Mummsy: Your source for the fashionable mommy

Que Zara, Zara..........such bargains to see, to see

2011-02-23T22:13:00.001-06:00

ZARA is the discount retailer with stores worldwide and it is having a big big sale going on now.
There are so many cute items for amazing prices, however I'm going to post some of the toddler girls' clothes that I have my eye on.
If you are not lucky enough to live by a Zara then I suggest you move ASAP.........kidding!
You can always locate the nearest store on their website and ask to have the items shipped.
And those are not typos, those really are the prices.

$5.99

$12.99

$5.99

ZARA website

My Funny Valentine

2011-02-13T23:26:00.004-06:00

I fancy myself quite the cinephile.
In my DVR titles you'll find such classics as Metropolis, Goodfellas, The Bicycle Thief, and Blow Up amongst others.
Heck, I even recorded Intolerance one night when it was on AMC's Silent Sunday.
And I fully intend to watch it the very next time I have a free 3 1/2 hours to kick back and see a 95 year old silent movie.
I might even throw in a viewing of Shoah and call it a weekend!

But in a folder of my DVR, hidden from prying eyes, is my stash of guilty pleasures:
Sleepless in Seattle, My Best Friend's Wedding, Notting Hill, When Harry Met Sally.............!
Even as I swear I can never forgive Ralph Fiennes for appearing in Maid in Manhattan, I'm eating up every scene like it's the last brownie in the pan.

My name is Jacquie and I am a rom-com addict.

And the one time of year when I feel no shame in indulging my addiction is tomorrow, Valentine's Day.
If you're a singleton, wondering when Mr Right will come along............well if a poor hooker in L.A. can snag a billionaire, (thank you Pretty Woman) than you gotta believe there's hope for you.
And if you're already in a relationship, as crappy as it might be sometimes, at least you're not Jennifer or Reese or Drew or Julia or any other ridiculously beautiful woman, failing at love, over and over and over again up on the big screen.

So tomorrow night I will set a piece of chocolate pound cake with rose-scented cream cheese frosting in front of me and spend the evening with my favorite couple, Alvy and Annie.

And I'll leave it to Alvy Singer to sum up, so much better than I ever could, the meaning of love:

“After that it got pretty late, and we both had to go, but it was great seeing Annie again. I... I realized what a terrific person she was, and... and how much fun it was just knowing her; and I... I, I thought of that old joke, y'know, the, this... this guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, "Doc, uh, my brother's crazy; he thinks he's a chicken." And, uh, the doctor says, "Well, why don't you turn him in?" The guy says, "I would, but I need the eggs." Well, I guess that's pretty much now how I feel about relationships; y'know, they're totally irrational, and crazy, and absurd, and... but, uh, I guess we keep goin' through it because, uh, most of us... need the eggs.”

It boggles the mind.

2011-02-09T19:47:00.001-06:00

I live in a suburb where the moms dress chic and the toddlers dress chicer.
When a 3 year old showed up to my twins swim class wearing a Burberry bathing suit, I didn't bat an eye.
The time I saw a mother/daughter combo with matching Tory Burch rain boots, I barely missed a beat.
But last week walking downtown, I saw a pair of munchkins wearing snow boots so showstopping, I not only paused, but ran after the mommy to find out who, what, where?????
Turns out they were Bogs and she got them at G____, the independent and terribly expensive childrens shoe store downtown.
Now I don't know if it was because I was in a rush and had thrown on my husband's ratty turtleneck sweater, but this mommy made a point to tell me that the boots were a little pricey but she was sure I could find them cheaper online.
And thus, my search began.

REI, Zappo's, Amazon- they all had the boots I wanted, for approximately the same price of $55. Maybe not a fortune, but when you are always shopping for two, that adds up quickly. And when one of those two has changed shoe sizes TWICE in one year, well you get the picture.

I finally decided to drop in to the new DSW near my house hoping I could find them there. Unfortunately, this DSW doesn't carry shoes for children.
Totally deflated, I slipped into the Nordstrom Rack next to it just to warm up and strategize my next move, and what happened next is what totally boggled my mind.

A salesperson walked right by me holding the pair of Bogs I had been searching for. They were the exact size I needed. He showed me where the rest were stocked and I found another pair in the right size for the other twin. Then this salesman looked at me and said, “Boy these have been really popular lately. You're lucky we just discounted them today.”

And sure enough, I looked inside the boots and saw the big red discount tag.
And it read $19.90.

Bogs website

Pay the Piper

2011-02-09T01:07:00.000-06:00

Piperlime's final sale is going on now with amazing discounts on great items from Marc Jacobs, Rachel Palley, and Theory among others.
And since it is a final sale, there are no returns or exchanges, so make sure you commit before you hit “submit”.

Piperlime

Hallowgreen

2010-10-17T10:23:00.001-05:00

Since it's the season for witches, ghosts, and goblins, how about a real horror story Mummsy style?

–60 million plastic bottles end up in American landfills daily.
–Bottling water produced more than 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide.
–It took 3 liters of water to produce 1 liter of bottled water.
–38 billion water bottles are discarded into landfills every year.
–Producing the bottles for American consumption required the equivalent of more than 17 million barrels of oil, not including the energy for transportation.

Scared enough already?
Well check out the Hydros water bottle.

The Hydros Bottle provides a reusable, filtered water bottle and is 7 times faster than traditional water pitcher filters.
It's BPA free and manufactured and assembled in America.
It's sleek, easy on the eyes, and easy to walk around with. (Kind of like the Jon Hamm of water bottles.)
And if all the above isn't enough to convince you, each bottle purchased helps provide 2000 gallons of safe drinking water to people in need.

Where you can purchase one

And one last reason to get the Hydros water bottle, it's just the right thing to do.

There's no sugarcoating this.

2010-10-16T22:59:00.000-05:00

I have a guest room in my house with a fairly large closet. This closet is full of my coats. I have fall coats and winter coats, spring coats and “holy shit! it's 15 outside with a windchill of 10 below” coats.
I have an amazing Italian wool coat that I bought for $50 at a boutique's “going out of business” sale. This coat should be a winter coat. However it is a size smaller than I usually wear and thus, I cannot button it, beautiful rhinestone buttons be damned.
But hey, for $50 bucks it makes a gorgeous coat that I can wear walking jauntily down Boul Mich, my coat swinging open on a beautiful fall day.

Yeah I know, I need an intervention.
But until that happens, here are some great casual coats I found for under $350.
Click on prices for more info.

$88

$129.99

$325

$248

$168

$298

$120

$198

Happy Birthday John and Sean Lennon

2010-10-09T10:17:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Boy by John Lennon

Sisterhood of the effortless pants

2010-10-05T22:57:00.000-05:00

Quick- what do Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston, Renee Zellweger, and Madonna have in common?
Well ask most women their opinion of any of the above and you'll hear words like beautiful, stylish, stunning, fashion icons, etc.
Ask a man, correction- a straight man, and you'll probably hear vastly different answers.
You don't need John Gray to tell you men and women can think differently about beauty.
Women see SJP's style, her gorgeous eyes, her long curls, and we adore her look. Jennifer and Renee exude fitness and classic style, and Madonna is ever the fashion trendsetter.
Let's face it, women dress for other women. If we were to dress how men would want then we might all be walking around like Coco:

I mean this dress just looks painful.

