April 2014 - Red Soled Momma

MOMMA LOVES… Kate Moss for Topshop

Kate Moss for Topshop – the latest collaboration

Available as of today (April 30th, 2014)

Hippie chick meets rocker chick meet glamazon.

Something huge launches today, a Kate Moss for Topshop collection has once again hit stores and its MAJOR. As you may know, I am a HUGE fan of Kate Moss – I believe she is our modern day Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy and Jane Birkin all wrapped in one. She has inspired countless artists, designers and musicians and now we get a new Kate Moss for Topshop collaboration which is sure to sell out quickly. Her perfect mix of boho and rock and roll meets high fashion can be ours and at a very reasonable price point. Everything from fringe to sparkle, cocktail dresses to leather to floral print and all flawlessly stylish. Check out the Kate Moss for Topshop collection and some of my favorites from their latest venture. PS – by the time I woke up and was ready to post this so much of it had already sold out – this collection is seriously going fast! PS – I have also found the collection being carried at Nordstroms and Net-a-Porter for more availability which I’ve tried to update (but you can click on those links to see for yourself!)

Kate Moss for Topshop leather jacket $380

Kate Moss for Topshop dress $150

Kate Moss blouse $120

Kate Moss green dress $170 (in various colors)

Kate Moss embroidered dress $150

Kate Moss romper $150

Kate Moss tassel blouse $150

Kate Moss cocktail dress $260

Kate Moss for Topshop cami $150

Kate Moss for Topshop maxi dress $590

Kate Moss top $100

Kate Moss for Topshop metallic maxi dress $590

Kate Moss crochet cami $96

Kate Moss for Topshop tassel dress $190

MOMMA NEEDS… a clutch for evening

My beloved Alexander McQueen skull clutch – on the clutch!

I’ve always felt that an evening clutch was not really a necessity. We don’t use it every day and it doesn’t it all that much. That said, every now and then I would find that I had a wedding to attend or a fancier dinner to go to and I just didn’t have the right bag. I had fallen in love with this Alexander McQueen clutch years ago and could not justify such a crazy purchase for something I would get such little use out of… Well, after a couple of years and many moments when I wished I had the bag I finally took the plunge. The truth is, we do need an evening clutch. We may only wear it a handful of times a year but if you buy something you love that can withstand the test of time – you can wear it for years and years, furthermore there are so many incredible clutches that are really inexpensive. Also, now that I have the bag I am using it so much more than I ever thought I would. Why carry a huge day bag on an evening out with friends or a romantic dinner with the hubby when I have my beautiful petit clutch? All I need for the evening is my phone, some cash, credit card, ID, keys and perhaps a lipstick or powder… PS – I have to say, whenever I’m attending a wedding, I also throw in some safety pins and double sided tape – it takes up no room and I’m amazed at how often a frazzled bridesmaid will find my table and ask: “you’re a stylist, right? the bride is having a fashion emergency in the bathroom!” My husband may not thrilled that he now has to carry his own wallet and phone but I’m happy to give my poor shoulder the night off! The key to finding the perfect clutch is to consider your personal needs and likes. If you want to be practical go for something metallic (gold or silver), black or sparkly that can go with pretty much everything everything. If you want something a bit more special go for a pop of color or something a bit quirkier or edgier that’s not particularly practical but certainly makes a statement (I find that my Alexander McQueen bag is so crazy it actually makes me want to find reasons to carry it). Check out some of my favorite clutches that will come in on the clutch for all your evening accessory needs!

Christian Louboutin patent bag $995

Kotur clutch $595

Diane von Furstenberg clutch $195

Vince Camuto bag $88.98

Aldo bag $65.85

Alexander McQueen knuckle box bag $2295

Saint Laurent tassel clutch $1350

Edie Parker bag $995

Clare V. foldover clutch $210

Natasha Couture minaudière $78

Charlotte Olympia bag $1295

One by Vlieger & Vandam bag $350

Diane von Fursternberg envelope bag $192.50

Asos fringed bag $60.20

Valentino rockstud clutch $1545

Saint Laurent bag $1090

Primary clutch $350

Zara neoprene minaudière $59.50

Jimmy Choo clutch $1195

Fendi bag $850

Kotur bag $395

Kate Spade bag $229.60

Mango bag $112.87

Sondra Roberts bag $88

Some properly quirky bags that I can’t help but love!

