Day 8: Belt It!

If you know me or have read my blog at all, you know I am a big fan of belts.  Belts are great for many purposes. Two of the best reasons for belts are...

• cinching in a top, jacket, skirt or dress that has no shape or is too large
• adding visual interest to an outfit

Here are some examples:

me in a garage sale dress that needed a little shape

                                                   Source: sparkling-glitter.tumblr.com via Kristen on Pinterest

                                  a belted baggy sweater look from Pinterest

one of my super-cute clients in a skirt that was too big in the waist.

the cute pink belt adds major interest to this look

Source: grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

 

Source: cupcakesandcashmere.com via Kelly on Pinterest

leopard belts are always fun

Source: shopnastygal.com via Anna on Pinterest

Need some help shopping for belts?
Check out this or this.

Day 7: Flat Brown Boots

Looking for a new pair of boots for this fall, how about some flat brown ones?

Boots by BC Footwear
Boots by Gianni Bini

They look good with all kids of outfits and they are comfy!
Here are some inspired looks on my Pinterest Boot board.

Day 6: An Easy Option

Struggling for an idea for what to wear today, to an event, to anywhere?  Grab your favorite black pants and black sweater and a few colorful accessories.  I am not much for minimalism, but I love an all black outfit with a pop of color.  It is easy, chic, and flattering!

Here are a few ideas...

My Looks:  Sweater: Filene's Basement, Pants: Sears, Black pumps: Nine West Outlet, Red Pumps: TJ Maxx, Leopard Belt: Dots, Coral scarf: Mistletoe Marketplace, Aqua Watch: Burlington, Various colored bracelts: Dots.

I also created a Pinterst Board for some looks like this, check it out...

If I Worked Wednesday

Just put some new bargain finds on my ebay page.  Let me know if you have any questions about them.

I had a request for some more work friendly outfits, so I am going to start a new feature called
If I worked Wednesday.
I am going to try to show a work friendly outfit every Wednesday.


Here is an outfit I wore to church a couple weeks ago...  I think it is definitely work appropriate.  My little guy hopped in the picture with me, which is perfect, since he is my full time job these days.

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?