Back in my twenties I too thought the tighter the jeans, the lower the neckline, the shorter the hem, was what sexy was all about. But with age, hopefully, comes some style maturity.

You learn to wear the clothes, not have the clothes wear you. You learn that wearing an outfit that you can move freely in is so much more attractive than hobbling along in 6 inch stilettos with skintight jeans. You learn that when you're constantly sucking your tummy in because the dress is so tight and you no longer feel your feet because the shoes are so high, that maybe this is too much of a price to pay to look sexy for some man.

And you realize that wearing more can be so much more beautiful than wearing less.

And this brings us to my new favorite pair of pants.

Ibex Izzi pant $135

These are made from the softest merino wool that is so comfortable yet keeps in the warmth. Two front pockets and a bootcut hem keep in the style. Wear them during the day with a long sleeve tee or a turtleneck to do errands, switch to black ballet flats and a wraparound top or cashmere cardi and you're good to go at night.
You'll love the versatility, comfort, and effortless style of these beautiful pants.
And that, my fashionistas, is what dressing sexy is all about.

Dress casually chic for fall? No sweat!

2010-09-09T23:42:00.003-05:00

We're going into the second week of September and the high in Chicago today was 70 degrees. Labor Day is in the rearview mirror and Target and Home Goods are already Halloweened out. It's dark by eight and all of the above can only mean one thing, my favorite time of the year has arrived.
How I love autumn in Chicago!
And how I love the sweatshirt dress, the perfect option for this time of year.
It's comfortable for running around during the day and stylish enough for the last waning weeks of cocktails al fresco.

Click on price for more info

$18.54

$48.00

$79.00

$175.00

$135.00

Project Runway, runway, runway, runway, I will follow

2010-09-03T21:26:00.004-05:00

I am an admitted reality TV junkie.
You would think with 3 year old twins running havoc in the house that I would spend the few precious quiet, childfree hours away from them doing something productive, or at the least, watching something intelligent.
But you would be wrong.
Real Housewives (all of them), American Pickers, Pawn Stars, Dancing with the Stars, Amazing Race- they're all on my DVR.
And then there's the one I love and wait for every new season with bated breath, Project Runway.
Heidi, Michael, Nina, designers, egos, bitching, tears, Mood, Fashion Week, bad clothes, beautiful clothes, and of course, Tim Gunn.
Is there another more endearing man on television than Mr Gunn?
I watch every season and almost never fail to get swept up in the drama, disappointments, and triumphs.
When Rami Kashou competed on Season 4, I felt as if I had a personal stake in the outcome. You see, I had ordered his designs in the past for my boutique and felt the rest of the world was going to see the talent I had spotted first.
Of course Christian Siriano won Season 4, and rightly so.
I looked on in amazement at Christian's designs week after week, such visionary masterpieces even Victoria Beckham declared she would wear anything he designed.

And then like last year's Versace, (thank you Dina Manzo) something happened to my show.
Season 5 was such a snooze I actually missed half the episodes.
Season 6 winner: Irina, nuff said. Not only was she not very likeable, on any other season she would have been a runner-up at best.
This was also the first season the show broadcast on Lifetime, and the first time it filmed in LA.
If the producers had any worries about viewers following the show from Bravo to Lifetime, well they did not do themselves any favors by moving the show from NY to LA.
Season 7 brought the producers back to their senses and brought the show back to New York.
Seth Aaron was the winner, who cared?

But now there is Season 8 and 4 million viewers (a ratings record) can't be wrong.
On the heels of the Aug.26th episode, one many are calling the best ever, this season is soaring along with the ratings.
You want a villain, well you got two in Gretchen and Ivy.
How about some eye candy in Christopher, momma hen with Peach, little gizmo-like creature Mondo, hapless Michael C, and Casaaaaaaanooohvaaaaa!
Oh it's gonna be hard to beat the verbal smackdown my beloved Tim Gunn gave to Gretchen in the Aug. 26th show, (who knew he had it in him?) but I can't wait to see what the rest of this season's episodes brings us.
Project Runway Season 8, you've brought the fierce back to fashion.

Have Gunn, will travel.

Gonna dress you up in my line, all over, all over

2010-07-04T11:30:00.003-05:00

Madonna and Lola have designed a new junior collection, "Material Girl" that will hit 200 Macy's stores on Aug 3rd.

Madonna is following in the stylish footsteps of her great friend Stella McCartney, who last year debuted her line of children's clothing at Gap Kids stores.

Stella's lookbook for Gap Kids

Madonna and Lourdes' new collection is described as a mix of soft and tough, ie: combat boots paired with a tutu dress, cabbage roses with black and white stripes, at pricepoints ranging from $12-$40.
All this is good news for this mommy as I found McCartney's collection to be priced out of the range for the average parent.
Will Madonna and child's collection be as big a hit as McCartney's?
After all, it's rumored that grown women such as France's First Lady aka rockstar girlfriend aka supermodel/singer Carla Bruni was buying some of the larger items from McCartney's Gap collection to wear herself!
We'll have to wait for next month to find out.
One thing is for sure, like her style icon momma, Lola has a great fashion aesthetic that's all her own.

Madonna shows how it's done.

Oh but ain't that America for you and me

2010-07-03T00:35:00.041-05:00

Happy Birthday USA!

"We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Making lemonade out of lemons, with apologies to Kelly Bensimon

2010-07-02T20:29:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted my faithful fashionistas, and I apologize.
I suppose I could tell you of what is going on and why I haven't felt up to blogging. But this is a fashion blog, not a “feel sorry for myself and throw a pity party” blog.
So let's just leave it at I've been lax and I will try not to take so long between posts again.
One thing I will divulge, I've been feeling a bit unnerved lately. Even more than my usual Type A self feels on a regular basis.
If you recall, back in January I planned to take up yoga again,

Karma chameleon

So this latest bout of anxiety pushed me to take up Bikram yoga, and I am hooked, line and sinker.

This is the type of yoga geared towards stressed out ruminators such as moi:

105 degree yoga studio to sweat out all the toxins, CHECK!

Same 26 poses done every class allowing a perfectionist like myself the ability to master each pose over time, CHECK!

Perfect opportunity to purchase all kinds of cute yoga outfits, CHECKMATE!

When I saw my instructor Elizabeth wearing these yoga pants, I knew I had to have them.

Unfortunately, this is the Boogie crop by Lululemon and is only available in black and only online.

Undeterred, I visited my local Lululemon store and found the Gather and Crow crop.

Talk about unlocking my inner bliss! These crop pants are so soft yet they smooth and hug my body perfectly. The slit in the back allows for ventilation which becomes oh so important when you are sweating off gallons during a 90 minute class. I felt a little closer to enlightenment just trying them on. They come in basic black, charcoal, and black with various colored waistbands.
I love them and think you will too.

