January 2014 - Red Soled Momma

MOMMA KNOWS… accessories make the outfit

There’s no question, as a stylist, accessories make the outfit. The bits and pieces we choose to put with a look can dress it up, down and turn it from boring to fabulous. Now, I have a love affair with my bags and shoes, but that’s not what I’m talking about in this post…. I’m talking about all the other (sometimes forgotten) accessories - belts, hats, scarves, statement jewelry – that can transform a little black dress or simple jeans and t-shirt. I have never been much of a belt person but I love my scarves – my classic look is jeans or leggings with a simple top, blazer and scarf – its all about the details. An incredible piece of statement jewelry can be all you need to turn a simple walk in the park outfit to a night not the town outfit. Investing in classic pieces and then letting the accessories make the outfit has been a long time style secret of fashionistas everywhere. My little boy hasn’t quite gotten into accessorizing, but I can’t resist how adorable he looks in his amber teething necklace! Then, at Max’s music class the other day I was floored at how obsessed with accessories the little girls his age had already become, and seeing all the amazing options for them, I must admit to having a bit of childhood envy… So, check out some of my favorite scarves, belts, hats and jewels and relax and let the accessories make the outfit for both you and your little ones…

First for Us:

SCARVES:

Isabel Marant scarf $220

Spun Scarves by Subtle Luxury scarf $50

Alexander Mcqueen scarf $295

Asos scarf $22.22

Chan Luu scarf $90

New Look scared $14.80

Chan Luu scarf $245

STATEMENT JEWELRY:

Kenneth Jay Lane necklace $70

Jennifer Fisher “momma” bracelet $515

Elizabeth and James rings $125

Natalie B necklace $88

Monserat de Lucca bracelet $71

Jules Smith necklace $125

Arme de L’amour arm cuff $350

Zara necklace $39.90

Jennifer Fisher double cuff $620

Alexander Mcqueen ring $250

J Crew necklace $130

BELTS:

B-Low the Belt belt $195

Free People belt $98

B-Low the Belt belt $110

Asos belt $27.78

Alaia belt $1625

Club Monaco double wrap belt $79.50

Valentino belt $439.97

HATS (and not that Pharrell at the Grammy’s Smokey the Bear number):

Melissa Odabash fedora $120

Eugenia Kim hat $188

Urban Outfitters panama hat $34

Catarzi hat $64.82

Bop Basics cashmere beanie $80

Free People porkpie hat $78

Helen Kaminski hat $285

And accessories for our little ones:

Brazen fedora $18

Gap fedora $16.95

Blueberry Hill headband $16

Babiator sunglasses $20

Fantasia belt (2 pack) $14

J Crew belt $29.50

Enchanted Shimmer crown $45 (this might be more for our enjoyment than there’s!)

Muk Luks hat $21

Peppercorn Kids scarf $30

Nununu scarf $42

Old Navy headband $6.94

Gap hat $16.95

J Crew princess charm necklace $22.50

Spiderman watch $9.99

Baby Aspen diaper covers (set of 3) $27

Jumping Beans hat and mittens set $8

Olly and Friends handbag $26.60

Gap railroad hat $16.95

Carter’s sunglasses $7.50

Trumpette skater socks $28

Gap bucket hat $16.95

J Crew trilby hat $29.50

MOMMA NEEDS… bras that are meant to be seen

left: Max and I playing in the garden – showing some colorful side bra, right: me and my bestir – she’s rocking a classic Marlies Dekkers bra

This may sound crazy since we have always been taught that bra straps should always remain hidden, and in general this is a good rule of thumb. However, lingerie today has changed – bras can be just as much a part of an overlook at anything else – the key is a bit of peek-a-boo without ever being overly exposed. The thing is, as a mom – a mom that nursed my little one – well, lets just say that the ladies will never be the same… I, as many of you, will always need some extra support. Forget about going braless – that’s not going to happen, but even strapless bras aren’t always enough support… So what to do when so many tops and dresses are low back, punging, open at the sides or sheer… Well, why not make a statement with your undergarment. A pop of bright color, or even better yet, a more architecturally designed bra. I have been a HUGE fan of the Marlies Dekkers lingerie and have personally used their bras on celebrities for red carpet appearances, tv shows as well as for magazine editorials. The Marlies bras are meant to be shown and have been featured on everyone from Lady Gaga to Britney Spears, Miranda Lambert and countless others. Remember the key to bras that are meant to be seen is not about full exposure – its about the details – perhaps you see a pop of color peeking through some sheer or the top detailing from a Marlies bra in a low cut blouse or tank – its the question of – is that part of the top or is it the bra? Its one part cheeky and one part fashion. And the bonus is it’s 100% the support that we mommy’s need! Check out some of my favorite bras that are meant to be seen - they’re not just giving the girls some lift, they’re also giving them a bit of style (and just in time for Valentine’s Day).

