April 2014 - Page 2 of 3 - Red Soled Momma

SHOP THE LOOK SUNDAY… how to wear the preppy look

The preppy look is the classic collegiate style of dressing that insinuates a bit of americana, sportswear (think tennis and golf) and classic styling. While it can often be considered quite conservative, I can show you how to wear the preppy look in a more modern and versatile way. Again, I bring up the world’s favorite princess (and style icon) Kate Middleton who illustrates so perfectly how to wear the preppy look while remaining feminine, elegant and incredibly contemporary. Yes, we are talking about polos, shirt dresses, cardigans and chinos but its all about mixing things in a way to keep them young, fresh and even a bit sexy. The preppy look is super versatile because it is polished enough for the workplace and yet casual enough for any weekend activities. It is also a very safe and easy look to wear. We’re not pushing the boat out here – there’s nothing particularly wild or risky – its simple, classic and beautiful. Check out some of my suggestions for how to wear the preppy look from desk to date and from the park to brunch.

How to wear cardigans from desk to date – pair with a great fit and flare dress to keep the card from looking to casual then pump up the femininity with some great caged heels and gold jewels.

How to wear cardigans from the park to brunch – for a preppy look wear with classic chino shorts, a white blouse, personal jewels and simple yet elegant sandals.

How to wear pastel accessories from desk to date – keep the look feminine yet classic with a great mid length skirt and blazer that plays up the pastel and then pop with great jewelry to keep this ladylike look contemporary.

How to wear pastels from the park to brunch – keep the look elegant yet relaxed with a classic white button front blouse, cropped skinny jeans and great jewelry for an effortlessly chic look.

How to wear the shirtdress from desk to date – keep the look preppy and polished yet feminine with strappy high heels and bold gold jewels. The balance of conservative and sexy keeps the look contemporary and fresh.

How to wear the shirtdress from the park to brunch – keep it preppy chic with a great pair of simple yet adorned flat sandals, minimal personal jewels and a great printed tote.

MOMMA NEEDS… beauty shortcuts for the time (& sleep) deprived

Time is of the essence – so don’t be afraid to multi-task! Beauty shortcuts keep us looking our best even when time is in short supply.

One thing is for certain – there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day and the fall off can often be our personal upkeep – so beauty shortcuts are in high demand. What once was luxurious ‘me’ time is now few and far between… Mani/pedi’s, facials, haircut and color – heck even washing my hair every other day seem far too stressful to fit into my incredibly busy schedule. At the same time, I can’t stand to see those pesky gray hairs coming through and chipped or just un-manicured nails… Beauty shortcuts are just what this momma needs to take some pride in her appearance and get back as much of the time that is in such short supply. Our lives are blessed and full – some with incredible careers, children, husbands, friends, maybe even a hobby – there is a myth that women can have it ALL but the truth is, something has to give… For me, its certainly trips to the salon, so these beauty shortcuts are essential for allowing me to look my best in the quickest and easiest way possible. Check out some of my beauty shortcuts for all of us time (and sleep) deprived ladies.

HAIR: My poor hair. It grows like a weed so the grays come fast and I don’t get to see my stylist more than 2 times a year… I also only get to wash it every 3 to 4 days because I just don’t have time to blow dry it… In actuality, the fact that I only wash and blow dry my hair once a week is a blessing because it keeps my hair healthy and in better condition. The less heat your hair is exposed to, the less dryness and split ends… So, a great way to maintain the condition of your hair is to actually spend less time on it.. However, it also helps to use a leave in condition and it definitely means using a dry shampoo to absorb the oil (when the hair starts looking greasy) and wearing your hair up more (the less you touch it the less oil transfer too). PS – extra tip – if you don’t have any dry shampoo you should really get it but in a pinch you could sprinkle baby powder on your roots which is also effective (especially for blondes)

Living Proof no frizz leave in conditioner $24

Phyto color protect mist (this is a spray on conditioner that also protects your color) $28

TRESemme tratment split remedy conditioning spray $4.99

Pantene Pro-V overnight repair serum (apply this before bed to dry hair and it works to keep hair healthier while you sleep!) $6.29

Alterna dry shampoo $22

Oscar Blandi pronto dry shampoo $21

Drybar detox dry shampoo $20

Umberto dry clean dry shampoo $11.99

Batiste dry shampoo $7.99

And of course, for those pesky grays I do a root touch up at home in between getting them professionally done. Also, there are great root concealer that you can apply that quickly cover the grey in between washes!

