Wednesday, February 23, 2011

What's Hot and What's Not - Mommy edition!

Back in the day at the University of Alabama, I was fortunate enough to hold an office in my sorority that gave me the power to tell my "sisters" what was and was not appropriate as a college female.  This included everything from smoking and walking (gasp), spending the night at fraternity houses (not that), and of course, my favorite, what not to wear.  I recently bought the February issue of People Style Watch and came across an article titled "What's Hot! What's Not" and it reminded me of those days long ago.  So - I bring you the "mommy edition" because, let's face it, not all of us live the life where 4 inch heels and mini skirts are appropriate.

HOT - Peasant Blouses


Anthropologie - $78.00

NOT - Peasant Skirts


American Eagle $44.50 - save this look for your teenage daughter or your babysitter.  

HOT - High Waisted Flares


The Gap - $79.50

NOT - High Waisted Flares


I by no means am judging here b/c I think she usually looks fantastic, but know your body and the high waisted flare is NOT for everyone.

HOT - Wood Wedges

Nordsrom - $94.95

NOT - busting your butt trying to chase around your kids in 4 1/2" heels.  Opt for a lower heel.  Same look with less casualties.

Piperlime - $60.00  Comes in other colors, but I like the yellow.


HOT - Midi Skirts - In case you were wondering, the most flattering length is at the knee or slightly above.


Anthropologie - $128 - I posted this in an earlier blog about how to wear it now and later.  Love this skirt.


NOT - Mini Skirts - I don't care if you have legs like Heidi Klum.  If you have children and are over the age of 35 (maybe even a few years younger), it is time to say goodbye.  Leave the minis for Lindsay Lohan.  Need I say more?


Yes - I picked an ugly one just to prove a point.

HOT - Trenches - this is one of those "Top 10 Must Haves" in every woman's wardrobe.


Ann Taylor Loft - $98

NOT - I don't have a good one for this.  Oh - how about flashing with the trench coat???  Please don't do that unless in the privacy of your own bedroom.  

HOT - Pale Denim - approach with caution.  Choose a chambray shirt or skirt for a more slimming look.


Anthropologie $78

OR 


J. Crew - $98

NOT - Pale denim 80's style.  Let's just leave the 80's alone here.  No rips, tears, acid wash, tight roll, nothing.  If you weren't alive during this trend then you didn't miss much except maybe a few Cyndi Lauper or Madonna videos. 


This is a definite NOT.  


I hope I don't have to tell you not to wear these.

HOT - Wide Belts


Piperlime - $24


Fossil - $48

NOT - If you happen to be well endowed, please do not wear wide belts directly under the girls.  This is a free ticket to a peep show and we want people to look at your pretty face, right?  Oh and no dominatrix belts either.  



HOT - Orange - My Tennessee and Texas friends will be so happy.  And yes, I know they are not the same color.  Geez!


Anthropologie - $68.00

If the color does not compliment your complexion, try an accessory like a handbag or shoe.



Fossil - $68

Franco Sarto - $80 at Nordstroms

NOT - head to toe orange.  This includes sporting your favorite team's colors.  Pick ONE item of clothing and ONE item only.  Don't make me call you out in front of your friends and family.

HOT - Medallions in jewelry


Stella & Dot - $89.00 - great statement piece


Stella & Dot - $69 - for a smaller version of the trend

NOT - sporting the "Flavor Flav" look.  Let's keep the jewels to a minimum.  



Hope you have enjoyed this season's "What's Hot and What's Not".  This was not intended to offend anyone and was for fun and laughs.  Have a great week and stay true to yourself and your style.
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Monday, February 21, 2011

Picture Perfect

House and home magazines are for me today what fashion magazines were to me in my 20's.  I scour through each one page by page and wonder how these people have such clean homes, free of clutter, and free of the millions of tiny plastic Polly Pocket accessories.  Instead of wishing I were a size 6 (because after two children, that dream has died), I now wish my house was picture perfect. You know... matching baskets lined perfectly in freshly painted cabinets, drapes that match my dining room seat cushions, neatly folded monogrammed towels, a clean kitchen with bowls of fresh produce ripe and ready to eat, and more importantly a kitchen free of red laminate countertops (yes, you read correctly).  This list could go on and on.
But, as I celebrate my baby's 1st birthday and see how fast time gets away from me each day, I realize that one day all of my wishing will become reality.  With a clean and uncluttered house, there comes the silence of an empty nest.  So I will embrace my unfinished "money pit" of a house that is home to two beautiful children and sigh at those clean picture-perfect homes.   I hope that these people have warmth and joy in their homes like we do.  Have a happy week and Happy Birthday, Audrey.



