SHOP THE LOOK SUNDAY…. how to get the most out of your clothes

If you’re like me you want to get the most out of your purchases…  You want to make sure that what you buy has a shelf life and is versatile enough to suit all your wardrobe needs.  Shop the look sunday is all about showing you how to get the most out of your clothes by illustrating how to take a particular item and translate it from desk to date and from the park to brunch.  This week I covered skinny jeans, color block accessories and (just in time for St. Patrick’s Day) the color green.  I’ll show you how to wear the trends and how to get the most out of your clothes and make your money go further.  My theory is – the more wear you get out of an item the better the investment – with just a few little accessory adjustments you can easily transition these looks to suit all of your wardrobe needs!

How to get the most out of your clothes - how to wear skinny jeans from desk to date

How to wear skinny jeans from desk to date – opt for black, white or colored skinny jeans (save blue for casual friday) and pair with a more conservative blouse/jacket combo on top and some classic yet modern and elegant accessories. Click the pic to shop the look!

How to wear skinny jeans from the park to brunch

How to wear skinny jeans from the park to brunch – keep it stylish while comfortable with a pop of color or something special on the top and some great flats and modern jewels. Click the pic to shop the look!

Color block accessories

How to wear color block accessories – keep the overall look clean and modern and pull in one of the colors again elsewhere in the give a cohesive look without being too match-y.. Click the pic to shop the look.

How to wear color block accessories from the park to brunch

How to wear color block accessories from the park to brunch – dress down these low heeled sandals with some cropped chinos and a denim jacket, then pull the look together with a colorful scarf. Click the pic to shop the look!

How to wear green from desk to date

How to wear green from desk to date – choose clean modern lines and pair with light neutral accessories and a great piece of statement jewelry. Click the pic to shop the look!

How to wear green from the park to brunch

How to wear green from the park to brunch – take your fit and flare little green dress and make it more casual with some great sandals and cardigan to keep you comfortable yet chic. Click the pic to shop the look!

MOMMA NEEDS… kid friendly furniture (that looks great)

photo 4

Soft furnishings with rounded edges makes the living room a little more safe.

One of the things I’m always on the hunt for is furniture that looks amazing but won’t serve as a potential death trap for my little one.  That’s right, kid friendly furniture that isn’t an eye sore…  I want my living space to be chic and presentable but still safe enough for my little one to explore and climb without having to be hovering over him on toddler watch the whole time.  Short of bubble wrapping the living room this seemed like an impossible mission – but its not.  Kid friendly furniture simply means choosing rounder pieces and softer options.  And, yes – plush furniture without corners doesn’t have to mean living in a gymboree – there is so much incredible kid friendly furniture out there at varying price points that will allow you to reclaim your gorgeous home while also keeping your little ones safe.  Always remember – that nothing is entirely injury proof (besides a padded room) there are just safer option – always keep a close watch on your little ones – these furnishings will simply allow us worry warts to relax… a bit…

Pottery Barn chesterfield sofa

Pottery Barn chesterfield sofa $1899

West Elm side table

West Elm side table $119

Anthropologie chair

Anthropologie chair $498

Pearl River Modern NY side table

Pearl River Modern NY side table $119

Nora round tufted ottoman

Nora round tufted ottoman $999

Leo console table

Leo console table $2199

Hayden armless chair

Hayden armless chair $189.99

West Elm dining table

West Elm dining table $399

Griffin nailhead dining chairs (set of 2)

Griffin nailhead dining chairs (set of 2) $259

Anthropologie nightstand

Anthropologie nightstand $278

West ELm ainslie sofa

West Elm ainslie sofa $1149

Pottery Barn trunk
Pottery Barn trunk $799
Anthropologie pouf

Anthropologie pouf $158

Semisfera coffee table

Semisfera coffee table $1898

Valetta tufted bench

Valetta tufted bench $299

Gemma cinch accent table

Gemma cinch accent table $279

Pottery Barn rectangular ottoman

Pottery Barn rectangular ottoman $999

tufted chaise settee

tufted chaise settee $479.99 

Anthropologie dining table

Anthropologie dining table $998

Pearl River Modern NY dining chair

Pearl River Modern NY dining chair $165

Pearl River Modern NY coffee table magazine holder

Pearl River Modern NY coffee table magazine holder $329

Moroccan pouf

Moroccan pouf (comes in various colors) $199

Anthropologie sofa

Anthropologie sofa $1998

The Great Room dining table

The Great Room dining table $919

Clarissa dining chairs

Clarissa dining chairs $248

MOMMA NEEDS… green clothes for St. Patrick’s Day!