Clairol Nice N Easy root touch up $5.99

Aveda color conditioner $18

Rita Hazan root concealer for gray coverage $25

Jonathan color root touch up $16.79

Oscar Blandi color pronto pen $23

SKIN: Our skin is our largest organ and it’s the first thing people notice… Its how people can tell if you’re healthy, if you’ve slept, if you’ve been on vacation. Its also the outermost way we age so it should be of the utmost importance that we take care of it… After all, prevention is better than cure. Yet, how often do we get to the dermatologist or the facialist? How often do we get the time to make ourselves up? And when was the last time we went to the beach (with plenty of spf) or got a spray tan so that we could get that healthy glow? I can tell you I can’t remember the last time… And so anything that helps me get healthy, clean, glowing, younger looking skin is welcome…

First of all, remember to get your 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water a day. Swap your second cup of coffee for water and keep going all day. Then try to find ways to take care of your skin by multi tasking – put on a face mask to help exfoliate, rejuvenate or fix any problem areas of your skin while you fix breakfast in the morning and for break outs and wrinkle – invest in some great products that you can apply before bed that do the work while you sleep…

Laura Mercier flawless skin polish (a cleanser that also exfoliates) $32

Boots No7 total renewal micro dermabrasion exfoliator $15.79

Perricone MD chloro plasma mask $75

Origins drink up hydrating mask $24

Boots No 7 beautiful skin mask $16.99

Clear Pore cleanser/mask $6.39 (works as a cleanser but double as a mask for more intensity)

Korres advanced nourishing sleeping facial $45 (wake up to better skin)

Clinique moisture surge overnight mask $33

Estee Lauder advanced night repair eye cream $52

Clinique all about eyes eye cream $30

Boots No 7 protect and perfect eye cream $20.99

Murad acne & wrinkle reducer $58 (multi tasks to get rid of acne & wrinkles – yes please!)

Kate Somerville eradikate acne treatment $22 (simply dab on pimple and leave it over night for clearer skin)

Clinique acne solutions clearing concealer $17 (conceals while it heals!)

PS – Visine is clearly our best friend (particularly for my fellow sleep deprived mommas) but you can also use it to take the red out of a pimple. Simple apply to a spot with a cue tip and instantly the red is gone…

Visine eye drops $7.99

Of course, a great concealer is the must have weapon in every woman’s beauty arsenal – for covering pimple, under eye circle and brown spots – if I could take one thing to a desert island it would be my cle de peau…

Cle de Peau concealer $70

Makeup Forever full cover concealer $32

Nars radiantly creamy concealer $29

Sonia Kashuk hidden agenda concealer palette $10.49

Neutrogena 3 in 1 concealer $8.39

And of course, the overall healthy glow we want to project but can’t necessarily find the time to get can be accomplished with some great tinted moisturizer, bronzer and a moisturizer that has a self tanner in it… Great products that do the multi-tasking for us…

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer $43 (THE BEST – moisturizer, foundation and SPF in one!)