Marlies Dekkers bra $115

Marlies Dekkers bra $166

Free People racer back bra $38

Marlies Dekkers corset $160

Else Lingerie $41.50

Dolce & Gabbana bra $535

Helmut Lang bra $90

Lonely bra $94

Forever 21 bra $9.80

For Love and Lemons bra $121

One Teaspoon bra $71

Marlies Dekkers bra $99

L’Agent by Agent Provocateur bra $92

Eberjey racerback bralet $53

Elle Macpherson bra $95

Victoria’s Secret push up bra $48

Mimi Holliday by Damaris bra $100

Forever 21 lace corset $14.80

L’agent by Agent Provocateur $74

Marlies Dekkers bra $147

Hanky Panky bra $45

Forever 21 bra $5.80

MOMMA NEEDS… the perfect tee for women and kids

Max and I are in our uniforms – relaxed and comfortable in our favorite tees.

The absolute must have item in every wardrobe is the perfect tee. Nothing serves our purposes more than the t-shirt that looks great, fits great and can effortlessly give us both the comfort and style we want. But, what is the perfect tee? It is 100% about the fit and then the rest is up to you – the boyfriend tee shrunken down and tailored, softly worn, low cut and sexy or slouchy and cool – its the item we wear the most and when you find the perfect tee you buy it in bulk. Now a days the t-shirt market is enormous – there is literally a cut, color and variation for every possible need/want. The truth is, much like the perfect jeans, having a great t-shirt to throw on which allows you to feel and look great without having to over think your look is priceless (but not pricey). Nothing is more classic than jeans and a t-shirt, so its just a matter of finding the perfect one (or ones) that suit your style. Of course, for our little ones, t-shirts are certainly the easiest and most comfortable things for them to wear. The key is the softness of the fabric for your babies delicate skin. A soft worn cotton is so easy to put them in (which is essential for babies and kids that are constantly moving around and not always cooperating) and always comfortable whether they’re running around in the garden or taking a nap. I have found the Splendid and Nununu lines to be the best – their cotton is brushed and softer than a babies bottom – certainly more expensive – so always good to keep an eye out when these lines go on sale! Check out some of my top picks for the perfect tee for both us and our little ones.

Fist for us:

Rag & Bone/JEAN tee $80

LNA tee $52

Splendid slouchy tee $68

Forever 21 tee $12.80

Free People tee $58

Monrow boyfriend tee $97

LNA ripped neck tee $90

Current/Elliott tee $89

New Look tee $16.65

Pencey Standard tee $70

Forever 21 linen tee $12.80

Haute Hippie tee $135

Soft joie tee $23

T by Alexander Wang tee $95

Free People tee $68

Riller & Fount muscle tee $51

Helmut Lang tee $90

Michael Stars off the shoulder tee $66

Helmut Lang tee $125

Madewell tee $25

Monrow tee $54

And for the little ones:

Peek t-shirt $28

Nununu tee $11 (on sale from $42)

Stella McCartney kids tee $44

Hartstrings tee $32

Gap tee $16.95

Carter’s tee $9.80

Mini boden t-shirts (pack of 2) $28

Old Navy tee $12.50

Burt’s Bees Baby tee $9.95

Splendid bodysuit $36

Splendid tee $32

Milly Minis tee $65

Old Navy tee $12.50

Ralph Lauren top $25

Ralph Lauren tee $16

Carter’s baby tees (5 pack) $16.99

Lili Gaufrette tee $65

Old Navy (2 pack) tees $16.50

Peek tee $28

Nununu t-shirt $42

Gap t-shirt $19.95

Junk Food clippers tee $21.44

Thomas & Friends doodle tee $14

MOMMA NEEDS… distressed denim for women and kids

Me in my distressed Blank NYC jeans with my darling mini-me clinging on in his gap distressed jeans…