And finally, I had a fellow student in my class this morning that made me think of the old line about Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers:

“Ginger Rodgers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels”

You see this student was Muslim and she did the entire 90 minute class in 105 degree heat covered from her head scarf to her long pants.
This girl was a true Chakra rock star.
If I can achieve just a portion of the mindfulness over matter that she clearly had, then maybe I will finally be on my path to a less bumpy state of mind. Namaste.

Aruba, Jamaica, oooh I wanna take ya..........

2010-05-31T00:58:00.002-05:00

There once was a mom who did love

those bikinis that fit like a glove

But the birth of her twins

Put her belly in a spin

So the tank is what she wore most of.

Put Kokomo on the Ipod, make yourself a Skinny Girl Margarita, and dive in to the great sales going on right now on swimwear.

$23.99

$20.79

$59.99

$92.00

$5.00

$44.99

$34.99

$46.99

$39.99

$54.99

$59.99

$49.99

$39.99

$59.99

$29.99

$49.99

$29.99

$34.99

$39.99

$59.99

$89.99

$89.00

$97.00

$96.00

Everything but Water Coupon Code

Click link and get 10% off through June 13, 2010

bluefly coupon code:

	CCABIN20FS

	Click link, enter code & you'll receive $20 off your online order of $150 or more plus receive free shipping (new customers only).
	This coupon expires June 30, 2010.

The party's over.

2010-05-27T00:07:00.007-05:00

Facebook is many things:
A way of reconnecting with old friends
An outlet for self expression
A huge waste of time, thank you Betty White

But one unexpected result of being on FB, you get to see what happened to that old boyfriend from high school/college.
If you ever had any lingering thoughts about the road not taken, well odds are that that road is now closed, bulldozed, demolished.
Some memories from the past are best left there.

I bring this up because SATC 2 opens today. (If you do not know what the initials stand for then I must ask you to leave my blog immediately.)

And the reviews ain't good.

Oh, I will see it. Definitely not on opening night, maybe I'll even wait until it's on Dish on demand.
After all, back in 1998 when we first met Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte, I too was a single gal in a big city looking for my Mr Big.
By the time it finished it's run in 2004 I was happily married, opening a business, and like Charlotte, trying to conceive.
But through the magic of TBS these four are still frozen in time, still searching for love, hitting the latest hotspots, and wearing the clothing that was half the reason we tuned in.

I always forgave Carrie for this:

Because I knew she would reward us with a stunner like this:

I still cry when Carrie tells Aidan she cheated on him, even though I've seen her make this speech at least 10 times.
And I still feel her triumph when she magnificently walks away from Big outside the Plaza, his engagement party just ended.
What about "the new Yankee"? Dandy Warhols playing in the background, she turns around at the bar and there's Big.
My favorite? Fashion roadkill.
She gets up off the floor of the runway after falling on her face, and completes her stroll down the catwalk, high-fiving Heidi on the way back.

So thank you to TBS for letting me revisit my favorite episodes over and over.
But just like that old boyfriend who was gonna change the world and instead is changing tires at the local Jiffy Lube, sometimes it's best to not reacquaint ourselves with certain old friends from the past.
Let's remember these four the way they were in their prime, and not now, still partying long after the party has ended.

SATC- The End.

Hot Child in the City

2010-05-26T20:59:00.002-05:00

I've been told by certain somebodies ( you know who you are sister dearest ) that I sure know how to stretch a dollar. In other words, I'm cheap.
Okay, I confess to a certain frugality.
But when you've owned a clothing store and have bought wholesale, all bets are off.
I never shop full price.
You have better odds of seeing ABBA reunited and singing at next year's Super Bowl then seeing me purchase an item at regular price.
The problem here is I LOVE clothes.
So I get my fashion jones off by shopping for my girls. On sale.
Luckily there are a lot of summer sales going on right now for the little darlings. And not just at the usual shopping sites.
So break your Gymboree habit, leave The Children's Place, and check out some not so obvious choices.

Peasant dress $7.99

77 high fliers graphic t $9.95

gauzy flutter dress $24.95

Ruffly sailor stripe top $9.95

Girls' layered cake skirt $24.99

Full bloom dress $14.95

Camelia wrap dress $19.50

Floral dress $26.50

Girls' cotton bubble tank $14.99

Pattycake skirt $24.99

Peace tee $15.84

Dark slim denim $21.59

In addition to being the discount doyenne,

I'm also quite the queen of the online browsing scene.
So here's a great online fashion magazine for children.

Lunchbox magazine

For those days when even 70% off isn't enough
to get you to break open the piggybank.

I'm on my way, I'm on my way, Home Sweet Home.

2010-05-20T12:03:00.004-05:00

When you live in a big big city there is a certain way of life you have that might surprise someone living in the suburbs or a smaller town. Probably the biggest thing is many people don't drive or even own a car.
I myself didn't drive from-- brace yourself-- 1991 to 2004.
Another big difference is the lack of so called “big box” stores, aka, Walmart.
When we decided we needed new bikes, we found the ones we wanted at Super Walmart. So we looked up the nearest location, Indiana.
Needless to say, we chose other bikes.
The first Walmart to open in Chicago wasn't until 2006 and that was only after a very long protracted political fight. I won't get into the specifics of the various pros and cons presented for opening/not opening the Walmart. After all, this is a fashion blog and I don't want to delve into such distasteful subjects as paying people a living wage, mass importation from China, corporate censorship, etc.
But I digress.
So when we moved to the suburbs there was a whole plethora of stores I had heard of but never actually been in: Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, Meijer's, Michael's.

And Home Goods.

I had heard of Home Goods but I imagined it to be an off shoot of Marshall's, kind of a poor relation. They are indeed owned by the same corporation, TJX Companies, but that is where the similarities end, at least in regards to MY Home Goods.
Walk into my Home Goods, which is a convenient 5 minute drive from my house, (thank God for driving in the burbs) and you will see an array of dishware, crystal, glassware, rugs, decorative decor, and way more.

I decorated my girls' bedroom and bathroom solely from Home Goods, I bought my All Clad pots and pans from Home Goods, and I bought the cushions for my couch and rug for my dining room all at Home Goods. The best part is the turnover in merchandise. They get new arrivals weekly and sometimes twice weekly. If you see something you like then I advise you to snatch it up.
I am still lamenting the beautiful carved wood sculpture from Thailand that would have been perfect in my alcove. I suppose I can always pick one up in Bangkok, after all it's been 11 years since I've visited and I'm due. I hear right now is a particularly “exciting” time to be there.
Whoops, stay focused Jacquie, fashion blog, fashion blog.

Check out the Home Goods website
for the location nearest you.

Happy feet

2010-04-25T11:13:00.002-05:00

True confession time, I have a dirty little secret.
After 22 years in Chicago, I have discovered the hidden advantage to living in a city that seems to have frigid temps, snow, and wind for a good 3/4 of the year: No one (except maybe your significant other and/or your yoga instructor) will see your legs and feet from October through March.
Because of this many women, myself included, leap at the opportunity to avoid shaving, waxing, and pedicures for part of that time.
Now let me make this clear, I don't quite pull a “Monique” over the winter.