Charlotte Olympia clutch $2595

Olympia Le-Tan embroidered clutch $2010

Edie Parker cassette box bag (glows in the dark) $1295

Kate Spade box clutch $328

Diane von Fursternberg bag $241.50

MOMMAS WANT… great mothers day gifts

Whatever I get from my little one for Mother’s Day I will treasure forever… I’m hoping it starts with a hug.

May 11th is just around the corner so it’s time to start thinking about Mothers Day gifts. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, sister, friend or even for yourself (let’s face it men and babies need a little help with these things) I will help with the mission! Mothers Day gifts don’t have to be extravagant but they don’t have to be thoughtless either – it’s time to show the mommas out there how much you care. Sentimentality goes a long way, so the key is to get something that they can look at and feel a connection. It could be personal jewels or art, something funny or just something that you can enjoy together, but this is the time to show appreciation for all these incredible ladies do all year round. Check out some great Mothers Day gift to put a smile on Mom’s face (PS – ladies feel free to pass this on to the gentleman who need some assistance)!

Jennifer Fisher ‘momma’ cuff $515

Santa Barbara Design mug $12

Pottery Barn silver leaf hand and footprint frame $52

Gorjana locket necklace $70

Eberjey PJ set $97 (and maybe she gets to stay in them all day and get breakfast in bed..)

Second Nature By Hand dish towel $10

Pearhead babyprints frame $42

Jennifer Meyer ring $275

Primitives by Kathy pillow $18

Missoni Home candle $88

Sippy Cups Are Not For Chardonnay book $15

Roberto Coin necklace $600

Primatives by Kathy picture frame $25

Gucci tote bag $1350

Sarah Chloe engravable bangle $129

Chan Luu scarf $205

Georgetown Cupcakes (box of 12) $45

I am OBSESSED with this Thea Jewelry where you can design your own ring (or bracelet) in yellow, rose or white gold with or without diamonds (black or white) and do things like have your child’s name, initial, birthday spelled out in jewelry… yes please!

Thea Jewelry – custom made jewelry – prices vary depending on design.

A Picture of our little ones in a statement tee declaring their love in a nice frame never hurts…

Pottery Barn chalkboard frame $39

Gap onesie $12.95

Gap onesie $12.95

Old Navy tee $8.94

Old Navy tee $8

MATERNITY MONDAY… chic maternity clothes – show off that bump!

Pregnancy is not a figure flaw – its a time to celebrate the bump and miracle of life so why not indulge in some chic maternity clothes to help show it off! I love how celebrities from Kerry Washington to Olivia Wilde to Drew Barrymore are accentuating their shape and not hiding away trying to conceal their growing bellies. Just because you’ve got a bun in the oven doesn’t mean you have to give up on style – chic maternity clothes allow you to look amazing and show of your new curves with pride. Spring and summer is upon us so enjoy styling your bump for the warmer weather with pretty little dresses and figure hugging styles that highlight your glow (and your shape). Check out some of my favorite chic maternity clothes you’ll love wearing throughout pregnancy and never want to put away!