I love my distressed denim. They’re cool, comfortable and nobody would know that my little max just wiped his hands all over them. My dad would look at me and huff, “I hope you didn’t pay full price for those – they’ve got holes in them!” but you can’t please everyone. Distressed denim once again delivers that effortless look but these are not the shapeless shredded jeans from the 80′s – today’s look is tailored and sexy yet worn and torn. Denim designers have gone to great lengths to insure that their jeans look naturally distressed without losing their fit. Throw them on with a relaxed tee and pair of sneakers or boots for the park and then change into heels, add some jewels and you’re ready for dinner! They’re great for our little ones too! How many times (a flipping day) does he go running around and take a tumble in the yard and come back with dirty knees? How many times a day am I changing his pants? Enough that i feel relieved when he’s in his distressed denim which allows those dirt stains and perhaps even adds to the look. Of course, getting them dressed with too many holes can be more trouble than its worth so for the kids its more about the wear than the tear – kids distressed denim means the pants are softer, giving a worn look (to camouflage the mess) while also being more comfy for little one’s delicate skin The messier these jeans get the more it can add to the style – so you can feel free to mess the dress (errr… the denim) and have fun without the worry! Here are some great distressed denim jeans for both you and your little pig pens…

First for us:

J Brand jeans $227

Siwy jeans $195

Blank jeans $88

Current/Elliott jeans $216

Forever 21 jeans $24.80

Frame Denim jeans $210

Asos jeans $59.26

Hudson jeans $209

Marc by Marc Jacobs jeans $198

Forever 21 jeans $29.80

Mother jeans $220

Free People jeans $78

AG jeans $224

Joe’s Jeans $165

Blank jeans $88

J brand jeans $205

And for the little ones – distressed and comfy denim:

Gap jeans $29.95

Peek jeans $58

Diesel jeans $79

Levi’s jeans $19.20

OshKosh jeans $23.80

Gap jeans $24.95

Gap baby jeans $29.95

Armani Junior jeans $120

Ralph Lauren jeans $35.70

Hudson jeans $55

Old Navy baby jeans $15

Zara jeans $19.90

Husdon Kids jeans $49

Old Navy jeans $19.94

Tucker + Tate baby jeans $36

Peek jeans $48

MOMMA LOVES… the layered look for women and children

People ask me all the time what to pack when they’re coming to visit me in LA. The truth is at any given point in the year or even in a day we can range 30+ degrees in temperature so I always advice to bring layers. The layered look can be incredibly chic but it can also go horribly wrong. The best advice I can give when trying to accomplish a layered look is to start with the least bulky item of clothing and work outwards… Also, work with varying lengths – so a longer shirt under a cropped sweater and then your coat. Layering is great because when its freezing cold out you can bundle up, but when you get inside where the heat is in over drive you can shed some layers to your comfort. This is also great for kids who we constantly worry about being too hot or too cold. All of this said, getting the layered look can be difficult to achieve style wise and also uncomfortable for our little ones who don’t understand and don’t have the patience for it, so a lot of designers have made it fold proof. They have coordinated the layers for us to accomplish the look and some times (not always) these layered pieces can be separated to your preference (for example dresses that come with a sweater overlay or jackets with detachable sleeves). The look is incredibly stylish and gives some dimension to our look which seems as though we put a lot more thought into our outfit than we actually did (the styling has been done for us by the designers). For our little ones, they get the comfort of their normal t-shirt but with the added coverage of a thermal underlay and then it’s one less step when getting them dressed or their are kids clothes that come as a bundle (pants with a tee and vest, or leggings with the tutu overlay) which makes styling them that much easier. Check out some of the great layered looks I’ve selected below – you may get some ideas for how to layer items already in your wardrobe or you might (as I have) just let the designers do it for me…

First for the ladies:

10 Crosby Derek Lam tunic $350

Monrow zip back sweatshirt $153

Free People layered jacket $84

Asos layered look jumpsuit $92.60

Free People layered top $108

Rebecca Taylor layered pullover $395

Elizabeth and James jacket $645

Free People dress with sweater combo $99.95

Cut25 by Yigal Azrouel top $165

T by Alexander Wang top $345

Pencey Standard moto jacket/vest $128 (sleeves come off)

NSF sweatshirt/shirt combo $216

Central Park West layered top $130

Alexander Wang jacket $633

Clu sweatshirt with ruffle $108

Unif dress/sweater combo $149

Asos top $66.67

Club Monaco top $139.50

Heather layered maxi dress $154

And the layered look for the little ones…

Gap top $22.95

Splendid top $44

Juicy Couture tee and leggings set $78

Stem Baby top and pants set $38

DKNY triple tier dress $37.60

Gap 2 in 1 shirt $29.95

Little Me vest, bodysuit and pant set $23.98

Carter’s 4 pc outfit $16.99

Splendid tunic and leggings set $44.80

Old Navy jersey jeans $19.95 (one part sweats one part jeans – get the look with the comfort – best layers ever!)