However I definitely slack off on the maintenance below the waist.
But come April, when the trees are blooming, the birds are chirping, and my toes are wiggling in the fresh cut grass, I know it's that time: Sandal Time. I put on a fresh coat of OPI “Do you Lilac It” and I'm ready to go shoe shopping.

There are so many great sandals for this season at great prices. And like Lay's, you can't just stop at one.

Kenneth Cole Cedar Grove $79

Wild Diva Women's Tanaya-20 Sandal $28.50

Cocobelle Women's Victoria Sandal $106

Dolce Vita Amos sandal $64.66

Steve Madden Rivierra $59.95

Juicy Couture Flashy $98

Mitzi sandal $39.95

Mia Harlot $58

Cherese leather $29.99

Cocobelle "Bella" $88

Embellished wrap sandal $29

Seychelles twin sandal $70

Rosebud sandal $49.99

Anticipation, antici-pay-ya-tion.

2010-04-14T09:43:00.002-05:00

Here are the details on the First Birthday Sale going on April 16 at Outnet.com.
Click on image for larger view.

And if you can't wait until Friday to shop, Banana Republic is offering 40% off one regular priced item TODAY ONLY. Enter promo code PPLPJVY46376 at checkout. Sale excludes shoes.

LA Woman

2010-04-07T18:25:00.001-05:00

Kitson LA is having a great sale going on now through April 25. Take 25% of your $200 order with code “kitsonspring25”.
Yes, I know Kitson is often “Kitschon” with lots of too trendy, la la land, Hilton/Kardashion castoffs, but check out the Web exclusive sale for some great deals on Marc by Marc Jacobs, cute Signorelli tees (love their tees), and See by Chloe among others.

Kitson LA

The buck stops here.

2010-04-04T22:15:00.002-05:00

Join The Outnet.com and you'll be able to shop their birthday sale on April 16th where

EVERYTHING IN THE SALE WILL BE JUST $1.00

With designers like Marc Jacobs, Alice & Olivia, Missoni, and Stella McCartney, this is one birthday party you won't want to miss.

The Outnet.com Birthday Sale

Bobbing for a bargain.

2010-03-30T23:16:00.021-05:00

Hale Bob is one of those lines that's always been hit or miss for me. I used to carry a lot of it during the summer because they do bright silk dresses very well.
During the fall and holiday seasons not so much, too much velvet and ornamentation.
Having said that, the Hale Bob website has a great promotional event going on.
Sign up for their special offers and you'll receive a coupon code worth 50% off SALE items.

Hale Bob 50% off promotional event

Embellished Tulip Silk Jersey Dress

Regular price: $308.00

Sale price: $248.00, with code: $124

Cranberry Velvet Burnout Halter Dress

Regular price: $236.00

Sale price: $190.00, with code: $95

Violet Stretch Silk Long Sleeve Dress

Regular price: $294.00

Sale price: $236.00, with code: $118

Gold Silk Charmeuse One Shoulder Top

Regular price: $150.00

Sale price: $120.00, with code: $60

Blue Stretch Silk Charmeuse V Neck Kimono Dress

Regular price: $236.00

Sale price: $190.00, with code: $95

Get a beautiful dress, perfect for a summer cruise or getaway on the beach,
for a greatly reduced price.
"Hale", "Hale", summer's almost here.

She's the devil with the blue dress, red dress, white dress, devil with the hot dress on!

2010-03-28T11:27:00.001-05:00

As promised, 30 more dresses under $50.00.
The usual disclaimers apply: Limited colors, sizes, and some are final sale.

On your mark, get set, SHOP!

This item is only available
until March 31st.

Combobella jersey dress $32.00

This item is only available until March 31st.

Ana Pires dress $45.00

This item is only available until March 31st.

Hache taffeta dress $45.00

Black poly chiffon dress $43.99

Jersey ruffle hem dress $45.59

Ribbed turtleneck dress $29.90

Horny Toad Ruby dress $20.25

Okay, this dress is over $50 but I LOVE it.

Acid floral strapless dress $57.00

Cinch this with a wide leather belt

Haute safari dress $26.99

Grey Antics party dress $29.99

Geren Ford dress $49.99

Velvet dress $29.99

Teardrop frock $39.99

Chevron peplum dress $24.99

Loretta dress $49.99

Mixed ruffle dress $19.99

Secretary dress $39.99

Side Pocket dress $29.99

Ecote strapless dress $24.99

Slip Dress $28.50

Ella Moss stripe dress $49.00

Ella Moss Rhianna dress $46.00

Aqua animal print dress $43.12

Studded waist dress $49.99

Heart print tee dress $48.99

Tiered racerback dress $47.20

mock two piece dress $45.90

Dress with sash $46.90

Matte wrap jersey dress $46.90

Calvin Klein drape front dress $46.90

Long cool woman in a hot dress

2010-03-27T02:33:00.006-05:00

Time to catch up my fashionistas!
I've been rather lax in my posting this month for various reasons. Those "various reasons" have decided they no longer want to be potty trained. So I've been busy doing a lot of chasing around, mopping up, and lots of changing of sheets.
But now that I do believe the weather is catching up with the calender, I've posted thirty great dresses for under $50. Next post I'll have more.
Many of these dresses are a final sale and in limited sizes and colors, so get shopping girlfriends!

Click on image for a larger view and click on link for more info.

Metallic dress $18.80

Silk drawstring dress $49.99

Inc dress $39.50

London Times Dress $49.50

Collective clothing $48.70

Glam dress $48.80

Ralph Lauren shirtdress $49.99

Single dress $39.06

Aqua dress $34.30

Free People slip dress $47.60

Cargo dress $19.99

Piped dress $39.99

Collective clothing dress $48.80

Watercolor drawstring dress $39.99

Silk chiffon dress $39.99

Silk chiffon twist tank dress $49.99

Susana Monaco belted dress $49.10

Ella Moss Alix dress $48.60

Corey Lynn Calter capelet dress $49.95

Strapless cocoon dress $40.99

Belted ruffle tube dress $47.20

Ruched one shoulder dress $47.20

Michael Stars Empire dress $46

Ruffle dress $34.50

Floral print dress $46.40

Knot front dress $38.40

Wrap dress $49.50

Hooded trench dress $41.50

Watercolor tube dress $44.00

Tunic dress $17.09

Wild thing, you make my heart sing.

2010-03-07T17:13:00.005-06:00

Sunday, March 20 is the official start of spring, less than 2 weeks away.

But since it is rainy, cold, overcast and in the thirties here in Chicago, my mind says winter is a long way from leaving.

Yessiree fashionistas, the never- ending, all encompassing winter of discontent of 2009/2010 is still here. This winter has been so unrelenting it's actually extended into a whole new decade.

Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating un petit peu. (when you're speaking about fashion it's mandatory to throw in a little french every once in a while)

However, looking at the beautiful handbags from Jill K. Bags makes me wish I had discovered them at the beginning of this winter, although I'm not sure if I can remember that far back.

brown and turquoise leather flap bag $185

brown and gold leather flap bag $185

large wool tote $225

gray faux fur bag $55

black and dark green cow hide flap bag $190

These bags give off a whole "wild thing, Raquel Welch in One Million Years BC vibe".

But if you're more in the present and offended by the fur used on some of the bags, keep in mind only recycled fur and leather are used.

Jill K. Bags

“Gaultier” or “Go Away”

2010-03-05T02:01:00.008-06:00

I've been gone for two weeks with family business.
But I'm back, mon petit fashionistas, and just in time.
Gaultier for Target drops this Sunday online and at select stores nationwide. I'm posting pics of some of the items and you can decide for yourself:
1. This collection is “all that” or
2. Hell no, those rags are “all whack”

Click on images for a larger view.

Stripe Trench Coat in Khaki $59.99| Lingerie Dot Dress in Green|Black $34.99

Halter Dress in Yellow $59.99 | Mesh Tee in Tattoo Print $26.99

Sailor Cardigan in Navy/Red $49.99 | Floral Boyshort Bikini Bottoms in Pink/White $17.99

Leather Moto Jacket in Brown/Red $199.99 | Tank Dress in Red $34.99 also available in Navy/Cream

Leather Jacket in Tan $199.99 | One-Piece Swimsuit in Tattoo Print $34.99 also available in Metallic | Gold Necklace Tank in Coral $24.99 also available in Black

Pinstripe Double-Breasted Jacket in Black $49.99 | Pinstripe Shorts in Black $34.99

Anchor Tee, Navy/White $19.99 also available in Red/Gray | Bikini Bottoms in Tattoo Print $17.99 also available in Blue Floral

Pinstripe Vest in Black $29.99 | Eye Tee in Khaki $19.99 | Pinstripe Skirt in Black $34.99 also available in Light Pink | Mesh Leggings in Tattoo Print $24.99

Twisted Shoulder Drape Top in Navy/White $22.99 also available in Black | Lingerie Tank in Blue $19.99 | Floral Skirt in Blue/White $34.99

So, “Strike a pose” or “Does the emperor have no clothes?”

Okay, I'm done.

Don't click on this link until Mar.7th if you want to see the line at Target.com

I want my junk TV.

2010-02-16T01:33:00.003-06:00

Having toddler twins who have discovered the joy of a teepeed kitchen and the delight found in tormenting the dog, I've had to drastically streamline my TV habits.
And so my DVR has said goodbye to John Stewart, Anderson Cooper, Oprah, even the women of The View.
But there is a group of women I wish I could quit, but I can't. Gretchen, Bethanny, Nene, and Kim beckon me week after week, season after season.
What is it about the Real Housewives that makes this real housewife tune in every Thursday? Could I be feeling a bit of schadenfreude watching these women, who spent so frivolously and needlessly, now having to rein in their spending habits and downsize in this new world order?
Actually, I should say most of these women have reined in their spending. Last week's show had Lynn Curtin being served with an eviction notice on her rented house. She handles this financial dilemma by taking off for the weekend to San Francisco and splurging on a $1500 leather jacket that would have been at home in Love is a Battlefield.

Poor, poor Lynn (literally and figuratively). If she had only known about Yoox, the fashion online superstore. The range of designers is deep including Stella McCartney, Missoni, Marc Jacobs and Valentino. I've been shopping here for years and especially love the lesser known designers featured. What really makes Yoox rock is the sale section which now has almost 1000 items up to 90% off.

Under $20

Under $50

Many of the sale items come in very limited sizes and colors, but with almost 1000 items reduced, it's time to put down the remote and start thinking inside the Yoox.

Yoox website

RIP Alexander McQueen

2010-02-11T10:29:00.004-06:00

Ahhhh.........the sadness.

British fashion designer Lee McQueen (aka Alexander McQueen) died in London yesterday. He was 40 years old.

His many accomplishments include winning "British Designer of the Year" four times between 1996 and 2003, becoming one of the youngest designers to achieve this honor.

He was head designer at Givenchy from 1996-2001 and had boutiques across Europe and the US.

Dressing everyone from Bjork, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Madonna, to Kate Moss and Lady Gaga, his influence in the fashion industry is substantial and far reaching.

Reports indicate he committed suicide.
This follows the suicide of his very close friend, writer Isabella Blow in 2007, which haunted him until his death, and the death of his mother Joyce last week.
I hope he is with both of them now, at peace at last.

Winter of my discontent

2010-02-09T20:23:00.002-06:00

Snowapolooza, Snowpocalypse, Snowtorious B.I.G

You know sometimes the posts just write themselves.
We're entering Day 4 of Snowmageddon 2010, Oy!
Snowblowers everywhere are in overdrive. (Why did Lindsay Lohan just flash through my mind?)
True, I am technically in Chicago and not DC, but the nonstop news coverage and the nonstop snow here has definitely made this the winter of my discontent.
What better way to lift my spirits than writing about all those fabulous all weather boots that are now on clearance?
You don't even need to bother putting down your warm beverage since most of these come with free shipping and delivery.
Next thing you know you'll be stumbling down the snowpiled streets with the chicest winter boots this side of Gstaad.

Pajar Bomba in Orange @ Lori's Shoes $109.90

The North Face Nuptse knee high boot @ Backcountry.com $118.97

Nine West Linnie ankle boot @ Endless.com $79.82

Sudini 'Teton' Waterproof Ankle Boot @Zappo's $103.62

Charlotte Ronson Agata Suede boots @ShopBop $72.60

Emu Australia high hip boot @Endless.com $49.90

Okay all this shoe browsing has left me in a much better mood, although I could probably still be talked into throwing a snowball at someone.

Now where's that hot toddy recipe again?

Emily Post it!

2010-02-08T23:00:00.008-06:00

Evite is so last decade once you check out Paperless Post.

It's a new website to create custom online invitations and announcements with a large variety of designs, fonts, and envelopes to choose from. Once created, you send them out using online stamps. One stamp equals one invite and you automatically receive 25 stamps for free when you sign up.

The finished product is an invite or announcement
that is classic, sophisticated and tasteful, just like you.

Paperless Post on Facebook

Cheap Trick up your sleeve.

2010-02-03T23:33:00.004-06:00

Every holiday season without fail the "must have" toy comes out and certain parents will work themselves into a frenzy to get it for their kids. And every holiday season I laugh ever so smugly at these parents. How many Christmases does it take before they realize their toddler is way more interested in the box and wrapping paper than the toy itself?

That is why I have no qualms about shopping at the Dollar Store for my girls. When they invariably rip the pages out of their books or yank the heads off their dolls, I feel much better knowing I've only spent a few bucks on them (the toys, not my girls). My only beef with the Dollar Store is that there aren't more things I'm interested in.

