December 2014 - Red Soled Momma

MOMMA NEEDS… snow coats for moms and kids!

This is a flashback to a snowy London evening – it’s all about layers and a great coat that can keep you warm, dry and still kind of fabulous!

I conquered the british snow, now Max and I intend on taking on some California snow (and I’m not talking about the hollywood snow machine variety).

We live in LA – it hardly drops below 50 in the winter but we’ve started talking about taking max to see the snow and so it might be time for snow coats. With Big Bear and Mammoth just a (not too terrible) drive away we are thinking it might be nice for our little guy to see non hollywood manufactured snow and maybe even get him skiing down some bunny slopes but he hasn’t got any clothes appropriate for the severely cold weather that so much of the country is already encountering. This got me thinking, it might be time to start looking for snow coats for the colder climate. My own gear from my years in New York and even London is a bit worn and torn by the polar vortexes of yore so I’m officially on the hunt for new blizzard appropriate fashion. Check out some of my favorite snow coats that will help me and my little guy tackle the frost on our little ski trip and help those with more consistently frigid temperatures survive the winter!

First for us:

Moncler jacket $1490

Canada Goose parka $745

SAM coat $295

Asos parka $151.60

Elizabeth and James jacket $1495

Burberry Brit coat $850

Andrew Marc coat $346.50

Marc New York coat $129

Mackage coat $950

ADD Down coat $634

Maison Scotch jacket $269

Topshop parka $150

Moncler coat $1298

Mackage coat $690

Alice & Olivia coat $597

Trina Turk coat $398

MICHAEL Michael Kors coat $178

Some snow gear for our little ones:

Moncler coat $590

Moncler jacket $450

Canada Goose coat $295

Canada Goose jacket $295

J Crew puffer $145

J Crew parka $129.99

The North Face jacket $99

Ralph Lauren coat $108.50

Gap puffer jacket $52

Gap puffer jacket $56.99

Old Navy coat $19

Old Navy jacket $29

And some great snow friendly outerwear for our littlest ones:

Canada Goose snowsuit $395

Burberry snowsuit $375

Moncler jacket $350

Moncler jacket $335

Burberry reversible puffer $295

Burberry playsuit $250

Burberry coat $206.50

The North Face jacket $99

Gap snowsuit $78

Old Navy snowsuit $19.99

Just One You by Carter’s snowsuit $32.99

MATERNITY MONDAY… baby bags for stylish moms

Been there done that moms and mom’s to be alike need baby bags – its the universal mom essential. One of the first things I bought when I found out I was pregnant was the Gucci diaper bag. My feelings were, I’m going to need to be carrying around diapers, bottles and all the many various other baby accessories so I may as well find one I love. Great baby bags don’t have to be strictly practical, I’m all about finding ones that will not only service your baby needs but make your baby-less friends ask if they make them without the changing pads and bottle holders… Ultimately, becoming mom means remembering to pack baby wipes in lieu of lip gloss – but if you have the perfect diaper bag their might just be room for both. Check out some of my favorite baby bags for all the stylish mom’s who want their accessories to be as gorgeous as they are functional!

Gucci diaper bag $945

Kate Spade diaper bag $398

Day Birger et Mikkelsen diaper bag $150

Tim & Leslie diaper bag $82.49

Prada diaper bag $1290

Rebecca Minkoff diaper bag $295

JuJu Be diaper bag $180

Storksak diaper bag $87.99

Roberto Cavalli diaper bag $741.60

Marc by Marc Jacobs diaper bag - baby bags

Marc by Marc Jacobs diaper bag $398

MICHAEL Michael Kors diaper bag $208.60

JJ Cole diaper bag $69.95

Burberry diaper bag $1595

Kate Spade baby bag $298

Tim & Leslie diaper bag $149.99

Skip Hop diaper bag $58.99

MOMMA KNOWS… winter beauty trends 2015 (lips and nails)

IMG_5283 Metallics and shades of grey are huge for winter nails – these Essie colors in chinchilly and good as gold are 2 of my favorite go-to’s!

I’ve already shared some of the hot winter eye makeup trends but as far as lips and nails, these are all the winter beauty trends 2015 has to offer. Nails and lips are often a great place to experiment with color and this season is no different, while polishes can get wilder than lipsticks there are still plenty of options to be experimenting with. Winter beauty trends 2015 are all about a touch of sparkle, a lot of shine and a splash of vibrance. Whether you want to make a statement (without saying a word) or prefer to go with more safe and subtle lips and nails I have lots of options for you! Check out some of my favorite winter beauty trends 2015 that will transform your look for the New Year!

