! And I’m buying this Smocked Flutter-Sleeved Top – its a great color and its on sale for $10! Sometimes researching fashion parts is dangerous on the wallet.

*****

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