Asos maternity dress $52.68

Rosie Pope maternity tee $58

Mamalicious maternity trousers $65.85

Olian convertable maternity dress $142

H&M maternity blouse $24.95

Asos maternity jeans $65.85

Everly Grey maternity dress $72

Gap maternity shirt $54.95

J Brand maternity jeans $216

Asos maternity dress $47.04

Asos maternity top $41.39

Asos maternity skirt $30.10

Little Mistress maternity dress $131.70

Hatch maternity top $98

H&M maternity denim shorts $29.95

Gap maternity shirtdress $59.95

Topshop maternity tank $12

Old Navy maternity skirt $29.84

Asos maternity dress $41.39

SHOP THE LOOK SUNDAY… how to wear the ladylike look

The ladylike look is all about polish. It’s about being pretty, feminine but also grown up and pulled together. This week I focused on trends like pastels and maxi skirts – both very girly trends but also quite versatile. A ladylike look doesn’t have to be stuffy it just has to feel feminine – a combination of sweetness but with the strength of some girl power. Today’s woman isn’t just arm candy or behind the scenes – she’s the boss, she’s a mother, a wife, a role model and she can be anything she wants to be. The ladylike look is all about embracing being female without losing an ounce of pretty. Today, I’m showing how to get the ladylike look with maxi skirts, pastel hues and on a budget – with everything in the look being less than $100 – these looks are versatile, classic and always lovely. Check out my tips for how to wear the ladylike look!

How to wear pastels from desk to date – choose a pretty fit and flare dress and pair with a tailored jacket, neutral accessories and delicate jewels for a ladylike look that feels pretty and polished.

How to wear pastels from the park to brunch – the same pastel dress can be dressed down while maintaining a sweet femininity with great flat sandals and jewels that play up the lady in s subtle yet elegant way.

How to wear the maxi skirt from desk to date – wear with a heel or wedge to keep from looking to casual and pair with a structured blazer for the office. Add some sparkle with personal jewels that aren’t too over powering for an extra bit of feminine flair.

How to wear the maxi skirt from the park to brunch – balance the bohemian feel with some pretty accessories and jewels for relaxed ladylike elegance – this is the perfect outfit for everyday.

How to wear the ladylike look from desk to date for under $100 – choose a great midi skirt and pair with a simple white blouse and classic accessories for the perfect polished outfit!

How to wear the ladylike look from the park to brunch for under $100 – pairing a beautiful summer dress with feminine accessories gives a perfectly pretty look that’s both inexpensive and versatile!

MOMMA’S UNDER $100… great style on a budget

Everything’s under $100?? That means more $$ for toys!

Its that time again – time to check out some great style on a budget – everything fabulous for under $100! The fact is there are SO many amazing deals out there but never enough time to navigate it all – so I’m doing it for you. Having worked for 15 years in fashion I know 2 things are true – people love to look great and they LOVE a great deal. Getting amazing style on a budget means feeling incredible in what you’ve got on and not feeling guilty about how much it costs! By the way, great style doesn’t mean having all the money in the world – it means knowing what looks great together and fortunately there are so many great retailers out there bringing out high fashion for a fraction of the price. Check out some of my favorite picks that are under $100 and can give you amazing style on a budget before it sells out!

Asos blazer $84.66

Asos cami $28.22

Club Monaco shorts $69.50

Adia Kibur necklace $75

New Look heels $47.02

Aldo tote $60

River Island dress $56.44

Gorjana hoop earrings $58

Steve Madden sandal $79.95

Asos bag $37.63

Topshop tee $32

Topshop skirt $90

Forever 21 cuff $6.80

Kendall & Kylie sandal $79.95

Mango bag $65.83

Forever 21 peasant blouse $27.80

Blank Denim jeans $97

Rebecca Minkoff hand chain $78

Forever 21 flat sandals $8.80

Steven by Steve Madden bag $68

Asos dress $84.66

Topshop necklace $20

Aldo heels $90

Zara clutch $79.90

Topshop jumpsuit $76

Luv Aj ring set (of 5) $55

Forever 21 wedges $32.80

River Island bag $52.68

MOMMA LOVES… maxi skirts

Maxi skirts for spring!

comfortable enough to run around in the garden with your little one.

Pretty and light enough to keep you cool and stylish for the warmer weather!

There is nothing more comfortable, feminine, relaxed and pretty than maxi skirts. These long skirts are a wardrobe staple for the spring and summer months – they’re cool elegant enough to pair with wedges for an evening out or with flat sandals for a trip to the park. Maxi skirts can be bohemian and flowy or more form fitting and sexy, they can give you the coverage of a trouser with the femininity of a dress. There is truly nothing easier than throwing on one of my maxi skirts with a simple tank and sandals for a pulled together effortless look. In fact, it was so comfortable that when the weather got warm and I was heavily pregnant it was my go-to look every day. Yet, as casual and simple as maxi skirts can be they can all so be a great alternative to a gown for all those upcoming black tie wedding – think Sharon Stone’s ball gown + gap shirt at the Oscars years ago. The look is versatile, elegant and, even at it’s highest level, relaxed. Check out some of my favorite maxi skirts you can love wearing regardless of size, style or weather.

