MOMMA’S UNDER $100… great fashion buys you won’t want to miss

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What are you going to do with that extra $100?

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!

Asos dress

Asks dress $94.75

Kate Spade bracelet

Kate Spade bracelet $88

Steve Madden sandals

Steve Madden sandals $79.95

River Island clutch

River Island clutch $32.22

Free People shirt

Free People shirt $98

Blank jeans

Blank jeans $88

Bruna necklace

Bruna necklace $25

Forever 21 boots

Forever 21 boots $37.90

Topshop bag

Topshop bag $65

Topshop top

Topshop top $25

Topshop skirt

Topshop skirt $52

Gorjana hoop earrings

Gorjana hoop earrings $60

Steve Madden pumps

Steve Madden pumps $89.95

Forever 21 bag

Forever 21 bag $29.90

Asos jumpsuit

Asos jumpsuit $85.28

Gorjana ring to wrist cuff bracelet

Gorjana ring to wrist cuff bracelet $68.60

Zara boots

Zara boots $89.90

New Look bag

New Look bag $30.30

Forever 21 blouse

Forever 21 blouse $19.90

Zara pants

Zara pants $59.90

Forever 21 blazer

Forever 21 blazer $29.90

Asos earrings

Asos earrings $15.16

Trina Turk sandals

Trina Turk sandals $99.97

New Look bag

New Look bag $56.83

Asos dress

Asks dress $47.38

Juliet & Company necklace

Juliet & Company necklace $72

BCBG Generation sandals

BCBG Generation sandals $79.98

Forever 21 bag

Forever 21 bag $22.90

MOMMA NEEDS… skinny jeans for always

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A great pair of skinny jeans will take you everywhere!

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They can withstand an adventure with your little one and still look fabulous!

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.

J Brand skinnies

J Brand skinnies $227

AG denim leggings

AG denim leggings $188

Free People jeans

Free People jeans $128

Blank jeans

Blank jeans $75

Rag & Bone jeans

Rag & Bone jeans $198

Asos jeans

Asos jeans $56.85

Forever 21 jeans

Forever 21 jeans $19.90

R13 jeans

R13 jeans $325

7 For All Mankind jeans - skinny jeans

7 For All Mankind jeans $198

Topshop jeans

Topshop jeans $65

Hudson jeans

Hudson jeans $198

Paige Denim jeans

Paige Denim jeans $169

Free People jeans

Free People jeans $68

Frame jeans

Frame jeans $225

AG jeans

AG jeans $198

Citizens of Humanity jeans

Citizens of Humanity jeans $178

Forever 21 jeans

Forever 21 jeans $27.90

MOMMA LOVES…. mules – the hot new shoe

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Sophia Webster mules are absolutely captivating. These angel wing versions were on the top of my Christmas list…

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!

Jimmy Choo heels

Jimmy Choo heels $995

Sophia Webster sandals

Sophia Webster sandals $675

Sam Edelman sandals

Sam Edelman sandals $160

Topshop shoes

Topshop shoes $105

Zara heels

Zara heels $59.99

Giuseppe Zanotti mules

Giuseppe Zanotti mules $815

Gucci platform mule

Gucci platform mule $750

Chloe sandals

Chloe sandals $645

Schutz heels

Schutz heels $180

River Island sandals

River Island sandals $94.75

Lanvin mules

Lanvin mules $1490

Paul Andrew sandals

Paul Andrew sandals $945

Alexandre Birman sandals

Alexandre Birman sandals $550

Enzo Angiolini heels

Enzo Angiolini heels $118.95

River Island sandals

River Island sandals $94.75

Miu Miu mule sandals

Miu Miu mule sandals $750

Michael Kors clogs

Michael Kors clogs $595

Vince mule slides

Vince mule slides $395

Coach wedge

Coach wedge $195

Forever 21 shoes

Forever 21 mules $32.90

MOMMA LOVES… tuxedo jackets (for you – not the man in your life)

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This Rag & Bone tuxedo blazer is one of my favorites – it has leather lapels and even moderate tails. Super chic and actually very versatile!

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!