Old Navy dress $16.50

Gap 2 in 1 hoodie $19.95

Circo skirt leggings $12

armani junior 2 pc bodysuit and pants set

Armani Jr 2 pc bodysuit with pants set $280

OshKosh dress $17

Tucker + Tate jacket $37.52

Bloomies baby tutu top and leg gins set $42

Old Navy 2 in 1 t-shirt $5.97

Jenna & Jessie bunny lace dress $32

Children’s Place layered shirt $14.96

Splendid look $54

Genuine Kids from OshKosh look $22

RED CARPET REPORT – Grammy fashion

So the Grammy Awards were last night, when we get to watch the music industry’s best, brightest and greatest legends come together for a night of amazing performances and often times crazy Grammy fashion. Musicians are not like other celebrities – they don’t have to fear the worst dressed list because the same rules don’t apply to them. If Lady Gaga wants to come dressed as a purple duck we can call it performance art and a great Grammy moment because these artists are just that… artists. How they dress can be entirely who they are for that moment, that performance, that red carpet. Madonna has long been the queen of reinvention and Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Nikki Minaj, Miley Cyrus and Rihanna all follow that line of fashion risk taking. They are often caricatures of themselves and they’re having fun and giving us something to talk about… Last night we didn’t get Lady Gaga, but we did get Madonna in Ralph Lauren’s menswear inspired runway look, Katy Perry in Valentino Couture look #1 fresh off the Paris runway and Beyonce bringing it as always in an incredibly sexy Michael Costello gown. Check out some of my favorite Grammy fashion wild style from the evening…

left to right: Beyonce in Michael Costello, Madonna in Ralph Lauren and Katy Perry in Valentino Haute Couture

Of course, now we need to talk about some of my Grammy fashion favorites that stood head and shoulders above the rest for their sexy, sleek glam. All that glitters was a huge trend last night and the ladies that took gold for me were Taylor, Chrissy and Ciara. Taylor Swift looked better than ever (and too the Grammy fashion gold for me last night) in glimmering Gucci Premiere, Chrissy Teigen was legendary in Johanna Johnson and Ciara… Well, a very pregnant Ciara glowed for expectant momma’s everywhere in Emilio Pucci showing us how maternity red carpet should be done! Check out these gorgeous golden glamazons…

left to right: Ciara in Emilio Pucci, Taylor Swift in Gucci Premiere and Chrissy Teigen in Johanna Johnson

Finally, there had to be the sexy ladies of the Grammy’s – those ladies that took the plunge. Streamline, body skimming gowns with necklines so low one could only imagine the amount of double sided tape being used to prevent any potential wardrobe malfunctions. My other favorite of the evening was the amazing Miranda Lambert in a gorgeous Pamella Roland gown in the hot color of the awards season – red. Miranda brought exactly the right balance of sexy, chic glam (and I’m not just saying that because my bestie, and Max’s God Mom, Tiffany Gifford is her stylist). Other ladies that took the sexy Grammy fashion plunge were presenter Anna Kendrick in Azzaro and Alicia Keys looking beautiful in blue Armani Prive. The ladies (and their ladies) looked incredible, and fortunately there were no Grammy Fashion violations (aka nip slips) despite the down to their necklines. Check out some of last nights sexiest looks…

left to right: Miranda Lambert in Pamella Roland, Anna Kendrick in Azzaro and Alicia Keys in Armani Prive.

MATERNITY MONDAY… non maternity clothes for pregnancy

I’ve actually done this post before but I think its one I will do periodically because its often how I dressed during my pregnancy. I love clothes and when I buy clothes I like to consider my purchases investments – I like to buy classic things I can wear for years – not just a season… Of course, when you’re pregnant this is not the easiest task – so I I wanted to share some great non maternity clothes for pregnancy. First, look for clothes that have stretch, ruching, or just some extra room. You may even have tops that a re a bit flawy in your wardrobe already which you might be able to wear throughout pregnancy layered over a maternity tank (which will have the extra length you will need to cover the bump) or even layering a dress over leggings… The great thing about non maternity clothes for pregnancy is you can wear them through all stages – while you’re still trying for baby, for the first few months when you’re not showing, in the third trimester when you can’t see your feet anymore, those months after baby where you’re nowhere near your pre-baby body and even when you have your old body back again! A great way to style your bump can often be in non maternity clothes – you just need to know what to look for – and I’m hear to give you some suggestions!