Alice + Olivia skirt $440

Ella Moss skirt $148

Free People skirt $88

Haute hippie skirt $585

Blue Life maxi skirt $187

Splendid maxi skirt/dress $100

Tibi skirt $395

Maeve skirt $118

Forever 21 skirt $22.80

10 Crosby Derek Lam skirt $550

Ranna Gill skirt $168

Asos maxi skirt $30.10

Diane von Fursternberg skirt $375

Three Dots maxi skirt $140

Asos maxi skirt $75.26

Forever 21 maxi skirt $22.80

J Mendel maxi skirt $2290

Alice + Olivia ball gown skirt $697

Asos linen maxi skirt $52.68

And for those that asked about whether petite ladies can wear maxi skirts – here are a few options in petite ranges:

MICHAEL Michael Kors (petite) maxi skirt $130

Old Navy (petite) maxi skirt $30 (comes in colors)

Banana Republic (petite) skirt $98

Asos (petite) skirt $33.87

Max & Mia maxi (petite) skirt $49.90 (comes in colors)

Calson convertable maxi skirt:dress (petite) $48

MOMMA LOVES… embellished accessories

My beloved new Sophia Webster butterfly shoes…

And how cute are various Converse animal theme sneakers for our little ones… Start the shoe obsessions young!

Embellished accessories are those bags and shoes that aren’t just form and aren’t just function they are next level. They are closer to art than they are to simple accessories. They are adorned, decorated and whimsical. I am always a sucker for embellished accessories because I know I will love them forever. They’re not classic, but they don’t need to be. They are special enough to withstand the test of time. My most recent purchase are the Sophia Webster butterfly shoes – I know I’lll only wear them a handful of times this year but I also know I’ll wear them for the next 10 + years because they are just so unique. Embellished accessories are beaded, bejeweled, or just plain sculptural. They’re conversation pieces and they are the outfit. Whether spiked for a bit of an edge, glittery for a bit of sparkle or just plain out of this world there are so many options from the highest heels to the perfect summer sandal and carry all tote to evening clutch (and even some great whimsical footwear for the little ones) to tick all of your boxes! Check out some of my favorite embellished accessories to get your hearts and imaginations racing….

First, some amazing embellished shoes:

Giuseppe Zanotti sandals $1295

Alexandre Birman sandals $595

Zara ballet flats $99.90

Jimmy Choo sandals $1495

Musa sandals $430

Asos platforms $82.78

Charlotte Olympia pumps $945

Giuseppe Zanotti flat sandals $670

Kate Spade sandal $350

Forever 21 sandals $29.80

Charlotte Olympia heels $1195

Sophia Webster sandals $570 (these are my beloved butterfly shoes – I bought them the moment they came out and they were all sold out moments later – I will let you know when I see them come in again! I am obsessed).

Sophia Webster silver butterfly sandal $550

Sophia Webster black butterfly sandals $550

Sophia Webster flat sandals $395 (the flats are insane too!)

Aldo shoes $80

Christian Louboutin pumps $1395

Valentino sandal $295

Forever 21 heels $22.99

Giuseppe Zanotti tribal sandals $1995

B Brian Atwood sandals $375

H&M sandals $49.95

Some incredible embellished bag:

Valentino bag $3395

Rebecca Minkoff bag $395

River Island bag $56.44

Prada bag $3500

Milly satchel $465

Aldo bag $26.24

Fendi baguette bag $3750

Free People hobo bag $308

River Island bag $75.26

Jimmy Choo bag $2895

Rebecca Minkoff hobo bag $495

Zara bag $99.90

Miu Miu bag $1250 (comes in various colors)