Now I'm sure some of you are chirping like birds right now, "Cheap, Cheap" but wait till you check out this website:

The 15 Dollar Store.com

The site has clothes, shoes, accessories, and kids clothes all for, well $15.
Brands include Grass, Linq, Romeo & Juliet, and Sweetees, all lines I carried in my so-trendy- but-now-victim-of-the-recession-boutique.

So maybe these aren't clothes you'll keep for years and years, but this site just might be the trick up your sleeve needed to look oh so glam in a glum economy.

Because I live in Illinois and they still rock.

Apple of my IPad.

2010-01-27T17:02:00.002-06:00

Today Apple unveiled the IPad tablet.

THIS is my kind of supermodel. Sleek, thin, smart, and oh so fast. (FYI, I'm referring to the tablet, not Steve.)

Many believe the IPad represents the future of technology, the link between the smartphone and the laptop.
It weighs 1.5 lbs, measures 1/2 inch thick and has a 9.7 inch display. It can be used for web browsing, email, photos, music, e-books, among other tasks. (Au revoir le Kindle?)

It's powered by the A4 chip which was designed by Apple to thwart off competitors.

Unfortunately, like a supermodel, the IPad might be out of reach with prices ranging from $499-849.

Thus, just as I gaze upon the beauty that is Gabriel Aubry from afar, so will I with the IPad.
At least until Apple inevitably lowers the price in the next six months.

You're welcome.

Rodarte and Jean Paul and Zac, oh my!

2010-01-18T22:48:00.002-06:00

Here's the heads up on the new collections by Gaultier and Zac Posen for Target.
Jean Paul Gaultier's line arrives in Target March 7. No real quality pictures are available to publish right now, but the reviews so far are definitely mixed. Looks range from feminine and sweet to just plain confusing.
My prediction: Alot of people are going to gobble this up because, what the heck, it's Gaultier at Target.
Zac Posen's line arrives in April. Lots of dresses, swimwear, tees, and skirts.

So on the heels of Rodarte comes Gaultier and Zac Posen.
When was the last time you got excited for the latest clothing collection at Walmart, Penney's, Kmart or any of the other discounters?
"Expect more, Pay less" and Target just keeps exceeding our expectations.

Pride, In the name of love

2010-01-15T10:28:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Dr. King

Bulls Eye

2010-01-14T22:23:00.005-06:00

Okay, I've been meaning to write about the collaboration between Rodarte and Target for months. I realize I'm late to the game here but I kept putting it off.
You see this is primarily a blog geared to mommies and unless your name is Bristol or Jamie Lynn then this look might be, well, a little young for your taste.
Howevah, having just left Target this afternoon, and again checking out the line, I realize that separately these pieces might work for even us more experienced moms.

The designing sisters behind Rodarte

Wear this sweater and cami combo with a pair of black trousers, t-strap purple pumps, and long double stranded pearls. You'll have a classic yet contemporary look that Ms. Wintour herself would look approvingly on.

Banana Republic trouser $98

9 West T-Strap $69.90

Ditch the cute but too short skirt and instead wear this with a metallic silver pencil skirt, opaque tights, and platform maryjanes.

J Crew gunmetal skirt $148

Linea Paolo Maryjane pump $119.95

And finally, this baby blue dress is perfect for spring worn with a chocolate brown cardigan and cream ballet flats.

vintage Givenchy cardigan $19

cream ballet flats $29.11

Check out Target.com for the entire Rodarte collection.

Kiss me Kate

2010-01-14T10:17:00.001-06:00

On the lucky occasions that I would find myself in Manhattan I'd always make it over to Kate's Paperie. Imagine a 4 year old visiting Disney World for the first time and you can pretty much guess my reaction when I first found Kate's. There are several locations but the Midtown store is the one I always went to.
Kate's has the most beautiful paper products and related gifts. Not just invitations, but announcements, address books, wrapping paper, crafts, luggage tags, the list is endless.
And with that most "Hallmark" of holidays coming up, you'll heart the Valentine's Day boutique on the website.

Kate's website

Karma karma karma karma, karma chameleon

2010-01-06T00:30:00.004-06:00

Recently one of my closest friends told me how high strung I was.
Now I know a heightened state of anxiousness is my normal state of mind, I just didn't think it was so obvious to everyone else.
I don't just have monkey mind. I have a whole menagerie of apes, gorillas, and a few of those cute little rhesus monkeys stomping around up there.
Thus I have pledged this year to be more in the present and that means I will be taking up yoga.
I admit half my desire to take up yoga is because I love yoga clothing. I wear it all the time even though I haven't been in an actual yoga class in 4 years.

With stores all over the US, Canada, and Australia, you probably already know about Lululemon. Great fitting yoga clothes and in store classes are two of the reasons this yoga clothier is doing a booming business.

Check out the fabrics and care page on their website. There you'll find detailed info on the fabrics used to allow you the most comfort while working out. They also offer free ground shipping in case there isn't a store near you.

lululemon clothing

You may not be quite as conscious of Urban Yogis. Founded by a die-hard yogini based in Manhattan, Urban Yogis is hip stylish clothing designed to be worn both on and off the mat.

urban yogis

With such stylin' clothing options, maybe now I'll go from yoga poseur to actually doing some yoga poses.

Bootylicious

2010-01-03T00:46:00.003-06:00

Back in 2002 my must have boots were a pair of gorgeous Charles David stilettos with a 4 inch heel and pointy toe and a $450 price tag. These boots were especially gorgeous sitting in my closet because on my feet they were pure unadulterated hell.
New Year's Eve 2002 found me hobbling around in my stocking feet outside in Chicago in the snow trying to catch a cab. Because I guarantee you, frostbite and possible amputation were no match for the pain caused by these instruments of Satan.

I learned two important lessons that New Year's Eve,
1) It doesn't matter how hot the boots are, if the only way you can wear them is sitting down, then those boots aren't made for walking.
2) Never pay full price for a pair of boots that you will be wearing in the winter in Chicago.

My must have pair last year was the "Caroline" by Uggs. Now I know most of you hear “Uggs” and think “Ugh!” but just take a look at these sweet Carolines......

Definitely satisfying Rule 1, they are lined with fleece inside and have plenty of wiggle room for my toes.

They were listed at $300 on the Uggs website and so I started searching around to satisfy Rule 2.

After checking out Zappos, Nordstrom's, and a few other places, I found my pair on Ebay for $90.00.

Ebay women's Uggs boots

My must have boot this winter is the Born Peri boot.

Super comfy, super cute and a super deal on shoeline.com. Regularly priced at $200, I got them on shoeline for $139 with an additional $20 off using their online coupon. Score!

born peri boot

Amazing grace

2009-12-23T11:20:00.005-06:00

Miley, Lindsay, Jon and Kate, Salahis, Balloon Boy, any Real Housewife, and of course the Cheatah-
Do all celebrities and pseudo celebrities believe their fame gives them carte blanche to break the rules, flaunt lewd behaviour, and generally behave horribly?

No not all of them. Not Jennifer Kate Hudson.