Boots No 7 dual action tinted moisturizer $11.99

L’Oreal true match mineral foundation and sunscreen $10.59

Nars blush:bronzer duo $42

Urban Decay nake flushed $30 (bronzer, blush and highlighter)

Physicians Formula 3 in 1 corrector, bronzer and brightener $13.95

St Tropez tanning essentials gradual tan for body $30

Sephora Collection tinted self tanning body mist $16

Jergens natural glow moisturizer gradual tan $8.79

L’Oreal self tanner $9.49

Clarins liquid bronze self tanning for the face $36

Dr. Dennis Gross glow pads (exfoliates, tans and anti aging) $32

NAILS: I have to say, one of the things I miss most from my former child-free life is the bi-monthly mani/pedis… A luxury, I know, but it was always a great bit of me time or activity to do with a girlfriend… That said, they have definitely become far far less frequent now… But I DO try to fit in a pedicure every 4 to 5 weeks if possible. We need a bit of self indulgence… I fit it in when I’m running errands and I only get a pedicure so that I can use my hands to catch up on emails so that I don’t feel entirely self indulgent… I don’t know why we are made to feel guilty for taking some personal time but for me, if I can accomplish something while enjoying some pampering I will be that much more likely to take the time to do it. That said, my poor fingernails take a beating… Between washing bottles (more like zippy cups) constantly, constant hand washing and being a stylist (as a stylist we are using our hands constantly) manicures don’t last long anyway… That said, I think keeping nails short, clean and even just applying a clear polish that double as a bottom and top coat can give it that shine without too much drying time (also there usually nail strengtheners) and you also avoid the horrible chipped nail effect from colored tips…

Deborah Lippmann hydrating hardener (top and bottom polish) $20

OPI base coat, top coat and strengthener $12.39

Another great option are using the great gel polishes which last a whole lot longer and also has very little dry time!

Sephora by Opi at home gel colour system

Sephora by Opi at home gel color system $159

Sephora by OPI gelshine gel color $17.50

SensationNail starter kit $49.99

SensationNAil gel polish $8.89

And then of course for a bit of fun and something different there are the nail appliqués so that you can get you those crazy manicures that Hollywood stars have been loving quickly and easily!

Formula X nail applique 2 pack $15

Sephora Collection nail appliques $5

Sally Hansen salon effects nail appliques

Sally Hansen salon effects nail appliqués $8.59

NCLA nail wraps $16

Nail Rock appliques $8

MOMMA LOVES… the preppy look – polos, chinos and shirt dresses oh my!

Max and I working on our tennis moves..

A preppy striped look is always clean and forever classic.

Ralph Lauren kids – it doesn’t get cuter than this…

I must confess that, although I grew up in Virginia, I’ve never considered myself preppy… That said, I reserve a place in my heart for the always popular preppy look – clean, polished and classic – this style never loses it’s steam and was incredibly popular on the s/s runway. The shirt dress and various collared business casual adaptations were everywhere and, even for those of us who are less conservative, the preppy look has certainly been modified for every taste from sweet to sexy to cool. American sportswear designers from Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Alexander Wang have always included very classic clean looks in their collections – the perfect shirt dress, the essential chino and even the polo shirt are no longer just for the southern belles and prepsters of the north east. Modern style is all about mixing various styles and at varying price points (think of my favorite Kate’s – Moss and Middleton who are style icons for their ability to mix). The preppy look can give you that refined twist to your look that polishes it off and for our little ones there really is nothing sweeter than a bit of miniature preppy. Check out some of my favorite preppy pieces for both women and kids!

Firs the preppy look for us:

Valentino cashmere sweater $1490

10 Crosby Derek Lam shirtdress $395

NLST chinos $275

Asos dress $79.02

Haute Hippie shirtdress $495

Sacai top $340

Michael Michael Kors shirtdress $275

Jack Wills chinos $83.72

Chloe sweater $920

Diane Von Furstenberg romper $385

Victoria Beckham shorts $275

Forever 21 shirtdress $24.80

alice + olivia combo shirtdress $484

J Crew shirt $110

Forever 21 chino shorts $15.80

Victoria Beckham chinos $295

Asos dress $103.48

Gap henley $59.95

ALC romper $475

Rag & Bone varsity sweater $396

Club Monaco seersucker pants $139.50

Joa shirtdress $63

Michael Kors pants $595

Tory Burch layered look top $195

Noisy May shirt dress $60.20

the preppy look for our littlest ones:

Ralph Lauren polo dress $35

Hartstrings seersucker overalls $36

Hartstrings dress $48

Ralph Lauren shortall $27.50

Mini Boden bodysuit (2 pack) $30

OshKosh B’gosh polo bodysuit $12

Gap dress $36.95

Gap one piece $20

Burberry dress $145

Miniclasix shirt and pants $62

Carter’s striped dress $14.40

Carter’s bodysuit and shorts set $10.99

Old Navy bubble shorts $12

Peek shorts $34

Florence Eiseman dress and bloomers set $82

Just One You by Carter’s set $24.99

J Crew infant chinos $32.50

J Crew polo shirt $24.50

Kissy Kissy 2 pc set $52

Mini Boden polo romper $30

And for our slightly bigger little ones:

Pippa & Julie dress $46

Nordstrom seersucker blazer $110

Ralph Lauren shirtdress $38.25

Ralph Lauren polo shirt $39.50

Carters shorts $13.20

Mini Boden chino shorts $34

Gap polo $14.95

Hartstrings sweater vest $32.20

Lacoste polo dress $80

Gap shirt $26.95

Old Navy pants $12

Old Navy oxford pants $16.94

Chloe dress $128

Splendid 2 piece set $37

Sophie Rose seersucker dress $24.99

Egg Baby seersucker blazer $64

J Crew girls oxford shirt $32.50

Hartstrings polo shirt $36

Mini Boden shorts $30

Ralph Lauren chino shorts $29.62

MOMMA WANTS… pastel accessories for Spring!

Happy Easter everyone – I am loving all the beautiful pastels and thinking its time to break out the pastel accessories! Can’t wait for Max’s easter egg hunt… (ps – how sweet were his little baby booties!)

Easter is just a few days away and I have to admit to being smitten with all the pastel easter eggs I’ve been gathering for Max’s easter egg hunt – and I am now on my own hunt for some fabulous pastel accessories! Everything from sea foam green to lavender, lemon yellow and pale pink these bags and shoes don’t have to have a vibrant hue to capture my attention. Pastel accessories are certainly easy on the eye and easy to wear. Warmer weather means steering away from darker palette and embracing Spring’s favorite muted rainbow colors. Check out some of my favorite pastel accessories for both us and our little ones and let the hunt begin!

Pastel bags:

Christian Louboutin bag $1595

3.1 Phillip Lim satchel $825

Rebecca Minkoff bag $295

Asos satchel $56.44

Alexander Wang bag $950

Marc by Marc Jacobs bag $430

Rebecca Minkoff bag $295

Asos clutch $33.87

Stella McCartney shoulder bag $1030

Coach satchel $378

Warehouse bag $67.73

Forever 21 bag $16.80

Jimmy Choo bag $995

Sophie Hulme tote $880

Botkier bag $195

River Island bag $84.66

Chloe satchel $1950

Jimmy Choo shoulder bag $850

Tory Burch bag $450

Asos bag $47.04

Pastel shoes:

Alexander Wang heels $515

alice + olivia pumps $325

Steve Madden sandal $129.82

Soludos espadrilles $36

Jimmy Choo sandals $775

Zimmerman sandal $395

Asos sandal $84.66

Christian Louboutin pumps $1295

Manolo Blahnik pumps $595

Converse sneakers $44.95

Forever 21 pumps $15.80

Casadei sandals $770

Fendi wedge sandals $490

Isapera sandals $109

Faith heels $94.07

Saint Laurent sandal $795

BCBG Max Azria sandal $225

Topshop heels $95

New Look flats $24.44

And pastel shoes for our little ladies:

Bloch ballet flats $60

Igor Footwear sandals $23.95

Converse sneakers $32

Oshkosh ballet flats $10.39

Superga sneakers $44

Mini Melissa slip ons $49.95

Cherokee ballet flats $11.99

Bloch girls ballet flats $33

Ash sneakers $115

Sophia hightops $18.39

Ugg boots $50

Old Navy sandals $16.94

Soludos slip ons $23.95

And for our little guys:

See Kai Run sneaker $38.95

Nike sneaker $45

Havaianas flip flops $17

Zara sneaker $39.90

Nike sandals $22

Nike basketball shoes $48

Ralph Lauren rain boots $48

Native shoes $30

Asics sneakers $55

MOMMA NEEDS… cardigans for spring

It’s cardigan time – that time in between seasons when the air can get crisp and you’re happy to have the extra layer – Max and I never leave home without one!

Cardigans are a MUST have in every wardrobe. They are the perfect item of clothing to throw on when the air gets crisp or layer before the weather gets warm – they’re also great because they’re easy to toss into your bag so that you’re always prepared. This is particularly important during spring when the weather is constantly shifting and you want to make sure you and your little ones are comfortable. These lightweight cardigans aren’t going to transform a look but they certainly can withstand the test of time and trends. The key is to find cardigans that suit your personal style that are soft, comfortable, special enough for you to love them but classic enough for you to always want them. Whether you’re preppy, sporty or like a bit of an edge (my favorite cardigan actually has spikes) there are so many amazing options that can give you the extra warmth without distracting from your look… For our little ones cardigans are the quickest easiest way to add that extra layer without too much fuss. Check out some of my favorite cardigans for you and your little ones to keep you prepared for anything…

First for us:

Bella Freud cardigan $395

Theory cardigan $245

Three Dots cardigan $98

Asos cardigan $60.20

Vince cardigan $345

The Lady & The Sailor cardigan $158

Free People cardigan $84

Forever 21 cardigan $15.80

Helmut Lang cardigan $395

Autumn Cashmere cardigan $198

J Crew cashmere cardigan $149.99

Splendid cardigan $88

Miu MIu cardigan $640

Clu cardigan $315

Free People cardigan $118

Asos cardigan with heart elbow patch $47.04

Maje cardigan $510

AIR by Alice + Olivia cardigan $220

Helmut Lang draped cardigan $140

Yellow Bird cardigan $98

Asos cropped cardigan $33.87

Cardigans for our littlest ones:

Catimi embroidered cardigan $76

Catimi cardigan $76 (this is the back)

Ralph Lauren infant cardigan $35

Stella McCartney Kids cardigan $157

Mini Boden cardigan $32

Stem Baby cardigan $38

Gap cardigan $20.99

Gap cardigan $29.95

J Crew cashmere infant cardigan $145

Ralph Lauren cardigan $34.65

Cherokee cardigan $7

Just One YOu by Carter’s cardigan set $15.99

Hartstrings cardigan $36.40

MJK Knits personalized cardigan and hat $100

Gap cardigan $29.95

Andy & Evan cardigan $44

And cardigans for our slightly bigger ones:

Milly Minis cardigan $120

J Crew varsity cardigan $99.99

Old Navy cardigan $15

Zara cardigan $25.90

Design History cardigan $30

Soverein Code cardigan $30.40

J Crew girls sweater $44.99

Tea Collection cardigan $45

J Crew girls cardigan $59.50

Jacadi cardigan $74

Ralph Lauren cable knit cardigan $34.65

Ralph Lauren zip front cardigan $49.99

Mini Boden pet cardigan $58

Little Marc Jacobs cardigan $138

Gap cardigan $29.95

J Crew cardigan $55

MATERNITY MONDAY… diaper bags that you’re friends without kids will want too!