green clothes for saint patrick's day

Me and my little man playing in green…

getting ready for St Patrick's Day in green!

Me in Zara and Max in Little Marc Jacobs green celebrating hoping for the luck of the irish this March!

St. Patrick’s Day is upon us, and as we know all to well, with kids – every holiday must be celebrated!  Time to break out the green clothes which are not only super on trend at the moment but will also keep you from getting pinched!  Color is always great for illuminating the face – the key is choosing the right hues to go with your skin tone – from pastels to neon shades or dark forrest hues their are stunning shades of green that will look amazing on you!  Green clothes have been very popular on the runway and red carpet and are sure to become some of your favorite go to items long after March 17th!  So, break out the four leaf clovers and get out some green clothes for both you and your little ones to pop your look with color while celebrating the luck of the Irish all year long!

First, some of my favorite green clothes for the ladies:

Diane von Furstenberg dress

Diane von Furstenberg dress $385

MICHAEL Michael Kors top

MICHAEL Michael Kors top $110

3.1 Phillip Lim pants

3.1 Phillip Lim pants $375

Anthropologie tee

Anthropologie tee $38

Equipment sweater

Equipment sweater $288

image1xl-8

Asos dress $65.87

Free People jacket

Free People jacket $148

Ella Moss top

Ella Moss top $128

Copper & Ella top

Copper & Ella top $88

Love Sam maxi dress

Love Sam maxi dress $165

7 For All Mankind mint jeans

7 For All Mankind mint jeans $178

Anthropologie skirt

Anthropologie skirt $128

AManda Uprichard blouse

Amanda Uprichard blouse $193

Issa Dress

Issa Dress $660

Zara blazer

Zara blazer $79.90

360 Sweater cashmere sweater

360 Sweater cashmere sweater $253

Anthropologie pants

Anthropologie pants $118

BB Dakota overalls

BB Dakota overalls $92

Equipment blouse

Equipment blouse $198

Lumier dress

Lumier dress $160

And for our little ones:

DKNY infant 2 piece set

DKNY infant 2 piece set $54

Ralph Lauren shortall

Ralph Lauren shortall $27.50

Stella McCartney jumpsuit

Stella McCartney jumpsuit $80

Mini Boden polo

Mini Boden polo $24

cn7065642

Gap cords $14.97

cn7398843

Gap hoodie $26.95

Guess dress

Guess dress $36.50

Carter's t-shirt

Carter’s t-shirt $6.99

Ralph Lauren dress

Ralph Lauren dress $32.50

Hartstrings vest

Hartstrings vest $66

cn7297154

Old Navy dress $16.94

cn7589505

Old Navy pants $19.94

First Impressions sunsuit

First Impressions sunsuit $9.99

J crew onesie

J Crew onesie $29.50

circo t-shirt

Circo t-shirt $5

Genuine Kids by OshKosh B'gosh windbreaker

Genuine Kids by OshKosh B’gosh windbreaker $18

cn7150017

Gap cardigan $19.99

Peek pants

Peek pants $24

Tea Collection dress

Tea Collection dress $45

Ralph Lauren sweater

Ralph Lauren sweater $55

 

MOMMA WANTS… color block accessories for women and kids

photo 4-2

Momma’s color blocked Christian Louboutins

photo 2

Max’s color blocked converse sneakers

 

