MOMMA KNOWS… what tops to wear with leggings

I recently did a post about the best leggings and how to wear them – but I wanted to do this follow up post with the best tops to wear with them.  This is a constant challenge – what tops to wear with leggings – trying to find something long enough and with enough volume to compliment the bottom without looking frumpy.  The two go -to tops to look for are tunic and oversized sweaters.  However, this is where things can start to get messy – always think about the overall silhouette – you don’t want to look like Dorothy from the Golden Girls or like a throw back from the 80′s.  The brilliant thing about this look is that it is so comfortable yet it can also be effortlessly chic and stylish as long as you know what tops to wear with leggings.  I wore leggings paired with oversized tops with blazers or sweaters throughout my pregnancy and you could barely tell I was pregnant until about 7 months in!  So there is the additional advantage that it can hide any extra padding you might have packed on during the holidays and it certainly helped me post baby to mask the non-baby weight!  These tops are versatile, chic and compliment the look of leggings or skinny jeans and can easily take you from the park to the office to the date feeling comfy but looking great!

10 Crosby Derek Lam tunic

10 Crosby St Derek Lam tunic $350

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Asos sweater $72.60

Bella Dahl chambray top

Bella Dahl chambray top $128

Forever 21 sweater

Forever 21 sweater $24.80

Velvet tunic

Velvet tunic $95 (this might be better with a jegging)

Marc by marc jacobs tunic

Marc by Marc Jacobs tunic $278

BLK DNM top

BLK DNM top $75

wildfox sweater

Wildfox sweater $149

what top to wear with leggings

Warehouse cutout back top $72.60

Helmut Lang top

Helmut Lang top $125

forever 21 striped shirt

Forever 21 shirt $22.80

Splendid sweater

Splendid sweater $178

alexander wang top

Alexander Wang top $140

joie sweater

Joie sweater $298

forever 21 cutou top

Forever 21 cut-out back top $22.80

ella moss sweater

Ella Moss sweater $129

splendid tunic

Splendid tunic $88

banjo & Matilda sweater

Banjo & Matilda sweater $225

mink pink cutout heart sweater

Mink Pink cut-out heart sweater $70 *** I was on the fence about this one because it really is quite oversized but the party in the back makes me want it…

MATERNITY MONDAY – best maternity clothes to start the new year right!

2014 is upon us and for some of us out there (not me!) 2014 will be the year our little one’s grace us with their presence…  Until they make their appearance, they are nestled in that little bump of yours – a bump that you might be struggling to dress.  My advice when it comes to maternity clothes – keep it simple and comfortable.  There are so many great options out there for expectant moms that you can look chic and pulled together regardless of your growing mid section.  Maternity Monday is my chance to share with you the best maternity clothes out there to keep you looking like yourself when that’s the last thing you feel like!  Maternity jeans with a  simple top and a blazer always looks great and stylish yet the look is comfortable and easy to wear!  Also, I’ve mentioned it before, Hatch is a maternity line that comes in one size and its meant to be worn not only during pregnancy as well as beyond.  These are investment pieces that are more pricey but are cut in a way that they’re meant to be worn not only during pregnancy but will be just as wearable once you have your body back!  The key is that you feel comfortable – both physically (stay away from anything too fussy) as well as mentally.  What I mean is – you’re whole life is changing in such an enormous way – but your style doesn’t have to. So, here are some of the best maternity clothes out there to keep you and your bump looking fabulous!