House Beautiful - If orange was allowed in my house (which it is not), the couch is such an awesome color.  


Southern Living - What an inviting outdoor living space.  Can't wait to fix up our porch for the warmer temps.


House Beautiful - If I did this in the girls bathroom, there would be no way the baskets would stay let alone be neatly organized.


 House Beautiful -  Ahhh, one can dream for their dream kitchen.


Southern Living -  I see no children which must be why it is clean.


Southern Living - I have these chairs and now want to paint them white and recover them.  Husband is not happy.


House Beautiful - Love the white bathroom, but who has neatly folded towels not only in 1 location, but 2!! 


Southern Living - A big girl room for Audrey?


House Beautiful - Like the quirkiness of this bulletin board in an eat in kitchen.


House Beautiful - this would never fly in our house, but I like the contrast colors.


House Beautiful - love the chocolate brown, zebra print, and Burberry plaid chairs.


I could post days worth of pictures, but these are a few rooms that inspired me.  I do hope to do before and after pictures of our home in the future.  Until then, enjoy browsing and dreaming of whatever is "picture perfect" to you! 


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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

One Shirt - 4 Ways

With fashion trends emerging from the snow like Spring's first flowers, menswear inspired styles are every where.  UGH!  I hate this trend.  Lace up saddle oxfords, blazers, button down shirts in solids, plaids, and stripes.  I mean, really.  Men's clothes are BORING.  That is one of the things I love about being a woman.  The endless options of mixing and matching.  We get to wear just about everything.  Why do I want to give that up and look like a man?

BUT I am learning to find my inner "mommy" style.  I have tried on many button down shirts in the past few years.  I've read countless articles that state the classic white button down is a must have for every woman's wardrobe.  I've even spread the word to my fashion challenged friends that no closet is complete without owning one.  So how do I embrace the patterned button down without looking like I raided my husband's wardrobe?  And how do I help my friends who want to wear them?  Here is my "runway to the real way" on how to wear this trend for us everyday gals that like to be in style.

INSPIRATION - I've been eyeing this plaid shirt from J.Crew.  It is $72 which for some is not a hefty price, but I am still on the fence about wearing these kinds of shirts.



J. Crew - $72.00

SO - on a family shopping trip to Target the other day, I happened upon a grey and white one for only $19.99!! How excited was I?  Not too much of a commitment and would work with items already in my closet. Did I tell you it was $19.99??  So I played around online and in my closet to show you a few (or four) ways to wear one shirt.  What is great about this top is you can go super casual or dress it up.  


Outfit ONE - Working 9 to 5 or actually getting to dress up for a change.  Wear with a skirt, cardigan and belt.  Add an unexpected shot of color with an accessory such as a handbag or piece of jewelry.




Outfit TWO - Ultra Casual.  Looking cute, but still comfortable.  Layer under your favorite hoodie and add a brightly colored scarf.
Old Navy Womens Fleece Hoodies
$15 - oldnavy.gap.com
Fleece tops »

Woven Scarf w/ Fringe
$6.50 - forever21.com
Fringed shawls »

Stella & Dot • An invitation to style
$34 - stelladot.com





Outfit THREE - Summer Lovin' (or Spring Lovin').  Roll up the sleeves, grab your favorite bermudas/shorts and pair with some great wedges and turquoise.  For those that know me - Turquoise is like my little white tee.  You must own it.




Outfit FOUR - dinner and a movie or having lunch with the girls.  For those colder days that still lie ahead, pair with a great fitted jacket and jeans.  Go with flats or boots

Massive Mum Scarf
$60 - anthropologie.com
Cotton shawl »

Fossil Range Casual Belt
$30 - fossil.com


Lara Kruthers - Stella & Dot Stylist
$39 - stelladot.com




Several of the pieces above (specifically shoes) are on the higher end, but I picked them to show you a look.  Of course you can find things just as cute and much less expensive.  Hope you get inspired and find something to "mix it up" with in your closet.  As for the lace up oxfords - you'll have to find another blog to help you there.  I am stopping at the collared shirts.  






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