Tory Burch tote $995

Asos shoulder bag $48.92

And embellished accessories (well shoes) for our little ones:

Mini Melissa mary janes $50

Converse shark sneaker $32

Stuart Weitzman infant hi-tops $35

Armani Junior hightops $175

Converse hightops $41.95

Emu giraffe boots $88.95

Gap sandals $12.95

Havaianas flip flops $17

Sketchers sparkle light up sneakers $46.95

Converse car sneakers $28.99

Natural Steps sandal $14.99

Peter Rabbit infant booties $7.99

Ash sandals $165

Venettini loafers $89

Old Navy sneakers $16.94

Nike sneakers $41.99

MOMMA LOVES… pastel clothes for spring!

Max and I enjoying our Easter Egg hunt in pastels.

Creamy pastels are the quintessential hue for spring.

Hope everyone has had a great holiday and are inspired for Spring time!

There is nothing quite so pretty as pastel clothes. Its the quintessentially feminine color that actually breathes warmth into the air and makes you want to smile. I find these subdued shades of pink, blue, yellow, green, lavender and orange refreshing and captivating. Pastel clothes are a true statement that spring has arrived. The capture attention, not in a loud in your face way, but in an interesting have to have it kind of way. The creamy hues are easy on the eyes and as lovely as they are for us they are equally sweet on our little ones. There’s a reason baby blue and pale pink are the go to favorites for expectant moms, and even how a lemon yellow or sea foam green are the most popular unisex colors. Pastel clothes are a must have for spring – light, pretty and effortlessly elegant – check out some of my favorite!

First pastel clothes for us:

Tory by Ronny Kobo dress $398

Club Monaco blazer $269

Three Dots maxi dress $168

Forever 21 top $17.80

Isabel Marant shorts $615

Twobirds convertible dress $298

7 For All Mankind jeans $178

Asos top $42.33

DKNY pants $335

DKNY shirt $235

BB Dakota jacket $105

Zara pencil skirt $79.90

Narciso Rodriguez dress $1895

O’2nd romper $375

AG cropped jeans $168

Free People top $78

MiuMiu sweater $915

Theyskens Theory shorts $265

Mes Demoiselles top $211

Asos blazer $103.48

Asos cami top $20.70

Pastel clothes for our littlest ones:

Ralph Lauren 2 pc set $95

Ralph Lauren shortall $55

Gap bodysuit $19.95

Old Navy shirt $12.94

Hartstrings 2pc set $50

Kite Strings top $28 and shorts $32

Luli and Me bubble bodysuit $66

Florence Eiseman reversible overalls $78

Baby Essentials dress $11.99

Carter’s romper $11.99

Offspring shortall and hat $26

Gap tee $14.95

Carter’s 5 pack of bodysuits $12.99

Little Me 3 pack of bodysuits $16

Juicy Couture hooded jumpsuit $88

Bonnie Baby romper $86

Splendid romper $48

Just One You by Cater’s set $12.99

And for our slightly bigger ones:

Egg Baby top $46

Oscar de la Renta linen blazer $275

Old Navy dress $14

Gap shorts $18.99

Mini Boden tutu $54

Lacoste polo shirt $60

Hudson shorts $39

Zara sweater $19.90

Gap dress $39.95

Gap polo $18.95

Cherokee hoodie $12

OshKosh B’gosh cargo shorts $14.40

Tea Collection dress $45

Ralph Lauren (boys) sweater $55

Splendid shorts and tee set $58

Old Navy polo shirt $5

Tuker + Tate dress $28

Ralph Lauren shirt $34.65

MATERNITY MONDAY… pregnancy style you will love!

Great pregnancy style is not always the easiest thing to pull off. Your whole body is growing and changing, you feel equal parts miserable and elated. Your entire universe is about to change dramatically – but your personal style doesn’t have to. There are incredible, trend driven, maternity lines now that will allow you to enjoy your pregnancy style without having to miss one fashionable beat. Dressing the bump doesn’t have to be daunting – it can be fun, magical and allow you to actually like having your picture taken! Check out some of these incredible maternity options to give you the pregnancy style you can love!