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Mama.licious pajama set $63.52

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Asos maternity dress $39.93

hatch maternity blazer

Hatch maternity blazer $268

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Mama.licious maternity skinny jeans $68.97

hatch bateau top

Hatch bateau top $158

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New Look maternity top $14.50

hatch dress

Hatch dress $198

topshop maternity jumper

Topshop maternity sweater $92

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Asos maternity jeans $54.45

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Asos maternity coat $77.13

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Asos maternity dress $68.97

topshop maternity sweater

Topshop maternity sweater $68

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Topshop maternity jeans $65

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Asos maternity dress $50.82

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Asos maternity cardigan $35.39

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Asos maternity top $22.69

J Brand maternity jeans

J Brand maternity legging jeans $196

isabella oliver maternity dress

Isabella Oliver maternity dress $159

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Asos maternity tights (3 pack) $39.93

 

MOMMA LOVES… great fashion for sale

‘Tis the season… the season for sales, incredible sales, mind altering sales. The New Year is upon us, so it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to get some great deals!  Some of my favorite retailers like Intermix (which is doing a ‘more you buy the more you save’),  Asos and Shopbop have insane deals for incredible fashion for sale with up to 70% off!  Whether you’re a working mom, a stay at home mom or somewhere in between – there are SO many wonderful deals out there – so start the new year by saving money AND looking incredible!

torn by ronny kobo

Torn by Ronny Kobo $399

J BRand T-shirt

J Brand t-shirt $75 (was $250)

Rag & BOne velvet jegging

Rag & Bone velvet jeggings $199

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Dune biker boots $108.89

bailey 44 top

Bailey 44 top $149

aqua cashmere skirt

Aqua cashmere skirt $69.50

Helmut by Helmut Lang jacket

Helmut by Helmut Lang jacket $322

JErome C Rousseau heels

Jerome C Rousseah heels $238

BB DAkota top

BB Dakota top $34

Joe's Jeans

Joe’s Jeans rolled ankle jeans $79

Michael by Michael Kors bag

Michael by Michael Kors bag $278.60

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Asos coat $77.13

Diane von Furstenberg dress

Diane Von Furstenberg dress $298

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Asos heels $36.30

Stella McCartney bag

Stella McCartney bag $604.80 (WAS $1680!!)

blank nyc jeans

Blank NYC jeans $78.40

A Fine Line draped back tee

A Fine Line draped back t-shirt $39.60

Be & D sneakers

Be & D sneakers $79

MOMMA LOVES… denim reinvented – this ain’t no blue jean baby.

There will always be a massive place in our wardrobes for blue jeans.  They are tried and true – versatile and comfortable  - but they are not what this post is about.  I’m talking about denim reinvented.  These jeans are in every color of the rainbow, they’re velvet, waxed, printed and they’re for women as well as children.  This denim is wild, elegant, rock and roll and sometimes even office appropriate.  Denim designers are thinking way outside the box and taking jeans as we know them to a whole new level.  Denim reinvented transforms the comfort and fit of your favorite jeans into high fashion trousers.  We will always have a love affair with our jeans – they are certainly part of my uniform – these are the jeans you’ve always loved with a splash of something extra special.  The denim market is so flush with innovation and technology its always interesting to see what they will think of next!  Check out some of my top picks for denim with a twist for us as well as our little boys and girls…

First for the ladies…

paige harlequin

Paige harlequin print jeans $189

forever 21 velvet baroque jeans

Forever 21 velvet baroque jeans $24.80

J Brand coated jeans

J Brand coated jeans $245

nasty gal spotted jeans

Nast Gal spotted jeans $68

AG Jeans coated jeans

AG Jeans coated denim leggings $205

7 for all mankind printed jeans

7 For All Mankind jeans $198

Blank Denim coated jeans

Blank Denim coated jeans $88

7 for all Mankind orange

7 For All Mankind jeans $169

forever 21 plaid jeans

Forever 21 plaid jeans $8.80

Frankie B jeans

Frankie B jeans $174

topshop aubergine jeans

Topshop jeans $80

Rag and bone ribbon jeans

Rag & Bone jeans $231

Frankie B ombre jeans

Frankie B coated ombre jeans $176

blank nyc polka dot

Blank NYC polk dot jeans $98

paige coated skinny jeans

Paige coated skinny jeans $269

zara floral print jeans

Zara floral print jeans $35.90

7 for all mankind jacquard jeans

7 For All Mankind jacquard jeans $198

topshop moto leopard jeans

Topshop moto leopard jeans $76

And for the little ones…

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Gap heart print jeans $29.95