If you have a baby or are about to have a baby there is one thing I can promise you – you need a diaper bag! The must have accessory for all new moms is a cary all bag to haul all of the essentials that come with having a little bundle of joy. Diaper bags come in various shapes, sizes, patterns, fabrics and feature bottle holders, changing mats and are meant to keep all your little one’s bits and pieces organized and accessible. That said, these bags must often replace our own favorite bags for a period of time so it is essential to choose a bag you love more than just for its functionality but for its aesthetics as well. Fortunately for us, diaper bags have gotten cuter than ever and everyone from Gucci to Marc Jacobs are designing their versions while the tried and true diaper bag complains continue to up the game by bringing out more fashionable designs to satisfy our style needs as well as our practical ones. Check out some of the great diaper bags out there and be prepared for your friends (even those without kids or diaper bag needs) to take interest in your new accessory…

Gucci diaper bag $1350

Kate Spade diaper bag $298

Timi & Leslie diaper bag $164.99 (comes in various colors)

Skip Hop diaper bag $70

Burberry diaper bag $1595

Marc by Marc Jacobs diaper bag $298

Petunia diaper bag $165

Ju Ju Be diaper bag $60

Gucci messenger diaper bag $990

Tory Burch diaper bag $350

Storksak diaper bag $157.50

JJ Cole diaper bag $69.99

Kate Spade tie-dyed diaper bag $398

Rebecca Minkoff diaper bag $325

Storksak convertable diaper bag $195

Baby Essentials diaper bag $24.99

And because we live in a modern world where our men take care of the babies on their own from time to time… some diaper bags for the guys that aren’t quite so girly…

Burberry messenger diaper bag $895

Diaper Dude camo diaper bag $59.99

Dadgear messenger diaper bag $79.99

Diaper Dudes diaper bags $78 (comes in various sports logos)

Fiasher Price fast finder backpack diaper bag $49.99

Diaper Dudes diaper bag $64.99

SHOP THE LOOK SUNDAY… how to wear boho trends

This week’s shop the look Sunday is all about showing you hot to wear boho trends in a modern and practical way. Over the week I covered tie dye and harem pants which references the 60′s era hippie but in a totally modern way. The key to how to wear boho trends is to not to go all in with the hippie references and pair the pieces with more structured, feminine and simple options. Taking these bohemian trends and translating them from desk to date and from the park to brunch means making them wearable. Never go head to toe boho as this can look costume-y and dated always opt for clean lines and find a balance in your overall look. Tone down the hippie with feminine, modern even a bit of edge or glam in order to keep the look contemporary and current. I’ve also included some suggestions for how to wear boho trends from desk to date and the park to brunch where everything in the look costs less than $100. Dressing well is easy – keeping a look chic and on budget can be a challenge. Check out some of my suggestions and having (guilt-free) fun shopping this Sunday!

How to wear tie dye from desk to date – keep it conservative with well tailored trousers and ultra chic blazer then pump up the glam with a statement necklace and some great high heels!

How to wear tie dye from the park to brunch – avoid going to retro hippie by pairing this tie dyed top with skinny jeans and some modern, understated more delicate accessories. This gives a boho vibe without feeling dated.

How to wear harem pants from desk to date – tone down the drop crotch trouser with a feminine camisole, tailored jacket, high heels and simple personal jewelry. This gives the boho pants a clean modern edge.

How to wear harem pants from the park to brunch – pair with an embellished tee and some feminine yet simple accessories. This gives the look a stylish ease but keeps the boho elements a more lady like touch.

How to wear boho chic from desk to date for under $100 – stick with classic pieces like a tailored blazer and some nude pumps to keep the look more office appropriate yet not taking away from the boho feel.

How to wear boho from the park to brunch for under $100 – pair this great blouse with some distressed skinnies and then play up the boho element with some layered necklaces and fabulous sandals… You could also style the dress from the pervious look with the same accessories for an alternative option.

MOMMA LOVES… this Stella McCartney Kids dress

I LOVE this Stella McCartney Kids dress!!

