Day 4: Coats

How long have you had your winter coat?  If it has been a while, it may be time to get a new one.  In the winter we typically wear our winter coats everyday.  Which means, if you are like me, there may be days or months at a time wear people do not see anything but your coat.  I usually get a new winter coat each year.  It doesn’t have to be expensive.  It can be a Christmas gift.  Sometimes I get a new type of coat, a sportier puffer coat, a dress coat, a rain coat, a leather jacket.  Try a coat in a fun color, it will bring some cheer in the midst of yucky winter weather.  If people are going to see you wear it all winter, let them see something new this year.  

Here are links to some cute coats…

Treat yourself to a new one this year!

Coats by Old Navy
Coats at Macy's

Leather Jackets by Forever 21
Coats by American Apparel

Day 3: Shopping with Kids!

I love to shop and, I shop A LOT.  Many of my friends ask me how I am able to shop with my kids with me.  I think this is something that many moms find very difficult.  Here are some of my personal tips for attempting to shop with your children.

1.  Shop at stores with buggies (or carts, if you call them that):  Most of the time when I shop with my kids, I try to do it at discount stores that are easy to get in and out of.  Stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Sears, Kohls, Gordmans, etc…  have shopping carts or strollers for you to use while you shop.  It is much easier to navigate a store when my kids are in the cart.
2.  Distractions:  While they are in the buggy, give them your iphone, ipod, a book or a snack to keep them busy while you look around.
3.  Bribery: I am sure that some of you will hate this idea.  But often when we are shopping I will promise them a trip to the toy section of the store if they will be good. Sometimes all they can do is look at the toys, but they think it is fun.
4  Shop a lot:  This may sound strange, but my children have been shopping with me since they were little babies.  They are used to it, and do not think it is strange or boring, it is just something we do.
5.  Malls are fun:  My kids love the mall and even ask to go there.  One of the malls in our town has a carosel, an indoor playground, and a food court with lots of great kid choices.  In the winter is it a great place to get out of the cold and in the summer, a great place to cool off.

 Libby on the carousel at the mall.

6.  Take time for yourself:  Obviously shopping with your kids is not the ideal way to shop.  If you need to do some serious shopping, leave the kids at home with dad or get a babysitter. Make yourself a priority sometimes and then you will be a better mom in the long run

7.  Shop at stores with good return policies and keep receipts: Trying on clothes with kids can be a bit of a nightmare.  So buy it, try it on at home and decide later.  

8.Shop online!  No babysitter needed.  Another post coming soon about online shopping. 

Hope this helps, let me know your thoughts on shopping with kiddos…

31 days to a more fashionable life: LBD

The LBD

Everyone needs a little black dress that you really like and fits you really well.  I would suggest to find one that is on the conservative side.  The most common times you will need the LBD are funerals, weddings, interviews, and other events where you just don't know what is appropriate.  It is nice to have a good black dress to fall back on when an unexpected event comes along.  A little black dress can be accessorized many ways from casual to dressy. 

Need some inspiration?  I created a whole pinterest page of LBDs
check it out here.

Do you have an LBD?

31 Days to a More Fashionable Life- Jean Alternatives

This month I hope to share with you all some ideas and small things you can do to help yourself feel better about personal style and your wardrobe.

Below is day one: Jean Alternatives
Day 2:  LBD
Day 3: Shopping with kids
Day 4: Coats
Day 5: Work Outfits
Day 6: All Black
Day 7: Flat Brown Boots
Day 8: Belt it
Day 10: Cute Sneakers
Day 11: Shopping Online
Day 12: Adding Animal
Day 13: Hair
Day 14:  Purses
Day 15: Ebay
Day 17: Fall Sweaters
Day 18:  Jeans
Day 19: Discount Shopping
Day 20: Black and Brown
Day 21: Holiday Fashion

This first day is a post about a question that I get a lot.  What are some alternatives to jeans?  Jeans are super versatile, somewhat comfortable, and suitable for many occasions.  Still, it is great to have some other options to wear on your bottom half.

Here are some suggestions...

1.  skinny cargo pants:  these come in many colors and lengths and can be worn casually in much the same way jeans are worn. 

Skinny Denim by Victoria's Secret
Pants & Shorts by CJ by Cookie Johnson

2.  Black yoga pants:  These may seem really lazy, but if you can find a pair that fit well and don't look too sporty, they can be an easy casual alternative to jeans.  Wear them with flats and you can look chic in comfy knit pants.

Wide Leg Pants by LOFT
Casual Pants by New York & Co.

3.  A Denim Skirt:  Great in the summer with sandals or in the winter with boots or tights for warmth.

Mid-length Skirts at Kohl's
Mini Skirts by Ann Taylor

Khakis:  The key to a good pair of khaki pants is picking a modern cut and a shade that is not too light.

Wide Leg Pants by LOFT
Skinny Pants by MICHAEL Michael Kors

Do you have any other suggestions for alternatives to jeans?  I would love to hear them!

Wrap Up

 I hope that these fourteen fall fashion formulas have given you some inspiration for the upcoming season.
Here are a couple of google documents to help you out:


Printable Copy of the 14 Fall Fashion Formulas
Tape up a copy of this in your closet.

Printable Shopping list
If you have everything on this list, you can create all 14 formulas

Tomorrow I am going to be starting another series, 31 days to a more fashionable life...
It is a little challenge from The Nester, that I decided to take on.  Check it out starting tomorrow.

Also, notice at the top of the blog there are some new pages.  Testimonials and Services.  You can click on those and read some comments from my clients, and learn more about my styling services.  

One more thing, I also have a little stationery business.  You can click here to visit my Libbylu Designs site and learn about custom Christmas and Holiday cards.