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Gap jeans with skull patch $34.95

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Old Navy floral print jeans $16.94

7 for all mankind houndstooth jeans

7 For All Mankind houdstooth jeans $38.71

peek star jeans

Peek jeans $58

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Gap jeans $12.99

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Old Navy jeans $19.94

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Gap jeans $29.95

Tucker + Tate jeggins

Tucker and Tate jeggings $21.44

hudson camo jeans

Hudson camo jeans $59

jcrew floral jeans

J Crew floral print jeans $69.50

j crew green jeans

J Crew jeans $39.99

freestyle jeans

Freestyle jeans $14.99

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Gap fleece lined jeans $29.95

zara jeans print

Zara jeans $19.99

 

MOMMA NEEDS… storage solutions for the holiday haul

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday – gifts, food, friends, family and the joy of watching kids enjoying the magic of christmas… But what are we left with?  That’s right – a big old mess.  Its amazing how much things can accumulate and now that all the gifts that had been neatly stored under a tree that’s soon to disappear, what do we do with all this new stuff?  It’s time to start thinking about storage solutions because in the new year I really do resolve to reclaim my living room!  And my bedroom and office and kitchen and bathroom…  In order to do this I need some proper storage that looks chic in my living room and storage that’s cute for his room.  2014 is coming people and I want to start the new year right with a clean slate and a clean home.  So, here are my storage solutions that look great and can hide all the new acquisitions…

for our space…

trunk side table

Pottery Barn side table $499

west elm storage bed frame

West Elm storage bed frame $1199-1299

storage ottoman target

Target storage ottoman $49.98

Safaveieh storage bench

Safavieh storage bench $475.95

pottery barn lockers

Pottery Barn lockers $699

west elm storage coffee table

West Elm storage coffee table $499

An Elegant Retreat storage bench

An Elegant Retreat storage bench $419

sonoma life + style trunk

Sonoma life + style storage trunk $249.99

storage ottoman

Safavieh storage ottoman $178

find your fit bed

Find Your Fit storage bed $699-$829

For the kids areas…

brownstone bookcase

Land of Nod storage bookcase $599

pottery barn woven nursery storage

Pottery Barn woven nursey storage $47 – $79

levels of discovery storage bench

Levels of Discovery storage bench $199.95

Firehouse bookcase

Firehouse bookcase $83.99

KidKraft dollhouse book case

KidKraft dollhouse bookcase $124.99

Step2 create & store center

Step2 Create & Store center $80.99

Land of nod cubby cups

Land of Nod cubby cups $24.95

Taxi storage

Kids Taxi book storage $279.99

land of nod activity table with storage

Land of Nod activity table with storage $499

Step2 lift and roll toy box

Step 2 lift and roll toy box $41.99 (they can roll the toys they want to play with into the living room and then right back out again!)

Toydozer clean up set

Toydozer clean up set $14.99

And now its time to store all those Christmas decorations away…. and while you’re in the attic, garage or basement storing things – you may as well put away any toys and clothes that are not longer being used…  That is, if there might be more kids in the future… Also consider donating things that you haven’t used in a year to good will – we have enough clutter in our life – may as well give those things that we no longer use to those who will…

sterilite storage containers

Sterilite 66qt storage containers (set of 6) $75.98

sterilite 2 layer set of 4

Sterilite 2 layer stack and carry (set of 4) $45.56

hefty storage

Hefty 34qt storage box (set of 6) $53.94

 

 

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Happy Holidays everyone – hope everyone is enjoying some time of with family, friends and their beautiful little ones. This is my favorite time of the year and I wanted to send love and good wishes to everyone out there!

PS – wanted to share with you one of my favorite products which are these insanely fun foam bath letters, numbers and sea animals which max just loves and we love to put special messages for loved ones and holidays – makes great cards, emails, Facebook posts etc!!!