She rose from obscurity to reach the heights of fame,winning an Academy award in her first screen role. Then the worst that could happen did happen. Her mother, brother, and nephew all murdered. Even in the year of Obama her tragedy stole the headlines here in Chicago and reverberated for months. So she disappeared and grieved in private.
And when she returned to sing at the Super Bowl she was strong, brave, beautiful, not bitter, and certainly not asking for our pity.
For being grace personified, remaining true to herself, and coming out the other side stronger then ever, Jennifer Hudson is my style icon for 2009.

RIP Brittany

2009-12-20T23:42:00.004-06:00

Even if she had never made another picture after "Clueless" Brittany Murphy would have left her mark on both the fashion and film worlds. As sweet Tai Frasier, she plays a tragically unhip teen who is madeover and in the process gains confidence and a sense of style.

According to general consensus, Brittany Murphy was just as sweet in real life.

Who knows what caused her to go into cardiac arrest and die at 32? But we do know it was a life cut all too short made all the more tragic for her family coming just days before Christmas.

Trail blazer

2009-12-20T22:26:00.003-06:00

This is it, THE must have blazer. One button, shoulder pads, and usually black. It's been popping up everywhere on everyone for good reason. You can get it with the slighter shoulder pads, befitting the less ostentatious lifestyle we've all been forced to adopt, or you can get all Grace Jones with it.
Either way, it's the blazer of the season.
And being so on trend, smart girl, will show everyone what a good head you have on your shoulder (pads).

Tears of a clown

2009-12-19T22:36:00.002-06:00

"Well there's some sad things known to man,

but there ain't too much sadder than the tears of a clown,

when there's no one around."

To paraphrase Smokey, just substitute "pathetic" for "sad" and "sadder" in the above.

I'll be back with my usual fashion frivolity manana.

Champagne Supernova

2009-12-12T22:38:00.003-06:00

Sofia Coppola first came to prominence when she was tragically miscast in her dad's third Godfather saga. Nineteen at the time, she earned scathing reviews for what many considered her “valley girl” performance as Mary Corleone.
Who would blame her if she slunk off into oblivion living off her family name like a Hilton or Kardashian?
But that's not this girl's style. And boy does she have style.
She was married to Spike Jonze, was at one time a muse to Marc Jacobs, and she has collaborated with Louis Vuitton on her own handbag and shoe collection.
She also has a sparkling wine named after her created by Coppola wineries.

And it is delicious.

And it comes in a can.
That's right, ”champagne“ in a can.

Sofia blanc de blancs is a subtly sweet sparkling wine that comes packaged in individual cans with a straw attached. It's been called almost a fashion accessory, befitting the style icon it's named for.

By the way, Sofia Coppola did manage to do a little film work after her dubious debut.
In 2004 she became only the third woman ever to be nominated for a Best Director Academy Award, and the first ever American woman to receive this nomination.
Champagne Supernova indeed.

Sofia sparkling wine

Turn the Paige

2009-12-10T18:34:00.002-06:00

Here are the Paige Melrose straight leg jeans. This is not a picture of the pair I own. If it were there would be numerous patches on the butt area, well worn knees, and as of today, a brand new rip just above the left knee. I have literally worn these jeans to shreds. There was a point when I wore them 5 out of the 7 days of the week. One of those days off was a Sunday as I'm still old school, no jeans to church. If you've ever owned a pair of Paige jeans then you know why mine are on their last legs. They are ridiculously comfortable and flattering. They make my butt look how it did pre-pregnancy. Hell they make my butt look how it did pre-thirties. And for this forty something birthday girl, that is something worth celebrating.

Click here to see all Paige styles.

Suzabelle of the ball

2009-12-08T14:44:00.001-06:00

Suzabelle is a beautiful, elegant line based out of Seattle. Founded by Suzanne Jaberg in 2005, she was named "the Seattle Coat Queen" by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. I also consider her one of the hottest indie designers around.
I recently asked her what she loves in a holiday outfit.

”I like late 50's to early 60's silhouettes.

I like a high-waisted fitted dress with a pencil skirt
in a stretch wool suiting.

For events, I'd love to see longer dresses in black,
burgundy or dark emerald green matte silks.“

For spring, Suzanne says,

”Day dresses will be everywhere,

in bright colours like scarlet, fuchsia and turquoise.

Scarf-neck tops and dresses in loose flowing fabrics

as well as fitted secretary-style dresses.“

And you may be wondering where are the pictures of coats by the ”Seattle Coat Queen“?

Click here to see Suzabelle's fabulous coats along with all her wonderful collections

Unique Chic

2009-12-07T14:21:00.002-06:00

I cannot rave enough about Milda Sedra's jewelry lines; Emunique and Simplemunique.
She handcrafts amazingly beautiful pieces using gold filled and silver wire, semi- precious gemstones, and fresh water pearls.

What's best about her jewelry though is she has several different lines at various price points.

So if you are a recessionista like myself or still want to spend like it's 2006, you'll find the piece that works for you.

THRIFT

Round Stone Earrings $42

SPENDTHRIFT

Aqua and Smoky Quartz Earrings $145

THRIFT

Tower Pendant $62

SPENDTHRIFT

Royal Purple Necklace $180

THRIFT

Blue Bracelet $40

SPENDTHRIFT

Blueberry Bracelet $150

Emunique Jewelry

Word of the Day

2009-12-04T06:52:00.005-06:00

Who says Bravo rots your brain?

Watching Andy Cohen last night I learned a new word,

“Farkakte”

Feel free to mosey on over to Yinglish to learn for yourself what it means but I can save you the trouble just by showing you the following:

Here is the Queen of Soul at Rockefeller Center for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Me thinks the Queen should be dethroned for this outfit.

As if the full length fur wasn't bad enough, the mink head bandage/head band was overkill.

(pun intended)

I love you Aretha, but on the freeway of love this outfit is just plain roadkill.

BTW, PETA's not unknown to the meaning of farkakte either.

Carry on my wayward mom

2009-12-03T16:07:00.004-06:00

Some might say Lewis and Clark carried more on their expedition than I do carting the twins around. If so, then I run a close second. I typically haul snacks, sippies, pullups, wipes, keys, books, calendar, phone, ipod, yadda yadda yadda, ad nauseam. In fact my purse got so heavy I made the ultimate sacrifice and removed the item I never left home without, my makeup bag.

So when I saw this bag online at less than $150 I knew it was perfect for channeling my inner sherpa.

It's quilted grey suede with an inner cell phone pocket. At 19 in high and 22 in wide, it's the perfect bag to remain functional yet fashionable. And isn't that a discovery we're all hoping to make?

quilted grey suede leather bag

Blow out

2009-11-28T22:40:00.005-06:00

In my previous life I owned a small clothing boutique. One of my favorite items we carried were these soy candles, A Scent of Scandal. They come in more than forty scents and boy do they smell amazing. "Gold Digger"with a carat (carrot) cake scent will have you reaching for the nearest fork, or maybe my 7 month pregnant self had some pretty crazy cravings.
Retailing for $15, these stocking stuffers might be NSFW but they're sure to be a big hit with your friends.