Victoria Beckham jacket

Victoria Beckham jacket $2960

Laveer tux blazer

Laveer tux blazer $595

J Crew blazer

J Crew blazer $250

Asos tuxedo blazer

Asos tuxedo blazer $104.23

Forever 21 tuxedo blazer

Forever 21 tuxedo blazer $32.90

Stella McCartney jacket

Stella McCartney jacket $1960

Helmut Lang cropped tuxedo blazer - tuxedo jackets

Helmut Lang cropped tuxedo blazer $575

Alice & Olivia tuxedo blazer

Alice & Olivia tuxedo blazer $396

Line & Dot tuxedo jacket dress

Line & Dot tuxedo jacket dress $159

Zara tuxedo blazer

Zara tuxedo blazer $79.99

Gucci tuxedo jacket

Gucci tuxedo jacket $2350

Veronica Beard tux jacket

Veronica Beard tux jacket $655

Alice & Olivia tuxedo blazer

Alice & Olivia tuxedo blazer $484

Nasty Gal blazer

Nasty Gal blazer $58

Rachel Zoe tux dress

Rachel Zoe tux dress $455

 

Jack Wills tuxedo jacket

Jack Wills tuxedo jacket $301.31

Topshop tuxedo blazer

Topshop tuxedo blazer $125

Forever 21 blazer

Forever 21 blazer $37.80

MOMMA KNOWS… 2015 Golden Globes fashion review

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My top picks of the night (clockwise from the top left) Naomi Watts in Gucci, Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace, Julianne Moore in Givenchy, Emma Stone in Lanvin and Amal Clooney in Dior.

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.

Golden Globes fashion 2015

(l-r) Julianne Moore in Givenchy Haute Couture, Kate Beckinsale inElie Saab, Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad and Dakota Johnson in Chanel Haute Couture.

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.

Golden Globes fashion 2015

(l-r) Emily Blunt in custom Michael Kors, Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Narciso Rodriguez, Selma Hayek in Alexander McQueen and my favorite Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace

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!

Golden Globes fashion 2015

(l-r) Naomi Watts in Gucci, Amy Poehler in Stella McCartney, Jenna Dewan in Carolina Herrera and Amy Adams in Atelier Versace.

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.

Golden Globes fashion 2015

(l-r) Allison Williams in Armani Prive, Julianna Margulies in Ulyana Sergeenko, Taylor Schilling in Ralph Lauren and Jane Fonda in Versace.

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…

Golden Globes fashion 2015

(l-r) Lorde in Narciso Rodriguez, Emma Stone in Lanvin, Jennifer Aniston in Saint Laurent and Amal Clooney in Dior.

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!

Golden Globes fashion 2015

Sienna Millier in Miu Miu, Keira Knightly in Chanel, Claire Danes in Valentino and Lupita Nyong’o in Giambattista Valli.

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!

Asos maternity dress

Asos maternity dress $56.85

Topshop maternity shirt

Topshop maternity shirt $80

Old Navy leggings (pack of 2)

http://rstyle.me/n/vfd6d4fb6 $17

Asos maternity dress

Asos maternity dress $66.33

Asos maternity/nursing top

Asos maternity/nursing top $41.69

Citizens of Humanity maternity jeans

Citizens of Humanity maternity jeans $248

Topshop maternity dress

Topshop maternity dress $65

Asos maternity coat

Asos maternity coat $161.08

Hatch shirt

Hatch maternity shirt $248

Mamalicious pants

Mamalicious pants $66.33

Asos dress

Asos maternity dress $79.59

Topshop maternity shirt

Topshop maternity shirt $40

James Jeans maternity jeans

James Jeans maternity jeans $141

Hatch dress

Hatch dress $208

Asos maternity top

Asos maternity top $66.33

Asos maternity skirt

Asos maternity skirt $47.38

Ingrid & Isabel maternity dress

Ingrid & Isabel maternity dress $88

Isabella Oliver maternity coat

Isabella Oliver maternity coat $293.73

 

MOMMA NEEDS… super stylin’ storage solutions

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Max unloading our new storage bench – ummm, it’s there to hide the mess dude!

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!!

Secret storage mirror

Secret storage mirror $1699

Zimmer trunk

Zimmer trunk $699

Tundra wall cubby

Tundra wall cubby $498

Trheshold storage ottoman

Trheshold storage ottoman $89.99

Storage bed

Storage bed $1799

West Elm coffee table

West Elm coffee table $549 – $699

Ludlow side table

Ludlow side table $499

Skyline storage bench

Skyline storage bench $275.99

vintage storage lockers

vintage storage lockers $2495

Hokku storage chaise

Hokku storage chaise $550

Kayla shoe strorage ottoman

Kayla shoe strorage ottoman $259

 

Orbit storage module

Orbit storage module $109

Loraine tufted storage bench

Loraine tufted storage bench $799

Safavieh side table

Safavieh side table $399.99

Hokku coffee table

Hokku coffee table $235

Safavieh storage ottoman

Safavieh storage ottoman $159

And some storage solutions for our little ones:

Enchanted Home storage dog sofa

Enchanted Home storage dog sofa $70 (mind. blown.)