Hope you’re all having a magical holiday with your loved ones!

bath toys

Munchkin sea and learn bath toy set $13.50

Lots of love from this Red Soled Momma

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MOMMA NEEDS…. sleepwear for us and our little ones

Twas the day before Christmas, and what shall I post?

Why, the items of clothing which we wear the most!

As bedtime approaches there are things I must share,

what to put on for bed – yes the hallowed sleepwear!

Not the boxers and t-shirts we borrow from dad,

but the jammies and slippers we all wish we had!

So many options in fleece, cashmere and cotton,

lets hope after this they won’t soon be forgotten.

Without further adieu here’s my favorite pajamas

They’re cozy and cute for both kids and their mommas!

 

First for the ladies…

Equipment pj set

Equipment PJ set $388

Make + Model robe

Make + Model robe $48

arlotta cashmere slippers

Arlotta cashmere slippers $79.99

wild fox pajama set

Wild Fox pajama set $118

Victoria's Secret terry robe

Victoria’s Secret terry robe $59.50

Eberjey pjs

Eberjey pajama set $97

arlotta cashmere robe

Arlotta cashmere robe $219.99

ugg pure slippers

UGG Australia slippers $119.95

aqua pajama set

Aquq pajama set $68

UGG Australia slippers knit

UGG Australia slippers $129.95

eberjey pajama set

Eberjey pajama set $152

toms slippers

Toms slippers $53.95

PJ Salvage thermal sleep shirt

PJ Salvage thermal sleep shirt $48

muk luks slippers

Muk Luks slippers $40.95

DKNY pajamas

DKNY pajamas $68

josie plush robe

Josie robe $68

Acorn spa slipper

Acorn spa slipper $39.95

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Asos onesie $36.30

barefoot dreams robe

Barefoot Dreams robe $90

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New Look onesie $32.65

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French Connection slipper socks $12.70

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Gap sleepwear $39.95

Gillian O'Mallley slipper boots

Gillian O’Malley slipper boots $14.99

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Gap robe $69.95

And for the little ones:

Books to bed goodnight moon

Books To Bed Goodnight Moon book and pj set $49

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Gap pajama set $24.95

hatley lamb slippers

Hatley lamb slippers $24

petit bateau sleepwear

Petit Bateau pajamas $50

bedheads pjs

Bedhead pajama set $60

baby aspen robe

Baby Aspen Robe $31

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Gap sleepwear $24.95

hartstrings pajama set

Hartstrings pajama set $18.62

stride rite bear paws slippers

Stride Rite bear paw slippers $23.95

J crew cloud sleepwear

J Crew cloud sleepwear $52

jcrew glow in the dark sleep set

J Crew glow in the dark sleep set $52

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Gap terry bear sleep robe $39.95

Little me footie and hat

Little me footie and hat $18

just one you by carters sleep n play

Just One You by Carter’s pajamas $7.99

UGG Australia baby bootie slippers

UGG Australis baby bootie slippers $34.96

circo footed pjs

Circo footed sleeper $12.99

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Gap sleepwear $26.95

hatley robe

Hatley robe $27.05

big aspen shark robe

Big Aspen shark robe $29.99

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Disney princess pajama set $16

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DC Comics Batmans pajama set $14

Target character slippers

Target character slippers $9.99 (each pair)

Marvel batman slipper

Marvel batman slipper $15.95

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Gap onesie $24.95

little me infant footie

Offspiring velour footie pajamas $22.50

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Kissy Kissy convertible gown $38

Sesame Street Elmo robe and bootie set

Elmo robe and bootie set $16.99

 

MOMMA KNOWS… best bras for all of your holiday dresses

Last week I did a feature on what lies beneath the dress in terms of shape wear…  This week, I thought it only fitting (ha ha ha – couldn’t help myself) to share some of the best bras, inserts and stylist secrets for making you lady friends look great in the dress. Shapewear helps tame your curves – now I’m going to show you how to accentuate the curves you want!  Let’s face it moms, for those of us who breast fed things aren’t  what they used to be on top… We need all the support we can get and dresses are often backless or one shouldered or strapless – don’t worry, I’m here to show you all my stylist tricks of the trade and share the best bras and bra accessories out there to keep you looking fabulous!