Tbags dress $198

Splendid tank $46

Splendid maxi skirt/dress $88

Anthropologie pullover $88

Vince sweatpants $325

James Perse dress $225

Helmut Lang Sweater $295

Solow fold over leggings $55

Rachel Pally maxi dress $255

Wildfox sparkle love sweater $787.06

Asos ribbed leggings $37.04

Victoria’s Secret maxi dress $55

Free People dress $168

Helmut Lang jumpsuit $320

Vince blouse $245

Monrow sweatpants $132

Free People skirt/dress $88

Clu sweater $301

Asos skirt $46.03

Free People tup $128

Rag & Bone velour trackpants $194.98

Splendid ruched dress $128

Kain tank $43

Asos cardigan $51.85

AIR by Alice & Olivia convertible skirt/dress

AIR by Alice and Olivia convertible skirt/dress $198

Helmu Lang oversized shirt $295

Splendid leggings $68

Indah maxi dress $163

New Look longline cardigan $33.32

SHOP THE LOOK SUNDAY

Shop the look sunday is once again upon us, where I share my stylist suggestions for how to wear the various trends of the week. This week was, once again, Maternity – and perhaps how to rock maternity style at the office, and then some brilliant prints from classic stripes, to tops that make a statement and hearts just in time for Valentines day! Its one thing to know that a trend is popular, but this is my chance to illustrate some ways for you to wear them!! Click the pics so that you can shop the looks!

what to wear to work when you’re expecting – click the pic to shop the look!

Simply stylish stripes – click the pic to shop the look!

How to wear a top with text – click the pic to shop the look!

Heart prints – how to wear it. Click the pic to shop the look!

RUNWAY REPORT… Couture fashion for the red carpet

Couture Fashion week is happening in Paris at the moment and for those of you who don’t work in fashion – this is when designers show off their ultimate most innovative, expensive and beautiful designs. For those of us who work in fashion – couture is what makes our hearts beat faster and truly is art. These dresses will not see the racks of Saks or Nordstroms – these are usually one offs many costing in the six figures – they are hand made from the most exquisite fabrics by the most talented design teams. Where you WILL see them is on the red carpet. And with awards season upon us, keep an eye out for some of these amazing designs. Couture fashion week happens just at the right time for these gowns to potentially make appearances on the biggest stars in the world. With the Grammys coming up on Sunday stylists and designers will be desperately trying to get these dresses to LA from Paris for their red carpet debut. Some of the wilder more daring (super sheer and sexy) designs will probably be the hot ticket dresses for Sunday, while the more conservative but equally stunning gowns are probably being fought over right now for the Academy Awards. I have put together some select favorites from a few of the couture fashion show so that you too can be in the know and keep an eye out to see which of your favorite celebrities will be wearing what… There were blacks, whites, nudes, pastels, reds, metallics and so much adornment you would think Liberace himself had a hand in these designs. No expense has been spared and no detail overlooked. Here are some of the most exquisite gowns from couture fashion week – who do you think should wear these looks on the red carpet? (PS – click on any of these pics to see the whole collection)

Chanel Spring Couture 2014

Elie Saab Spring Couture 2014 (there were soooooo many beautiful dresses – impossible to narrow down – see for yourself by clicking on the picture)

Atelier Versace Spring Couture 2014

Christian Dior Spring Couture 2014 (PS – Jennifer Lawrence is the face of Dior so her Oscar gown and recent Golden Globes gown were both Dior – she will most likely be wearing Dior for the upcoming Oscars)

Giambattista Valli Spring Couture 2014

Armani Prive Spring Couture 2014

Zuhair Murad Spring Couture 2014 ( a favorite amongst celebs like Jennifer Lopez – some of these incredibly sexy and revealing gowns may make an appearance on Sunday if they make the flight in time! Hope there’s plenty of double sided tape to prevent wardrobe malfunctions – a big Grammy no-no!)

Valention Spring Couture 2014 (could someone wear the operatic music score number he opened with for the Grammys?)

MOMMA NEEDS… furniture without corners

I have a wild child. He is 19 months, a boy, and ready to conquer the world. He runs, climbs and knows no fear. He also trips, falls, bumps his head and gets stuck multiple times a day as he explores and learns. My job as a parent is to limit the liability – child proof and keep a watchful eye. Still, accidents happen and one great solution I have found is furniture without corners. Forget the ugly foam corners ruining all our formerly chic furniture – they look hideous and he’s now figured out how to rip them off… I can’t wrap him in cotton wool or lock him in a padded room, but I can invest in some gorgeous furniture that I love and won’t serve as baby booby traps. Furniture without corners is a concept almost too good to be true – I might actually be able to cook in the next room while he plays happily in the living room knowing that he is safe. Will he still trip, fall and bump his head? Sure, he’s a toddler, but soft and rounded edges are the next best thing to bubble wrapping all my furniture and it sure looks better! We would go to the greatest lengths to keep our little ones safe, yet we want them to explore and climb and investigate the world around them – so get rid of all those sharp edges and put your mind at ease – here are some great furniture without corners options for the home…