Cocoon coats

What do you think ladies? Is this snazzy enough to make it into your fall wardrobe? Cocoon coats are all the rage on runways for fall. Keep an eye out for this fall trend.

The key to wearing this coat, without looking frumpy, is to keep the pieces underneath it “thin,” not “thin” cheap but thin enough to layer; think light cottons and jersey fabrics. Keep this couture-esque coat in vogue by wearing it with leggings and a belt. Complete the look with a great pair of boots and you’re sure to look haute this season.

Must-have fashion: One Shoulder tops and dresses

Summer weddings! I have had so many to attend this summer. What to wear? I had been store to store looking for the cutest dress to dance my heart out in. I noticed that the hottest trends in the stores right now are single shouldered dresses and tops. They were EVERYWHERE! I ended up buying up this hot trend to beef up my summer wardrobe. Trendy, Mod, and Sassy is all I can say about this trend. I got so many compliments, Check out some great one shoulder finds at the links below.

Asos.com
Shopstyle.com
Anneklein.com
Macys.com
Nordstrom.com

How to be a stylish mom on the go

Moms these days are strapped for time, balancing everything from children with complicated schedules, keeping the home from looking chaotic, and often working on top of it all. It’s a wonder we always come last on the list of priorities. BUT NO MORE! Recharging yourself will provide your children with a happier mom and in turn a happier family.

Do you roll out of be each morning, throw on whatever’s clean and start your day, only to wind up feeling frumpy and negative about your appearance? Has your need for clothes that are easy to clean and comfortable left you with the standard stay at home mom wardrobe of oversized t-shirts, jeans and sneakers? Never fear! Spanky is here! By taking lessons from your sisters who work outside the home you can change the frumpy to fantabulous in no time. By following a few simple tips you can create a simple, practical and stylish “stay at home uniform” that will allow you to feel put together but still comfortable with your day to day tasks as a mom.

Every mom’s best friend is the t-shirt. Comfortable, stain resistant and inexpensive but let’s get real ladies! Most of those t-shirts in your closet are oversized, frayed and frumpy. By paying attention to fit color and style you can keep this an essential item in your wardrobe without subtracting the sassiness. Tunics fit lightly on the body and flatter you at the same time. You can find tunics in short and long sleeves and it’s a great alternative for those lovely t-shirts. If you get dressed up you can even put a tunic over a pair of slacks and belt it. This will be comfortable for you but also very trendy. Instead of beat up tennis shoes and rubber flip flops, select comfortable, cute shoes. Why not try some trendy ballet flats in some funky colors? Whether you are dressing up for a date or running errands the ballet flat is cute and comfortable.

Making baby bags practical, cute and efficient can be a tough job. There are some fashion-friendly designer baby bags out there but they can be rather expensive. Use your creative brain and check out other types of bags. Make sure that they have a nice shoulder strap and lots of pockets. Try gym bags, backpacks, or small carry on bags. You might want to pick a neutral color so you are in sync with the rest of your out fit at all times. Don’t try and carry a purse and a baby bag. Make sure you try and find a bag that will serve both needs.

Purchasing the correct fabrics can make a huge difference! The working mom should start avoiding clothes that are labeled, “dry clean only.” These pieces may look nice but take too much time and money to actually maintain. Try picking clothes that are comfortable, washable and need less maintenance.

No matter how busy you are with your family, it’s important to take a little “me” time every week. Have someone else watch your kids, even if it’s just for an hour. Take a bubble bath and read some gossip magazines or put your feet up and watch TV. Give yourself a home facial or home manicure….or better yet; take a quick trip to the salon. To look good, you need to feel good. With all the pressures of life, it’s important that we all take the time out every once and awhile for some pampering.

Kohl’s apt.9 line

I’m sure we are all having to go through our wardrobes to see what fits, what’s out of style, and what just plain needs to go. After I went through all of my clothing for the new spring season I came to the realization that nothing was going to be salvageable.  Am I picky? Probably. Regardless, I had to start shopping for some new basic items. Thankfully, it wasn’t hard since there’s a new brand in town. I ended up finding most of my key, trendy items at Kohl’s.  They have this new line called apt. 9 Not only do their clothes actually fit a woman with curves but they are trendy and hip!  I get compliments all the time.  Not to mention the prices are incredible.

Check out the Floral Pleated Top, pictured above, and the rest of the apt. 9® line HERE.

35 Ways to wear a scarf

Silly! Did you think that scarves were only for those unbearably cold winter months? You were wrong! Scarves not only complete your outfit, or make you look completely snazzy, but they can also allow you to ditch that drab jacket. A scarf is a great way to dress up any outfit by adding texture or even a pop of color, and with so many ways to style it the possibilities are endless. For 35 different ways to style your scarf, click the link below.

www.texeresilk.com/cms-scarf_tying_guide.html

How to be a Fashionista on a Budget

Keeping fashionable and staying under a specific budget can be difficult but not impossible. Here are some great ideas of how to find those fabulous finds at a lower price.

Do Your Research. Knowing what looks good on you is important. Just because it’s in your local magazine or you saw it on someone else doesn’t mean it’s for you. Be honest with yourself about your body. You will save lots of money and time.

Clean that closet! Fashionista’s with limited budgets should follow the 70/30 rule: 70% of your closet should be classic pieces, 30% trendy pieces. Go as cheap as possible on the trendy items because they have a short closet lifespan. These items are good to get from stores like H&M, Target, Forever 21, Wet Seal, Zara, Bluefly, Urban Outfitters and many more! Go more designer on your classic pieces like black suits, Coats and evening gowns.

Be friendly when you’re shopping at your local retailer. Its important to get to know your sales associate. When you take the time to be kind and get to know them they are more apt to help you out. Remember, they know about all the up coming sales and deals. They might just give you the inside scoop!

Be strategic. Shop at the outlets or discounted stores. Make a day our of it and take the girl friends. Not only are you shopping at a discounted price you are also getting some great, honest advice on the items you try on.

Shopping on line can save you time and money. Some companies offer free shipping if you order on line. If it doesn’t work out you can return it to the store or just send it back and they credit your account. Many retailers only keep a selected amount of merchandise in their stores and then the rest they just advertise on line. So before you leave the house check on line and see if there are any extra deals or coupons going on.

Shop Out of Season
For the lowest prices on accessories, shop out of season. For example, boots and other winter accessories are usually cheapest in spring, while sunglasses and summer accessories are less expensive in fall. Also look for special sales around major holidays.

Visit Thrift Shops
You can locate treasures from decades gone by at thrift shops and vintage clothing stores in your local area. Here you can find jewelry, handbags and other accessories at discount prices. If you don’t mind used accessories, you can find some real steals and might add some character to your wardrobe at the same time.

Join your local Freecycle group where you can find things people are giving away, as well as pass on items you no longer use.
www.freecycle.org

Author: Kelly Diven