Calvin Klein convertable push up bra

Calvin Klein convertible push up bra $44 (converts to criss cross in the back)

fashion forms plunge bra

Fashion Forms plunge bra $28

victoria's secret multi way bra

Victoria’s Secret multi-way bra $55 (6 ways to wear it from strapless to one shoulder and everything in between)

Calvin Klein straplesss push up bra

Calvin Klein strapless push up bra $42

fashion forms bra strapless backless

Fashion forms strapless and backless bra $36

 

Natori plunge bra

Natori plunge bra $50

warcoal bustier

Warcoal bustier $85

Low back strap bra attachment

Low back strap bra attachment $8.50

Now for the cutlets.. yes – every celebrity relies on these puppies to give that helping hand by boosting cleavage and adding fullness where its needed…

fashion forms nubra

Fashion Forms Nubra $75 *** this is the ultimate in my stylist kit – they give fullness and cleavage! You don’t even need a bra!

fashion forms silicone push ups

Fashion Forms silicon push ups $30 (create a fuller bust by inserting these in your bra)

fashion forms underwire adhesive bra

Fashion Forms underwire adhesive push up $30 (this is basically an adhesive underwire pushup without the bra)

For those of you daring and able to go bra-less don’t forget nipple covers and double sided tape – no nip slips please!

fashion forms petals

Fashion Forms gel petal nipple covers $15

fashion forms dress tape

Fashion Forms double sided dress tape $20 (no stylist is prepared without double sided tape!)

MATERNITY MONDAY – best diaper bags and they look great too!

Baby on board?  Well, whether your bundle of joy is still cooking or has already arrived one thing is for sure – you need a diaper bag!!  Why is a diaper bag different from other bags?  Well, its go compartments for bottles, is wipeable (for all the milk spills and other messes that come with baby), it usually comes with a changing pad (trust me – you need this) and it fits everything you need for an outing with your little one!  One of the first things I bought when I found out I was expecting was my Gucci diaper bag.  I thought I was being so practical and responsible buying something I needed and didn’t just want… But, the truth was I was terrified of hideous diaper bags and I needed the security that I wouldn’t have to sacrifice my love for accessories when my little guy arrived.  That said, there are SO many amazing designs out there, I really didn’t have to worry at all.  I wanted to share some of the amazing, yet practical best diaper bags out there so you can be prepared for your baby’s little accidents and still be excited about your new bag!  Enjoy my favorite selects that will give your non-expecting friends bag envy…

gucci diaper bag

Gucci diaper bag $1100

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Kate Spade diaper bag $318

Storksak diaper bag

Storksak diaper bag $132

skip hop diaper bag

Skip Hop (Jonathan Adler designed) diaper bag $70

MArc by MArc Jacobs black diaper bag

Marc by Marc Jacobs diaper bag $298

Eddie Bauer diaper bag

Eddie Bauer diaper bag $35.99

Storksak colorblock diaper bag

Storksak diaper bag $132

Danzo baby diaper bag

Danzo Baby diaper bag $195

Baby Essentials diaper bag

Baby Essentials diaper bag $24.99

marc by marc jacobs diaper bag

Marc by Marc Jacobs diaper bag $298

Ju-Ju-Be diaper bag

Ju-Ju-Be diaper bag $50

Prada diaper bag

Prada diaper bag $1140

skip hop expandable bag

Skip Hop expandable bag $48.99

kate spade diaper bag

Kate Spade diaper bag $418

And because the ladies shouldn’t have all the fun – and there are lots of men that share diaper duty – the amazing diaper bag for Dad!

Diaper dude diaper bag

Diaper Dude diaper bag $60

Diaper Dude bag for dad

Diaper Dude diaper bag $59.99