In keeping with the season I'll list a few of their holiday scents but you'll want to check them all out yourself.

Hanukkah Bush (fir and balsam scent)

Ho Ho Homo (cranberry relish, with hints of fresh ground cinnamon sticks, orange zest, and a faint hint of vanilla and butter)

Santa's Pole ( candy cane scented with a sweet blend of fresh peppermint and vanilla sugar)

As they say on the Mexican soap operas, "Escandalo!"

Click here to get these cheeky candles

And I think to myself, What a wonderful world

2009-11-20T07:45:00.004-06:00

Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday.

Every year we pack our bags and leave the

gray skies of Chicago

for the beautiful sunrises of Arizona.

And sitting on the front porch at my parents' house

looking out at the Tucson mountains,

I realize just how much I have to be thankful for.

And you do too.

So I'll see you in 2 weeks,

and thank you for allowing me into a small part of your world.

On Thanksgiving, please remember those without.

Putting on the glitz

2009-11-19T11:27:00.004-06:00

I love the idea of the glitzy but not gaudy tee. Fantastic with dark skinny denim, black palazzo pants or a pencil skirt, this one item will get you through multiple looks.

So when I found these tees on 77kids by American Eagle, I knew I had to snap them up for my girls. Their website has loads of casual but on trend clothes for toddlers to tweens at great price points. I loved these tees so much but there was one glaring problem. True to their name, 77kids doesn't carry items for, ahem, the slightly more mature set.

77kids by american eagle

So I started my search for my own glitzy tee and found it at Laura Dahl.com.

Laura worked for Cynthia Rowley and Catherine Malandrino before launching her line of embellished tops, Wifebeader in 2003 followed by the Laura Dahl label in 2006. She has great casual tops and pants, but most importantly, I found my glitzy tee.

At $162 the price is a little higher than I normally would spend on a top, but when you figure my girls' tees were only $5 each, then this averages out to some pretty stylin' looks for the three of us.

my glitzy but not gaudy tee

To Sir, with love.

2009-11-18T08:16:00.000-06:00

How do I love Sir Alistair Rai scarves?

Let me count the ways........

They come in a variety of rich vibrant colors that work with any outfit.

They are super soft and long and drape perfectly.

They have really cool prints, many with messages of peace and love.

Check them out and I think you'll love them too.

sir alistair rai scarves

Momma's got a brand new bag.

2009-11-16T08:18:00.002-06:00

I love Paco & Lupe handbags. They're handmade bags durable and functional enough to use every day. Plus they're super cute. Check their website to see what's available. All prices are in Canadian dollars ($1 CAD @ $.95 USD

original & trendy

functional & durable

Paco & Lupe

Some things just go together.

Paco & Lupe handbags

Something's not adding up here.

2009-11-13T10:11:00.001-06:00

I am not a frou-frou type of girl.
I love dresses and have so many favorite dress lines I want to share. But I love dresses and skirts on other women. My closet is 10% dresses, 5% skirts, 40% tops, and 95% jeans. Yeah, math was never my strong suit, I know.

However I did buy a skirt recently. Now this was only after this skirt hounded me through 3 states. I first saw the skirt in my favorite local boutique. I tried it on, it fit perfect. It's the skirt to wear when the weather gets cold and the snow is piling up and you are so sick of wearing your jeans for the 10th day running. It was made of flexcel, a knit fabric that made it super soft and stretchy.
It would look absolutely fantastic with a turtleneck and black riding boots.
But I didn't get it. You see my closet is only 5% skirts.

But over the Halloween weekend I went to Michigan to visit friends. On Sunday we drove to lovely Saugatuck to mill around. Walking to a playground so the kids could play in the leaves, I darted in a little shop on the corner.

And there was my skirt.

And she was 20% off!

So there ya go, and now my closet is 6% skirts.

horny toad chipotle skirt

It's not easy being green.

2009-11-12T08:19:00.001-06:00

Remember when Kermit sang about hard it was to be green?
Well I discovered how true that was when I saw my 8 week ultrasound and realized I would be changing not one, but two little bottoms for the next 3 years.
I did some quick calculations:
( 2 babies X hourly diaper changes /24 hours in a day-3 hours sleep nightly)
and quickly said goodbye to my plans for cloth diapers.
My guilt over my landfill contribution has been slightly diminished by my discovery of Kate Organics. This relatively new line out of California is made of SKAL certified organic cotton, using low impact dyes, and produced according to fair trade guidelines and a tree is planted for every garment sold through Trees for the Future.
This dress is from the summer line but I think it's beautiful enough to wear for the holidays, alone or with a sparkly cardigan.
Look good and feel good while doing some good.
And I'm still waiting for my kudos from Al Gore.

Go to “stockists” to see who carries Kate near you.

2009 is the new 1969.

2009-11-11T12:06:00.000-06:00

Check out these photos of Ali MacGraw from the late sixties/early seventies. All of these outfits stand the test of time. Yeah, even Photo #6.

Ain't no mountain high enough

2009-11-11T10:34:00.000-06:00

Mountain Hardwear was formed 17 years ago by a group of people in the outdoors industry. Backed by Columbia Sportswear, it develops cutting edge designs and products. It's geared for the outdoorsman, hiker, climber, skier.
Now, the only mountains I navigate are the mountains of laundry that accumulate every week living with a set of toddler twins and a husband who works out twice a day. But living in the Midwest, their clothes are perfect for navigating the weather during Nov-March, when the only time you want to be outdoors is when you're making the walk from the valet to the restaurant for your nice warm bowl of french onion soup!
I have this top in black/grey. I wear it with jeans, skirts, leggings. It's so comfortable and flattering. And I look like the athlete I one day hope to be!

mountain hardwear tops

Feet don't fail me now.

2009-11-10T23:27:00.000-06:00

This is the Reebok Easy Tone Go Outside shoe. It's supposed to help you burn calories and tone core muscles. Does wearing this shoe mean you can skip the treadmill at the gym? I don't know about that, but I do know I love love how comfortable this shoe is. It may be just wishful thinking on my part, but I swear my legs look leaner and longer when I'm wearing them. Especially with my black leggings and a cute hoodie. (more on that hoodie in the next post)

cool silver shoe

Style means never having to say you're sorry you bought that outfit.

2009-11-10T17:20:00.000-06:00

I have reached the point in my life where comfort and fashion should collide. And that collision also better be one of collusion. I want to look effortlessly good, without any one knowing the true effort that went into it. Alas, I no longer have the time to spend hours in front of my mirror trying on different outfits so that when an occasion came up I had the perfect thing to wear. Now I must truly be able to put something on and walk out the door.

My fashion icon has always been Ali MacGraw, particularly in Goodbye Columbus and Love Story. Jennifer Callaverri, oops, I mean Jennifer Cavalleri, annoyed the hell out of me. But she was cool and beautiful and I couldn't look away from her sense of style. Almost everything she wears in this movie would still look valid today, almost 40 years on.
An effortless, timeless style is what most of us want. This is as true for a 22 year old Radcliffe grad as it is for the 30-40 something mommy navigating the burbs.