RED LIPS:

Red lips at the Anna Sui f/w ’14 show (photo by: Marcus Tondo for style.com)

Everything from ruby red to deep oxblood, this winter is all about statement lips. Of course, the super rich blood red may not appropriate for daytime, whether at the office or lunch with friends (reserve this trend for an evening out on the town) but Taylor Swift has proven a gorgeous pop of red lip and more neutral eye can be captivating at any time. This crimson lip is bold, sexy and every celebrity is rocking it on the red carpet just as so many models were seen sporting it on the fall/winter runway. It might just be time for you to start experimenting with these deeper hues….

Nars lipstick in Bette – bordeaux $32

Nars lip liner in Train Bleu $25

Laura Mercier lip gloss in black cherry $25

Guerlain lipstick in love kiss 326 $37

Dior lipgloss in 853 Rouge Defendu $29.50

Bite lipstick in pomegranate $24

Sephora Collection lip stain in always red $13

Revlon lip balm in strinking $6.99

Maybelline lipstick in on fire red $4.99

PEACH LIP:

Peach lips at the Valentino f/w ’14 show (photo by: Sonny Vandevelde for style.com)

So, yes, deep red lips are hot for evening, but for daytime nothing beats the safe yet pretty peachy pout. A step up from your natural lip tone it gives a supple yet feminine touch to your makeup. And while it’s perfect for day it still transitions beautifully into the evening. A great peach perfect lip might be just what your makeup kit needs.

Yves Saint Laurent lip gloss in Peche cera-cola $35

Bobbi Brown lipstick in pale peach $26

Nude Stix cheek and lip pencil in ripe $24

Buxom lip polish in amber $19

Mac lipstick in peach blossom $16

Maybelline lip color in breathtaking apricot $6.99

Revlon balm stain in charm $6.59

GLITTER LIPS:

Metallic lips at the Rodarte f/w ’14 show (photo by: Sonny Vandevelde for style.com)

We saw plenty of metallics for eyes, but they were also supremely popular for the lips. Add a touch of sparkle to your makeup with a soft, pretty, glittery lip. The glittery lip is quite a bold makeup choice so best to keep everything else quite neutral (unless of course you are walking down a runway or Lady Gaga). It’s one part feminine and one part rock and roll – so you choose how to wear it!

Yves Saint Laurent lip color in lush coconut - winter beauty trends 2015

Yves Saint Laurent lip color in lush coconut $34

Dior lip gloss in golden shock $26.55

Ciate glitz fix $19

Obsessive Compulsive lip gloss in nomad – gold laced maroon $18

Sephora Collection lipstick in magnetism 27 (deep brown bronze) $12.50

Iman lip shimmer in nude $8.49

L’Oreal lipstick in caramel latte $5.99

NUDE NAILS:

Nude nails at the Narciso Rodriguez f/w ’14 collection (photo by: Gianni Pucci for style.com)

Perhaps a backlash against all the crazy colors and designs, the Fall/Winter runway showed and array of barely there polish. Whether sandy hues or a classic clear or ballet slipper tint – there was a back to basics approach to nails… Still shiny looking and healthy but in that perfect flesh toned kind of way.

Tom Ford nail polish in naked $32

Yves Saint Laurent polish in beige leger $27

Nars nail polish in Zakynthos $20

Marc Jacobs Beauty nail polish in funny girl $18

Jin Soon nail polish in tulle $18

Essie nail polish in sand tropez $8.49

L’Oreal nail polish in top of the line $4.99

RUBY RED NAILS:

Red nails at the Yigal Azrouel f/w ’14 collection (photo by: Kim Weston Arnold for style.com)

Well, with crimson lips comes the gorgeous red talons. Talk about glam – there were plenty of beautiful red nails to gawk at during the fall/winter collections. Again, it feels a bit back to brass tacks – this isn’t the wild crazy manicures we were used to seeing – but perfectly polished red nails scream old hollywood glam like no other color.

Christian Louboutin nail polish in rouge louboutin $50

Tom Ford nail polish in bordeaux lust - winter beauty trends 2015

Tom Ford nail polish in bordeaux lust $32

Dior polish in rouge 999 $25

Deborah Lippman nail polish duo in jazz standards $19

Marc Jacobs Beauty nail polish in jezebel $18

Essie nail polish in lacy not racy $8.50

Revlon nail polish in revlon red $3.99

50 SHADES OF GRAY NAILS:

Gray nails at the Thakoon f/w ’14 collection (photo by: Kim Weston Arnold for style.com)

We saw lots of grey clothes on the runway, and there is a movie you might have heard of by the same name – but there were a great array of grays to capture your manicurists attention. Everything from charcoal to dove gray these neutral polishes might be exactly what you want this season. Lets face it – gray pretty much goes with everything!

Dolce & Gabbana nail polish in grey pearl $25

Marc Jacobs Beauty nail polish in evelyn $18

Formula X nail polish in extraordniary $10.50

Essie nail polish in chinchilly $8.50

L’Oreal nail polish in grecian goddess $4.99

METALLIC NAILS:

Metallic nails at the Mara Hoffman f/w collection ’14 (photo by: Kim Weston Arnold for style.com)

Of course, if we’re seeing metallic for lips and eyes we’re definitely seeing it for nails. Sparkly hues of polish glittered the runway and are always a crowd favorite. Gold, silver and everything in between were hot hot hot for manis on the fall/winter catwalk.

Dolce & Gabbana nail polish in desert $25

Dolce & Gabbana nail polish in platinum $25

Diorific nail polish in gold equinoxe $24.50

Marc Jacobs Beauty nail polish in patsy $18

Jin Soon nail polish in farrago $18

Formula X top coat in out of sight $12.50

Essie nail polish in pure pearlfection $8.50

Nicole by OPI topcoat in gold $7.99

Revlon nail polish in celestial fx $4.99

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

Merry Christmas – Santa got Max’s list and depending on if he’s a good boy he’ll be very happy tomorrow!

Merry Christmas everyone from my family to yours! Taking off today and tomorrow so that we can watch Max tear open present and remind us that Christmas is all about childhood joy and imagination! Hope you all have a restful, happy holiday!!

MOMMA WANTS… chunky knits to keep me cozy

A great chunky knit is exactly what I want to wrap myself up in this winter.. It even pairs perfectly with a pair of leather leggings for a relaxed holiday party.

Its oversized and that’s perfect because there’s more to wrap myself (and my little guy) in!

There is nothing I want to cuddle up more in winter than some great chunky knits. Whether and oversized boyfriend sweater or multi ply pullover its exactly what I need when the temperature drops and I want to feel chic yet cocooned. I have done my posts won slim knits and layer pieces, but the chunky knits can be layered over those and add a feeling of I just rolled out of bed but I look effortlessly amazing. Whether cashmere, cotton or wool, cardigans or pullovers, with leggings or jeans I live in these sweaters all winter. Perfect chunky knits can look lived in or polished but the effect is the same – cozy, comfort with zero sacrifice to personal style. These cozy pieces are what I crave on a sunday afternoon on the couch with my little guy or running out for a bit to eat with my hubby. Check out some of my favorite chunky knits and get ready to wear them all winter (I know I do).

Prabal Gurung sweater $995

360 Sweater cardigan $488

Joie sweater $208

Zara cardigan $99.90

Etoile Isabel Marant cardigan $644

Exclusive for Intermix turtleneck poncho $325

Joie cardigan $160.80

Asos sweater $79.59

Saint Laurent cardigan $1590

Helmut Lang sweater $520

Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater $378

Tularosa knit coat $250

Vila sweater $85.28

Burberry Brit cardigan $1295

Alice & Olivia turtleneck $440

Vince cardigan $279.99

Nasty Gal sweater $68

Forever 21 cardigan $29.90

MOMMA’S UNDER $100…. great style buys

Finding things for us that are under $100 mean’s more things for him… This makes him very happy…

You’re pretty much done with your Christmas shopping (I hope) but you still want something for yourself, fortunately tis all the season to find some great style buys that won’t break the bank. Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t one offs, it’s just the beginning of sale season and so as the month goes on there will be better and better deals. Yes, you might find incredible designer bags and shoes that are marked 50 – 80% off – that might bring the cost down to $500 or less depending which are great – but staying true to Momma’s under $100 I am looking for all the great style buys for (yup, you guessed it) under $100. December/January are tough, finances are tight between holiday shopping, New Years and any travel plans, but you want to start the new year in style and with your most fashionable foot forward. Check out the great style buys and get ready to do an extra bit of shopping for yourself this time….

Ted Baker London dress $99.20

Kenneth Jay Lane necklace $70

Asos sandals $66.33

New Look clutch $37.88

Topshop shirt $60

Splendid heavy weight leggings $68

Forever 21 blazer $29.90

Rue Gembon earrings $55

Topshop boots $75

Forever 21 bag $22.90

Asos top $41.69

Asos skirt $66.33

Adia Kibur bracelet $38

Steve Madden sandals $79.95

Zara bag $79.90

Warehouse top $34.80

Asos jeans $75.80

Asos cape cardigan $75.80

Nasty Gal rings (set of 5) $20

Forever 21 boots $39.90

Big Buddha bag $70

Free People tunic $98

Rag and Bone skinny jeans $89

Jules Smith necklace $55

Forever 21 boots $34.90

Asos bag $66.33

BB Dakota dress $73.50

Kate Spade bracelet $88

Sam Edelman sandals $64.97

Asos clutch $75.80

MOMMA WANTS… great sleepwear for christmas morning!

2 very important questions – what are all those presents under the tree?? And what pajamas will Max be wearing under that robe come christmas morning???

Every year come Christmas morning I rush to get the party started but, inevitably, I always seem to forget the importance of great sleepwear! Who’s got time to shower, get changed and brush teeth when there is a tree full of presents to unwrap (especially when you have kids who are standing over you and prodding you to wake up from sunrise). For years I have pleaded with my father and my husband not to take pictures of my during present opening because I am in horrible pajamas – when what I need to do is slap on some under eye concealer put my hair in a bun and invest in some presentable sleepwear! Our kids have adorable pj’s but I’m in my husband’s discarded boxers and tees and the slippers from christmases past. Yes ladies, if you haven’t done so already – it’s time for some great, photogenic sleepwear, not just because Christmas morning is awesome and should be captured on digital, but because we should have them. We spend almost half our lives in our pajamas, we really should give them more thought than we do…. So, this year, I’m going to get some great sleepwear that I can be proud to be seen in come Christmas morning, and also sleep comfortably in that evening and into the New Year!

Sea shirtdress $345

Eberjey pj set $115

PJ Luxe set $83

New Look PJ set $37.88

Mason by Michell Mason cami and short set $374

Donna Karan pj set $180

Oscar de la Renta chemise $92.40

Victoria’s Secret pajamas $39.50

Neiman Marcus pj set $170

Cosabella sleepshirt $130

Eberjey one piece $90

Victoria’s Secret pajama set $39.50

Forever 21 nightdress $16.90

Three J New York pajama set $275

La Perla boyfriend shirt $177

J Crew pj set $95

Forever 21 onesie $24.90

Some adorable sleepwear options for our littlest ones:

Finn & Emma footie, rattle and teether set $98

Books to Bed PJ and book set $49

Books to Bed pj and book set $49

Little Me footie $32

Hanna Andersson thermal romper $35

Hatley footies $26.60

Tucker + Tate pajamas $28

Stella McCartney Kids footie $47.04

Royal Baby footies $46

Nordstrom Baby pajamas $26

Little Me PJs $26

Old Navy pajamas $10 (fyi – these tend to run quite small)

Old Navy pajamas $8

And some great sleepwear for our slightly bigger little ones:

Books to Bed pajamas and book set $50

Munki Munki 2pc pajama set $38 (or 3 for $65!)

Hanna Andersson pajamas $42

Gap sleep set $18.86

PJ Salvage pajama set $42

Mini Boden pajamas 2 pack $44

Disney Frozen nightgown $26

Hatley pajamas $25.20

Disney four piece sleep set $15.29

Just One You by Carter’s 4 pc sleepwear set $13

MOMMA NEEDS… new sneakers for my comfy look

Happy Hanukkah!! Perhaps celebrate the Christmukkah season with some fabulous new sneakers.

I’m not a typical sneaker’s girl so you know I went for the Missoni Converse!

These mismatched Akid hi-tops are adorable on Max and are an amazing git from his stylist god mom – we are obsessed!

Anyone of my friends and family will tell you that I am not a sneakers kinds of girl. I’m not athletic and in general, they have never been something I’ve gravitated towards. The only sneakers I’ve had in years are the wedge kind, and let’s face it – they’re not really sneakers… All of that said, I’ve discovered 2 things recently: sometimes the perfect sneakers are exactly what is needed to complete a great look and there are actually some super cool options out there that are NOT simply about function. These are not necessarily the shoes that will give you the perfect jump, or help you run that marathon, these are the more stylish version that will allow you to take a walking tour of paris allowing you to be both comfortable yet fashionable. These are the sneakers that make me go, hmmmm… and click purchase now. These pair perfectly with everything from distressed skinny jeans or relaxed boyfriend jeans… They can also work perfectly with your cozy comfy loungewear but also dress down a great shift dress or jumpsuit… Check out some of my favorite new sneakers that can complete your weekend casual look but also add some edge and youth to so many other unexpected look… And some adorable options for our little ones too!

Saint Laurent sneakers $645

Ash shearling hi-tops $250

Joie slip ons $190

Bucket Feet slip ons $67.95

Converse sneakers $44.95 (or 2 pairs for $75)

Givenchy slip ons $750

Rag $ Bone hi-tops $425

Tory Burch slip ons $165

Superga sneakers $64.95

Keds shoes $49.95

Isabel Marant wedge hi-tops $695

Derek Lam sneakers $195

Nike hi-tops $90

Van slip ons $54.95

Jimmy Choo slip ons $695

Saint Laurent slip ons $495

Comme de Garcons sneakers $105

Missoni chuck taylors $49.96

And some adorable options for our little ones:

Adidas sparkle shell toes $39.95

Adidas shoes $44.95

Old Navy high tops $22.94

Old Navy high tops $16.99

Converse chuck taylors $44.95

Converse hi-tops $31.95

Tucker + Tate slip ons $29.95

Vans shoes $39.95

Nike Kids shoes $44

DC Kids shoes $40

Disney Frozen light up sneakers $19.59

Disney mickey mouse shoes $17.49

Sketchers light up shoes $42.95

Akid hi-tops $59.95

Superga shoes $43.95

Gap shoes $29.95

Gap hi-tops $34.95

MOMMA LOVES… comfy cozy loungewear (staycation is coming)

Obsessed with these Zoe Karssen sweat pants – their warm and comfy but also fitted and sexy.

I can dress it up with some boots for a great brunch look or shopping trip with the girls…

But still chase my little guy around comfortable… (or just laze on the couch this holiday season)

Ahhhh, December, colder weather, maybe some snow, the holidays, the couch and time for some loungewear. Those perfect sweats that allow you to think you actually got dressed today, but let you move the relaxing to the couch. Cuddled up in front of the tv or the fire there is nothing that feels as cozy as some amazing loungewear. However, I am still a fashion girl – this does not mean frumpy dumpy sweats – the new version of loungewear has that super soft lived in feel, but its cut better, more feminine so you can have your comfy but still look like you’re making some effort… The holidays means getting dressed up and hitting the parties and dinners, but it also means kicking off those heels and curling up with your loved ones for the morning or an evening in. Check out some of my favorite loungewear and when you’re not celebrating the holidays in high glam you should be relaxing in chic cozy comfort.

NLST sweatshirt $255

Monrow sweatpants $146

Sundry pullover $103

Zoe Karssen sweatpants $145

Eleven Paris hoodie $75

Topshop joggers $60

River Island sweatshirt $47.38

River Island joggers $85.28

R13 sweatshirt $245

Pam & Gela sweatpants $275

Soft Joie sweatshirt $128

Halogen cashmere sweatpants $148

Spiritual Gangster hoodie $88

Wildfox sweats $96

Sub_urban riot sweatshirt $48 (think Beyonce)

Asos joggers $34.11

Forever 21 sweatshirt $17.90

Forever 21 joggers $34.90

MATERNITY MONDAY… fabulous maternity wear baby!

It’s that time of the week again, fabulous maternity wear for all you expectant moms out there. Figuring out what to wear when you’re body is literally changing every day can be daunting, and many of us just give up, but there is no need because there are plenty of super stylish options to wear during pregnancy. The fact is, we don’t just have to think about the 9 months that our body is growing but also the 9 months that it takes those of us (who aren’t Victoria’s Secret models) to pop back… So finding fabulous maternity wear isn’t just a convenience or a nice idea – its a necessity. You need to get dressed in the morning and no time is more “I have nothing to wear” frustrating than those months of pregnancy so you may as well make the most of it and style that gorgeous bump properly. Check out some of my favorite fabulous maternity wear this week and get ready to show off that baby belly with pride!