Last week I did my post on color block clothes and today I’m featuring some amazing color block accessories for both us and our little ones.  I am all about accessories – bags, shoes, jewels – these are the things that transform a look from ordinary to extraordinary and transition an outfit from day to night.  Color block accessories are particularly brilliant because they open up a world of options in terms of your color choices and can pop a very simple outfit and take it to another level.  Investing in some great accessories allows you to play with a trend in a more safe, conservative way but will also get a lot more wear.  We change outfits every day but often times will carry the same bag every day for a year + and not think twice.  I always say that great bags and shoes make the outfit and color block accessories are the easiest way to be elegant yet bold.  Our little ones can have so much fun with color – sometimes the more mismatched the better so accessories that play with color are always great for making a look more cohesive and deliberate yet eye catching and stylish.  Check out some of my favorite color block accessories for us and our little ones.

First for us:

Fendi pumps

Fendi pumps $850

Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo bag

Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo bag $428

Aperlai sandals

Aperlai sandals $264

Vince Camuto satchel

Vince Camuto satchel $248

Aldo shoes

Aldo shoes $90

Rebecca Minkoff bag

Rebecca Minkoff bag $225

Nicholas Kirkwood sandals

Nicholas Kirkwood sandals $695

Juicy Couture tote bag

Juicy Couture tote bag $198

Soludos espadrilles

Soludos espadrilles $43

Fendi bag

Fendi bag $1950

Schutz shoes

Schutz shoes $200

Zara bag

Zara bag $79.90

Forever 21 heels

Forever 21 heels $36.80

Diane von Furstenberg bag

Diane von Furstenberg bag $350

Alexander McQueen sandal

Alexander McQueen sandal $935

Kate Spade bag

Kate Spade bag $398

Isapera sandal

Isapera sandal $139

Storksak diaper bag

Storksak diaper bag $132

See by Chloe wedges

See by Chloe wedges $350

Reed Krakoff satchel

Reed Krakoff satchel $1290

And for our little ones:

Ralph Lauren boat shoes

Ralph Lauren boat shoes $40

See Kai Run baby sneaker

See Kai Run baby sneaker $26.57

Keds saddle shoes

Keds saddle shoes $35

Shaun White sneakers

Shaun White sneakers $19.99

Cole Haan baby shoes

Cole Haan baby shoes $50

Cole Haan saddle shoes

Cole Haan saddle shoes $48

Nike girls sneakers

Nike girls sneakers $41.99

DC Shoes sneakers

DC Shoes sneakers $33.99

Carter's baby booties

Carter’s baby booties $10.50

cn7547321

Gap sneakers $24.95

Converse toddler sneaker

Converse toddler sneaker $14.48

Converse sneakers

Converse sneakers $26.99

Melissa infant & toddler sneakers

Melissa infant & toddler sneakers $55

Ralph Lauren infant boat shoes

Ralph Lauren infant boat shoes $34

UGG Australia boots

UGG Australia boots $100

Hunter rain boots

Hunter rain boots $65

Toms sneakers

Toms sneakers $37.95

cn7497749

Old Navy infant slip ons $9

Kenneth Cole Reaction sandals

Kenneth Cole Reaction sandals $29.95

Nike toddler sneaker

Nike toddler sneaker $44.95

Luvable Friends hi-tops

Luvable Friends hi-tops $5.99

Old Soles sneakers

Old Soles sneakers $69

 

MOMMA LOVES… skinny jeans – they aren’t going anywhere!