I will probably only ever have boys… My husband is one of 5 boys and all of his brothers have boys and I LOVE my little boy and wouldn’t trade him for anything – but this Stella McCartney Kids dress makes me wish for a little girl!!! Seriously, he tulle, the stars the layers – the sweetness. This dress is just so insanely cute and sweet and darling when I saw it I fell immediately in love and had to share it with all of your mommas of little ladies… I am obsessed with the Stella McCartney Kids line anyway, she has brilliantly designed clothes for our little ones that are sweet, darling yet also incredibly cool and modern. That said, this dress takes it to another level and leaves me wanting my only little baby ballerina. Check out this adorable little dress for your pretty princesses.

Stella McCartney Kids dress $88

Stella McCartney toddler/little girl dress $109

MOMMA’S UNDER $100… style deals – looking great doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

MOMMA’S UNDER $100

how to look great with out breaking the bank.

Life is expensive but your wardrobe doesn’t have to be with my bi-monthly under $100 style deals. Everyone has different definitions for what it means to splurge and what constitutes a deal but nobody can deny a great fashion find that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Style deals are all about great clothes and accessories that are less than $100 but will have you looking like a million. Just because we’re on a budget doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice our appearance. Now, more than ever, retailers are meeting our demands for trend driven fashion that looks expensive without the break the budget price tags. High end designers from Isabel Marant to Peter Pilotto are teaming up with store like H&M and Target to create capsule collections that will give you their fashion sensibility for attainable price points. Most recently, Peter Som has teamed up with Kohls (Which actually launched yesterday, April 10th) to once again make high fashion accessible. PS – style tip – don’t be afraid to shop in the junior departments – especially if you’re petit – there are often great finds for a fraction of the price! So, check out the style deals I have found for you this week and enjoy some guilt free shopping!

Peter Som for Kohls dress $51

Juliet & Company necklace $66

Asos sandals $75.26

Forever 21 quilted bag $24.80

Asos dress $75.26

Stoosh moto jacket $54

Rachel Roy double cuff

Aldo shoes $59.98

New Look bag $24.44

Asos satin tee $47.04

Topshop pants $70

Jules Smith necklace $69

Steve Madden sandal $79.95

Nasty Gal bag $55

Peter Som for Kohls jumpsuit $88

Adia Kibur necklace $90

Zara shoes $89.90

Aldo bag $40

Free People top $98

Forever 21 jeans $15.80

Adia Kibur earrings $35

Steve Madden flat sandal $59.95

Deux Lux bag $80.50

Asos blouse $47.04

Asos skirt $65.80

Rachel Roy earrings $45.15

Asos shoes $84.06

Forever 21 bag $24.80

Free People blouse $88

Blank Denim jeans $88

Jules Smith multi strand necklace $80

DV by Dolce Vita wedges $78.95

Free People bag $68

MOMMA LOVES… harem pants (that’s right -harem pants)

Max and I rocking out harem pants – me in Free People and him in Nununu

Relaxed, comfortable and stylish – these aren’t MC Hammer’s pants.

Although they are MG HAMMERson’s pants (Max Gerald)…

Max and I having a snuggle…

You might think I’m talking crazy but I have totally jumped on the harem pants band wagon. At first I bought them for my son thinking how cute they were – a little drop crotch gave his droopy diaper butt a bit of style but then I kept on seeing them… I started styling them in my head…. And then I bought them. Harem pants are a fantastic alternative to skinny jeans – casual and relaxed yet easy to dress up. Now, I’m not talking about the old Hammer pants of yore with a crotch below the knee – I’m saying a classy slouchy harem pant that is the perfect partner to your favorite tee and flats for a trip to the park which can just as easily pair with a camisole and some fabulous heels for a night out (throw on a blazer and you’re ready for the office)! Ultimately, these pants are incredibly comfortable but the silhouette gives it enough of something special to make a stylish statement. I still love harem pants on my little guy cute and easy to get on and off and now I love them for me too! Check out some of my favorites that you’ll want to wear all spring!

First harem pants for us: