Staying on budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your style – it simply means being smarter and seeking out the best fashion buys. Spending more money on classic pieces like a little black dress or the perfect pair o jeans and less on trend driven pieces. Great fashion buys is a combination or those brilliant pieces you crave that don’t break the bank and those even less expensive pieces that can transform your look to look far more expensive than it is. Style is an attitude, an aesthetic, NOT a price tag. You want to feel great in what you wear without feeling guilty about what you paid for it – and as the consumer you can afford to be smart about the purchases you choose. Check out some of the great fashion buys of the week that will have you pulling out your wallet happily without breaking the bank!
MOMMA NEEDS… skinny jeans for always
Yup, skinny jeans are tried, true and not going anywhere but you’ll be going everywhere in them! They have withstood the test of time because they flatter every figure by creating a long, lean, slim line silhouette and who doesn’t want that. Skinny jeans tend to have quite a bit of stretch (otherwise how would we get these things on) so they hug your curves while also giving you a fair amount of support. This denim trend can be worn dressed down with a casual tee or knit or up with a sexy blouse or blazer for an evening out making it super versatile and always a great purchase that will get plenty of wear! Check out some of my favorite skinny jeans it might just be time to get yourself a new pair for the new year.
MOMMA LOVES…. mules – the hot new shoe
I was shocked as anyone when I realized quite quickly that for us shoe-aholics are future includes some fabulous mules and clogs… That’s right – those backless shoes that always come creeping back are once again in vogue. Mules have dominated the catwalk recently and they are quickly and beautifully making their way into our favorite stores and soon enough into our closets. They can be closed toed or open, high or low but they are all about putting on a fabulous front! Mules are super easy to slip in and out of and can transition easily from day to night. Some of the latest incarnations are part clog part mule but regardless of the variations of styling – this shoe is back and an enormous trend. Check out some of the latest and greatest mules that will have you slinging out the sling backs!
MOMMA LOVES… tuxedo jackets (for you – not the man in your life)
As I have mentioned many times before – I love blazers and tuxedo jackets are basically just super special blazers! A satin or leather lapel and super elegant details transform the tried and true jacket into a truly unique piece for your wardrobe. Dress it down for day with simple jeans and and tee or dress it up for evening over your favorite little black dress or sparkly cocktail dress! The piece transitional beautifully from day to night! The tuxedo jacket has been around for ages and became the mark of a strong sexy woman in the 70′s when Bianca Jagger brought this menswear trend for women to the main stream. Since then countless celebrities have worn the tuxedo as an alternative to traditional red carpet dresses. The look is strong, confident and perfect play on masculine/feminine styling. Check out some of my favorite tuxedo jackets and get ready to fall in love with this menswear inspired trend that is certain to become your new wardrobe favorite!
MOMMA KNOWS… 2015 Golden Globes fashion review
It’s that time of year again – time for my 2015 Golden Globes fashion review. I watch award shows like men watch the Super Bowl, there is chips, alcohol and a healthy dose of screaming, throwing things are the screen and heart dropping moments of fabulous. Yes, I can’t get enough of Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, but 2015 Golden Globes fashion is what gets me heart racing… It may not have been the most dynamic night of style but there were certainly a few drop the mike Versace moments. I’m talking about two of my favorites – Kate Hudson absolutely shredding the carpet in her white hot cut down to there Atelier Versace and, of course, Jane Fonda showing reinventing what 77 looks like and putting us all to shame in her insanely sexy red Versace. While this year had nobody sporting anything too crazy (no swan or ballerina get ups) it was certainly a hopeful return to glamour with healthy does of sparkles, color, white and bling! So, my top take away 2015 Golden Globes fashion trends are as follows:
Heavy metal! Just like Julianne Moore’s stunning Givenchy Haute Couture number – everything from pretty silver to darker gun metal (and every shade of metallic) reigned supreme on last night’s red carpet. The stars did what they do best – they sparkled and I absolutely LOVED it. Glamour was back and in full force on everyone from Jennifer Lopez to new comer Dakota Johnson and I’m pretty sure all the glitter could be seen from outer space there was so much of it!! Jewels weren’t the only thing blinging at the 2015 Golden Globes and I look forward to seeing more of this metallic trend take over.
White haute! Following from the glitz and glamour comes the beacon of light from the ladies in white. Ethereal and stunning – forget orange, because white is the new black. With red carpet super stars from Reese Witherspoon to Emily Blunt rocked this white hot look. The silhouettes may have varied but there is no question that bright white dominated the Golden Globes.
Pop of Color. I mean, who doesn’t love some color? It’s the hottest way to stand out in a crowd, that’s for sure! Naomi Watts and Jenna Dewan stunned in gorgeous yellow while host Amy Poehler and award winner, Amy Adams experimented with shades of blue. These bold hues are always welcome to the red carpet, and while color is often considered a bit risky, the pay off is huge!
Scarlett fever. Of course, the red carpet always has it’s fair share of ladies in red and this year was no exception. Far too many to fit in this trend report rocked the crimson shade. Allison Williams and Taylor Schilling went all out with their voluminous gowns, Julianne Margulies showed some ankle action with her tea length version and Jane Fonda… Well, there’s only one word for her, wow.
Tuxedo dressing. This years black was evolved and far cooler than usual. I call it tuxedo dressing because it was all about the details and a few masculine structures with incredibly feminine tailoring. I LOVED the younger girls, Lorde and Emma Stone, rocking the pant looks – a brave move for the Golden Globes red carpet but a total reminder that young hollywood rocks. Jennifer Anniston’s cummerbund and Amal Clooney’s white gloves (which I confess were not my favorite) added a touch of tux to their glamorous gowns. All in all, I think the best tux looks of the night may have belonged to the ladies…
Boho ladies. Ordinarily we might see one or two print looks but last night we got a healthy helping of boho – prints from floral to butterflies adorned some of Hollywoods top leading ladies. The bohemian vibe injected color, ruffles and the unexpected onto the red carpet. A pregnant Keira Knightly embraced her bump with an empire silhouette Chanel number complete with butterflies and ruffles while red carpet golden girl Lupita Wyong’o took a bold step into the boho arena in her Giambattista Valli. Always a bit risky on the red carpet, the boho ladies were loud and proud last night!
MATERNITY MONDAY… how to get that stylish bump
Every day there’s a new gorgeous celebrity making pregnancy look easy and you’re left wondering how to get that stylish bump… You don’t need a high power stylist, deep pockets or size 0 pregnancy body to achieve it – you just have to stay true to your personal style and tweek it according to your new shape. This may sound easier said than done but there are so many incredible maternity designs these day to help you to achieve that stylish bump you crave. Just remember to look for things that show off your shape or naturals make way for your growing midsection. This is not a time to be shy, this is time to revel in your baby glow and to celebrate your magical body – which why having a stylish bump has become so, pardon the pun, huge! Have fun, now is not the time to be modest, shy or hide – nothing looks more fabulous than a pregnant belly so it’s time to get dressed up (don’t worry – looking great doesn’t have to mean being uncomfortable – comfort is paramount at this time). Check out some of my favorite maternity picks of the week to give you the stylish bump that makes pregnancy look so good!
MOMMA NEEDS… super stylin’ storage solutions
Once again we have been inundated with stuff and desperately in need of storage solutions. Short of renting out actual space I have once again been on the hunt for chic furniture that looks great but can also hide the clutter. I am so grateful for all the amazing gifts from the holidays but, of course, it is twofold… We have amazing fun new toys (and accessories) but nowhere to put them. I was actually a bit forward thinking this year and actually asked for a fabulous storage bench) as one of my gifts and it has already swallowed up tons of Max’s bits and pieces while also giving me a comfy place to sit! Check out some of my favorite stylish storage solutions and tick on of your new year resolutions (to keep the place tidy) off your list!!
And some storage solutions for our little ones:
MOMMA KNOWS… tops and tunics to wear with leggings
I covered leggings a few days ago, now its time to talk about the perfect tops and tunics to cover them! Everything from oversized knits to blousy tunics and tops work perfectly provided the crotch and bum are covered! If there are no pocket or zippers keep that area concealed with a longer length top. Tops and tunics need to also have more volume if paired with leggings – its all about balancing the silhouette – so since the bottom are slim keep the upper half a bit bigger – this doesn’t have to mean huge – it can still be tailored nicely to the body (for example longer top with a fitted blazer) but just provided you’re not pairing skin tight with skin tight. I said it a few days ago – leggings are not pants and must be treated as so – so choosing the appropriate tops and tunics to wear with them is key to pulling off the look… Also, these aren’t your 80′s leggings so while you might go with an oversized knit on top make sure you’re not also pairing them with chunky socks on the bottom – a fabulous little boot (motorcycle or ankle) is ultra cool and modern. Check out some of my favorite tops and tunics to pair with your beloved leggings and look fabulous this winter!
MOMMA NEEDS… snow boots (not for LA)
Following on my post from last week, I can’t be venturing out to colder pastures without some great snow boots for me and my little guy. Listen, I have plenty of boots but anyone that has encountered snow before knows that your cute little leather booties aren’t going to cut the mustard. Snow boots are the real deal – they’ll keep you insulated so that your toots are warm and toasty and they’re water proof so that you don’t have to worry about the slush… Also very important, they have traction, this comes in very handy on those frozen, icy sidewalks - we’ve all done the slip and slide show in inappropriate footwear – I’m not doing that again! Yes, they are practical, but don’t get it twisted, there is also plenty of room for fabulous! You’re not going to ski in these snow boots – these are all about the apres ski moments (aka drinking hot toddies by the fire in cute outfits) which is much more up my street… Or just plodding to work without any unfortunate tumbles… Check out some of my favorite cool yet practical snow boots to get you through the harshest winter storms or just a fun ski trip!
First for us:
And some great snow boots for our little ones!
MOMMA LOVES… leggings (the great denim alternative)
I do love leggings – they’re both comfortable and stream line. They’re effortlessly chic yet also help me feel with extra pounds I’ve packed on during the holidays (I don’t need your judgement top button). Leggings (if worn correctly – remember, they’re not pants) are a fantastic alternative to your favorite jeans and perfect for when you want to feel cozy during these cold winter months. Don’t worry, I will do a tops and tunics for leggings post on Thursday to help ensure that you’re pairing and wearing them appropriately – but the main key is that (unless they’re jeggings) your tush and crotch are concealed – again – they’re not pants people. PS – for those pregnant momma’s or post baby moms – leggings were my uniform of choice – again, they don’t judge a bit of extra weight in the middle!! Check out some of my favorite leggings to get you through these next few months stylishly and comfortably!