Pottery Barn storage bins

Pottery Barn storage bins $16 – $47

Comfy Kings storage bench

Comfy Kings storage bench $138.99

Pottery Barn dollhouse bookcase

Pottery Barn dollhouse bookcase $499

Firehouse bookcase

Firehouse bookcase $97.99

Step 2 Lift and Roll toy box

Step 2 Lift and Roll toy box $37.99

 

3 Sprouts storage box

3 Sprouts storage box $17

RCPH storage bricks (set of 4)

RCPH storage bricks (set of 4) $60

Guidecraft princess toy box

Guidecraft princess toy box $157.99

Disney toy box

Disney toy box $79.99

 

MOMMA KNOWS… tops and tunics to wear with leggings

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A look back at some of the right ways to wear leggings – an oversized sweater, a great tunic or long top that keeps you appropriately covered and looking great!

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!

Rag & Bone sweater

Rag & Bone sweater $495

Helmut Lang top

Helmut Lang top $310

Riller & Fount tunic

Riller & Fount tunic $187

Free People tunic

Free People tunic $68

Donna Karan cashmere sweater

Donna Karan cashmere sweater $1095

Intermix top

Intermix top $255

Free People sweater

Free People sweater $128

Asos top

Asks top $60.64

R13 oversized shirt

R13 oversized shirt $495

Christopher Fisher turtleneck

Christopher Fisher turtleneck $268

Bella Dahl blouse

Bella Dahl blouse $128

Forever 21 tank

Forever 21 tank $15.90

Valentino tunic

Valentino tunic $1890

Band of Outsiders top

Band of Outsiders top $395

Derek Lam top

Derek Lam top $105

BLK DNM top

BLK DNM top $75

Duffy cashmere sweater

Duffy cashmere sweater $350

Vince shirt

Vince shirt $198

Monki top

Monti top $47.38

MOMMA NEEDS… snow boots (not for LA)

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There I am in the frigid London snow rocking my Yak boots – sure I look like a polar bear to anyone in the bathroom stall next to me but they keep me warm and dry and that’s what great snow boots are all about!

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:

Saint Laurent boots

Saint Laurent boots $1995

Tory Burch boots

Tory Burch boots $315

Sorel boots

Sorel boots $140

Merona boots

Merona boots $44.99

Moncler boots

Moncler boots $1595

Rag & Bone boots

Rag & Bone boots $655

United Nude boots

United Nude boots $305

Kamik boots

Kamik boots $89.95

Isabel Marant boots

Isabel Marant boots $840

Aquatalia boots

Aquatalia boots $398

Hunter boots

Hunter boots $235

Trotter boots

Trotter boots $94.95

Jimmy Choo boots

Jimmy Choo boots $1595

Burberry boots

Burberry boots $485

Koolaburra boots

Koolaburra boots $275

Sorel boots

Sorel boots $140

Katrina boots

Katrina boots $39.99

And some great snow boots for our little ones!

The North Face boots

The North Face boots $79.95

Sorel boots

Sorel boots $74.95

Nike boots

Nike boots $50

Native boots

Native boots $49.95

Kamik boots

Kamik boots $39.99

Kamik boots

Kamik boots $39.95

Circo boots

Circo boots $24.99

Spiderman boots

Spiderman boots $26.99

Ugg boots

Ugg boots $199.95

Emu boots

Emu boots $88.95

Sorel boots

Sorel boots $79.95

Dr. Martens boots

Dr. Martens boots $74.95

Toms boots

Toms boots $58.95

Sorel boots

Sorel boots $59.95

Snowmaster boots

Snow master boots $34.99

Snowmaster boots

Snow master boots $34.99

Old Navy boots

Old Navy boots $17.99

Old Navy boots

Old Navy boots $19.99

MOMMA LOVES… leggings (the great denim alternative)

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A great pair of leggings look chic and polished – it’s all about a great fit and making sure to style them appropriately. If you don’t have pockets are a zipper keep your tush and crotch covered ladies!

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!

Helmut Lang leather

Helmut Lang leather leggings $920

David Lerner

David Lerner $198

MICHAEL Michael Kors

MICHAEL Michael Kors $100

Topshop

Topshop $48

Donna Karan cashmere

Donna Karan cashmere leggings $550

Vince

Vince $195

Plush (liquid look outside, fleece inside)

Plush (liquid look outside, fleece inside) $84

Free People heathered knit

Free People heathered knit $38

Tamara Mellon

Tamara Mellon leather leggings/boots $1995 (pants and shoes in one piece!)

Alice & Olivia leather

Alice & Olivia leather $798

BCBG

BCBG $138

James Perse

James Perse $68

Asos leather look

Asos leather look $34.11

Vince leather

Vince leather leggings $750

Tory Burch

Tory Burch denim leggings $185

Splendid heavy weight

Splendid heavy weight leggings $68

Forever 21 fair isle print

Forever 21 fair isle print $17.90