BIML0622

Me in my Blank Denim skinnies and Max in his 7 For all Mankind …

Skinny jeans are a part of my uniform.  The perfect pair is my second skin and I am constantly on the search for what works best for me – what new shades of blue are out there and do I need a new pair of black, gray, white or the hot new color of the season.  That said, I know for a lot of women, skinny jeans are scary – but they shouldn’t be!  Consider this, our skinniest area is our ankle so why not show them off – women should embrace their curves and skinny jeans help to show them off.  Of course, there are many versions of skinny jeans – there’s  even a slouchy skinny boyfriend jeans so the fact is – skinny doesn’t have to mean skin tight, lay down on your bed to do the top button!  Another great thing about skinny jeans is that you can wear any shoe with them – boots fit perfectly over them and you can wear them with your flattest flats or your highest heels without having to worry about the height of your hems!  Skinny jeans are so versatile that depending on how you choose to style them they transition easily from the office to the park to a night out on the town and from winter to spring!  Of course, blue jeans in the office should be reserved for casual friday (depending on your corporate dress code) but other shades of denim can look very dressed up!  Skinny jeans are a go-to favorite and a must have (in multiples) for every wardrobe for both us and our little ones!  Every time Max rocks his 7 For All Mankind skinny jeans people go nuts for them – a proper miniature grown up… Check out some of the amazing skinny jeans for the momma’s and their mini-me’s!

First for the momma’s:

Citizens of Humanity jeans

Citizens of Humanity jeans $218

Blank Denim jeans

Blank Denim jeans $92

J Brand jeans

J Brand jeans $185

Free People jeans

Free People jeans $78

AG jeans

AG jeans $168

image4xl-1

Asos skinny jeans $47.05

Paige skinny jeans

Paige skinny jeans $189

Forever 21 skinny jeans

Forever 21 skinny jeans $10.80

Rag & Bone skinny jeans

Rag & Bone skinny jeans $200

Topshop jeans

Topshop jeans $70

7 For All Mankind jeans

7 For All Mankind jeans $159

Cheap Monday jeans

Cheap Monday jeans $75

Current/Elliott jeans

Current/Elliott jeans $196

Blank Denim white jeans

Blank Denim white jeans $79

Hudson jeans

Hudson jeans $205

Forever 21 jeans

Forever 21 jeans $7.80

Rag & Bone/JEAN skinny jeans

Rag & Bone/JEAN jeans $176

Cheap Monday skinny jeans

Cheap Monday jeans $75

AG Adriano Goldschmied jeans

AG Adriano Goldschmied jeans $168

Free People zip ankle jeans

Free People zip ankle jeans $78

And for our little ones:

7 For All Mankind infant 3 pc baby's first jeans set

7 For All Mankind infant 3 pc baby’s first jeans set $89

Joe's toddler jeans

Joe’s toddler jeans $54

Hudson Kids jeans

Hudson Kids jeans $45

cn7336905

Gap jeans $24.95

cn7064249

Gap baby jeans $24.95

Ralph Lauren girls jeans

Ralph Lauren girls jeans $24.99

LRG Kids Jeans boys jeans

LRG Kids Jeans boys jeans $27.50

Peek baby jeans

Peek baby jeans $48

Diesel baby jeans

Diesel baby jeans $79

cn7405647

Gap jeans $34.95

cn5164449

Gap jeans $29.95

cn5249512

Old Navy baby jeans $10.50

True Religion baby jeans

True Religion baby jeans $68

Raloh Lauren girls jeans

Raloh Lauren girls jeans $35

cn7513490

Old Navy jeans $15

7 For All Manking infant jeans

7 For All Manking infant jeans $49

7 For All Mankind infant boy jeans

7 For All Mankind infant boy jeans $49

Levi's girls jeans

Levi’s girls jeans $23.80

OshKosh B'gosh boys jeans

OshKosh B’gosh boys jeans $23.80

7 For All Mankind baby jeans

7 For All Mankind baby jeans $49

Hudson baby jeans

Hudson baby jeans

Peek girls jeans

Peek girls jeans $58

J Crew boys jeans

J Crew boys jeans $55

cn7352327

Gap girls jeans $29.95

cn7665874

Gap boys jeans $29.95

RED CARPET REPORT – Oscar fashion was red carpet gold!

Oscar fashion

My best dressed (left to right) Lupita Nyong’o in Prada, Charlize Theron in Dior, Amy Adamns in Gucci and Kate Hudson in Versace (click the pic to see more of the red carpet glam on style.com)

Last night was the crowning jewel of the awards show season, the Oscars, and the entertainment industry’s best and brightest all turned up on a soggy red carpet showing the world what movie stars should look like.  Oscar fashion did not skimp on the glam, the a-list stars brought their A game and the world got a glimpse of some true fairytale style gowns. My best dressed of the night (once again) was the flawless Lupita Nyong’o who was having her Cinderella moment in the most beautiful pastel blue Prada gown taking the Oscar fashion gold and walking away with her first Oscar trophy. Other favorites were Charlize Theron in a jaw dropping Dior Haute Couture black gown, Amy Adams in a Gucci Premiere gown tailored to perfection and Kate Hudson in shimmering white Atelier Versace perfection.  These 4 ladies highlighted the evenings top Oscar fashion trends – pastels, jewel tones, black and white for color and impeccably tailored fit and flare silhouettes.  Oscar gowns were heavy on the va va voom factor showing off lean silhouettes with amazing curves via peplum accents and mermaid  trains.

Now on to some more of my favorites, the stars that sparkled…

Oscars 2014 fashion best dressed

Metallic ruled the red carpet (left to right) Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive, Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab Haute Couture, Jessica Beil in Chanel Haute Couture and Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta (for more Oscars red carpet click the pic to take you to style.com)

Gold, silver, sparkle and shine could probably be seen from space there was so much of it at last night’s Oscars.  The stars embraced their inner shimmer and metallic hues and embellishment dominated the red carpet.  Last night’s best actress winner, Cate Blanchett radiated in a nude Armani Prive gown with sparkling adornment, while Angelina Jolie brought the glamour with a heavily beaded Elie Saab Haute Couture dress that reminded us why she and Brad are the golden couple.  Jessica Biel in Chanel Haute Couture and Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta shone and shimmered in their long, lean, ethereal gowns which they balanced with relaxed, wavy, side swept hair.  There were many glittering goddesses last night but those four ladies were certainly at the top of my list.

Gorgeous Charlize Theron and Kate Hudson weren’t the only stars that went old hollowed glamour in black and white last night – it was certainly a celebrity favorite…

Oscar fashion 2014 best dressed

The black and white ball (left to right) Anne Hathaway in Gucci, Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein, Olivia Wilde in Valentino and Kristen Bell in Roberto Cavalli (click the pic to take you to style.com for more Oscar red carpet)

I first need to talk about the glowing and gorgeous Olivia Wilde who stunned in a black and white Valentino gown that made pregnancy look better than ever.  Olivia Wilde is ALWAYS one of my red carpet favorites but she knocked it out of the park last night looking every bit the movie star momma that proves that being pregnant doesn’t mean having to sacrifice style.  Two of my other favorite mommas rocked the ever popular white (or shades of light as I like to call it) gowns – I’m talking about Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein Collection and the always ebullient Kristen Bell in Roberto Cavalli.  These ladies were white hot in beautiful figure hugging, embellished gowns that absolutely glowed on the red carpet.  In stark contrast to the white was Anne Hathaway who did a fashion about face from last year’s pretty in pink look with  a gorgeous Gucci black column gown.  This was no ordinary little black dress, Anne brought a glamorous edge to the red carpet in this figure hugging gown with bejeweled chest indicting a new fashion era for the star.

Finally, we need to talk about the color that graced the carpet – yes there were some smatterings of pastels but, for me, it was all about the jewel tones, ruby, sapphire, amethyst and emerald were just a few…

Oscar 2014 fashion trend report

The jewel tones (left to right) Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture, Kerry Washington in Jason Wu, Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen and Idina Menzel in Vera Wang (for more Oscar style click the pic to go to style.com)

One of my favorites, Jennifer Lawrence, made an entrance in a gorgeous ruby red Haute Couture shortly before taking a stumble on the red carpet, reminding us or her Oscar win last year and how she took over our hearts with her endearing personality.  Another fashion favorite of mine, Kerry Washington, styled her baby bump (which looks like its about to pop!) in an amethyst Jason Wu gown.  Showing off her pregnancy curves and a lot of leg proved just how sexy and glamorous pregnancy can be!  Of course, my favorite, Amy Adams rocked the sapphire blue and so did the gorgeous Sandra Bullock who looked better than ever in this beautifully draped Alexander Mcqueen dress that swirled and pooled at her feet in silky perfection.  Finally, there were the emerald ladies, Viola Davis, June Squibb and the insanely talented Idina Menzel who radiated in Vera Wang.

So, with that, awards season has wrapped and Oscar fashion did not disappoint!  The stars brought all the glitz, old hollywood glamour and style by the mile that one red carpet could take.  So, who were your favorites from last night?

MATERNITY MONDAY… stylish maternity clothes to get you through looking great!

Its Maternity Monday and time to show of some of the most stylish maternity clothes of the week.  Everything seems harder while pregnant – especially getting dressed in the morning – so let me help all you expectant momma’s with some suggestions for how to style your bump during this crazy time.  The most important thing is to remain true to your personal style while also feeling comfortable – there are so many amazing stylish maternity clothes available these day that can do both!  Don’t be afraid to show off that amazing baby belly and embrace your shape – that’s your beautiful baby in there and you can start dressing him and/or her now!  Check out some these stylish maternity clothes and get excited about dressing that bump!

stylish maternity clothes

French Connection maternity dress $112.91

Topshop maternity sweater

Topshop maternity sweater $76

stylish maternity clothes

Asos maternity jeans $56.46

Japanese Weekend maternity dress

Japanese Weekend maternity dress $112

Topshop maternity pullover

Topshop maternity pullover $64

stylish maternity clothes

Asos maternity pants $56.46

image1xl-3

Asos maternity dress $75.28

Hatch maternity blazer

Hatch maternity blazer $187.60

image1xl-2

New Look maternity top $33.86

stylish maternity clothes

Asos maternity skirt $33.87

Japanese Weekend navy maternity dress

Japanese Weekend maternity dress $136

Hatch maternity top

Hatch maternity top $98

Citizens of Humanity maternity jeans

Citizens of Humanity maternity jeans $178

Topsop maternity dress

Topsop maternity dress $68

stylish maternity clothes

Mamaclicious maternity trench coat $97.86

image1xl-6

Asos maternity tank top $18.82

image1xl-7

Asos maternity skirt $33.87

Olian maternity dress

Olian maternity dress $126

SHOP THE LOOK SUNDAY… how to wear the trends

Its Superbowl Sunday for fashion people – that’s right Oscar Sunday – so stay tuned for all the great red carpet moments – but in the meantime it’s also shop the look Sunday where I give suggestions for how to wear the trends!  This week we covered the jumpsuit, lightweight sweaters than can transition you from winter through spring and color block clothes and I’m going to show you how you can wear one piece and take it from desk to date and from the park to brunch.  Let’s face it, we’re multi-tasking mom’s who don’t have time to fret over what to wear so knowing how to wear the trends  to suit all your lifestyle needs gives you one less thing to have to think about.  Check out some of my favorite ways to wear the latest trends and get the most out of your wardrobe!

How to wear the jumpsuit from desk to date

How to wear the jumpsuit from desk to date – pair with a more structured blazer, high heels and fabulous statement jewels to dress up and otherwise casual look! Click the pic to shop the look!

How to wear the jumpsuit from the park to brunch

How to wear the jumpsuit from the park to brunch – keep it simple yet cool – throw on a cardigan and great pair of flat ankle boots for the colder weather and then lose the cardi and transition to sandals for spring!

How to wear the lightweight sweater from desk to date

How to wear the lightweight sweater from desk to date – layer over a fitted blouse and pair with a pencil skirt, high heels and delicate jewelry for a conservative yet feminine look.

How to wear the lightweight sweater from the park to brunch

How to wear the lightweight sweater from the park to brunch – pair with a great pair of skinny jeans, ankle boots, and some fun feminine jewels!

color block clothes from desk to date

How to wear color block clothes from desk to date – have fun and pop the look with some great colorful accessories and make it fun and flirty by pairing it with a fit and flare skirt.

how to wear color block clothes from the park to brunch

How to wear a color block top from the park to brunch – pair with skinny white jeans and pop with bold accessories! Click the pic to shop the look!