How Can I Update My Fashion?

Dressing can be more of a headache than we realize. You might have an event to attend or meeting with friends, but nothing you put on works. Our clothes are important to us and you want to look good. It’s difficult to find our fashion sense when lost on where to look. Your closet is outdated with clothes you’ve kept since the wedding or back in high school. Now, you’d like a style and your current clothes are no longer doing it for you. Here are some ways to update your fashion.

DIY

Years ago, everyone what running to wear a certain brand name that appeared on their clothing. Today, it seems we’re in a world where everyone wants to create their voice through their outfits. Styles are being created with mismatch particles of clothing many of us thought never went together. Try your own do-it-yourself fashion if that’s what makes you happy. No one said you had to fall in line with a fashion trend. You might consider adding gold beads to your wardrobe. That is always a classic look.

Online

It’s best to use the internet to look at different styles of people that either look like you or have the same body. Too many of us spend time looking at clothes that fit perfectly on someone else. Yet, you know the outfit you’re staring at won’t get past your hips. Browse online to find clothes that catch your eye. Do searches on what’s fashionable for your body and skin tone. This is a great help when you don’t have the skills to match colors. Research what goes with certain shirts or pants. You may find some articles of clothing just don’t go together.

Friends

Find and talk with that friend who always seems to look great in their clothes. Ask them to help you with your fashion style. They probably can take you shopping for those perfect outfits that work best with your look. Let them see the inside of your closet. This way they can assist in helping you throw away clothes that simply don’t work for you anymore. These types of people can help you reshape your entire wardrobe. Call them before going to an important event where peers might be present. Make sure you send a photo of what you plan to wear. Listen to their tips, so you can at least dress without making additional fashion mistakes.

Magazines

Magazines are a great resource for getting in touch with trends or the latest fashion. Though you may not look like the models, you can get some good ideas for outfits. Use as magazines that feature high-end clothes, casual, or for the home. Download a magazine application so you can refer back to it when thinking about what to wear. You’ll be happy you have this quick access to a fashion outfit when in a hurry.

These are some of the ways to update your fashion. Go online and look at different images of people wearing clothes you are attracted to. See how they wear each article of clothing and how they match. There are a plethora of photos to examine online that match your tastes. 

Consider do-it-yourself style when looking at fashion. Create your trend as many are today. Find clothes at the thrift shop that are a little more outrageous. It is possible to create your style instead of following others. Work with friends who have a good eye for clothes and know how to match. Let them guide you into another world of fashion you didn’t know about. Magazines are a great source to flip through either at the library or download an app. This way you sift through different looks that appeal to your type of hair and skin tone. Use these steps to update your fashion in no time. Let them give you the courage to either be the new trend or get a lesson in matching clothes. 

Not all of us have the right fashion sense as others. However, it never hurts to learn what types of fashionable clothes work with your body. Knowing how to match clothes makes shopping a lot easier. This way you’re not constantly asking people for help and allowing them to determine your style. Stick with these basic steps, and soon you can redo your entire closet.

CHUPS Socks For Cozy Holiday Giving

Wrap Your Feet in Warmth and Luxury with the Ultimate in Sock Craftsmanship. Whether they’ve walked miles of hiking trails or toured for hours over cobblestone streets, show your feet some love after all their summer adventures with the limited edition socks from CHUP Socks.
Keep your toes cozy this fall and winter with CHUPS Socks! Sold online and also in stores like J.Crew, these uni-sex, craftsmanship socks sell out FAST!

Only two new collections of these gorgeous socks are released each year, showcasing a commitment to quality and a keen eye for design that has given them a cult following and a reputation for selling out fast in stores like J. Crew.

winter socks

What’s not to love?
Original designs are inspired by the patterns of indigenous tribes from around the world

  • Crafted with vibrantly colored yarn
  • Uber soft and hypo-allergenic
  • Quick drying, odor-resistant, and easy to clean
  • Each pair is inspected upon completion for the utmost quality control
  • />Small batch production means only 20-25 pairs are made a day on average
  • Unisex (available in 3 sizes, Small, Medium, and Large)!
  • Fall/Winter collection features some wool styles.

With the holidays right around the corner, grab a pair of CHUP Socks while they last for a thoughtful and purposeful gift or stocking stuffer to be enjoyed all year long.

Pricing is $35 a pair – see more options at chupsocks.com

And check them out on Instagram: @chupsocks

winter socks

Best Items for Active Parents

useful camping items

We love camping, and this is a great time of year to head out to your favorite campsite (or find a new one to explore).  What to pack, besides your tent and sleeping bags? We have a few suggestions for the Best Items for Active Parents.

best flashlights

One of the most important things to bring with you is lighting. You don’t want to wonder what you are about to run into on a middle of the night bathroom run. Recently, VSSL Outdoor Utility Tools and Mountain Khakis came together to bring out a very cool camping torch that is also a survival tool kit. A powerful light when you need it, you can also unscrew the cap to find mini disks that have different tools one might find useful inside. Lightweight at only one pound and impact resistant, it comes with 12 tins inside, including the flashlight disk itself, instructions, a compass, water purification tablets, first aid supplies, and more. The flashlight has four modes of LED light on it as well- medium, high, red, and SOS.  Available for $130 at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

I don’t know about you, but I really don’t like to mess about with my hair when I’m camping or otherwise outdoors. Basically, I just want it kept out of the way. I really like Seirus, they offer a variety of options to keep you protected from the sun and as dry from sweat as can be in a no fuss manner. They have these multi-functional what they call “neck tubes” on the site, and that’s a pretty accurate description since that’s exactly what they look like. They can be worn around your neck to protect from the sun, around your head as a stay put headband that keeps the hair out of your face and sweat out of your eyes, a balaclava, and quite a few other ways to wear it- super versatile. They are quick drying, very breathable, and have a UPF of 25 built in. The site posts videos on the many ways to wear them- check it out. $19.99 at https://www.seirus.com

headbandLooking for something a little more straightforward? They also offer a UPF50 Hinged Headliner as extra protection from the sun as well as a liner and extra warmth under helmets and on bitterly cold days. There are multiple headliners and balaclavas to choose from, prices vary from $16-$35 at https://www.seirus.com

camping

ELEVENPINE has created the most comfortable shorts (available for men and women) and undergarments that are fantastic for parents on the move. Whether you are chasing the kids up and down the trails or kayaking to your campsite, these super comfy performance items will keep you feeling your best. These patented shorts can convert via side zipper from form-fitting to relaxed fit as you prefer. This makes them ideal to wear no matter the activity, from yoga to biking to camping and more, these will fast become your “go to” shorts for all your activities and travels (as well as relaxing afterward). They are also moisture wicking, so they dry quickly without giving you those delightful moisture rashes. Both the men’s and women’s shorts offer easy to access pockets, and there are multiple shorts to choose from. For women, there are also different lengths available, which is a second miracle (I repeat, pockets! Real ones, not those silly waistband “fakies”) considering how difficult it can be to find a performance short that is longer then five inches.  A style and length for everyone, there are multiple options available. Bike liners for men and women are also available. Prices vary depending on item, visit www.elevenpine.com for details and to choose.

yoga shorts for men

Camping Trip Coming Up?

We love camping, and this is a great time of year to head out to your favorite campsite (or find a new one to explore).  What to pack, besides your tent and sleeping bags? We have a few suggestions.

best flashlights

One of the most important things to bring with you is lighting. You don’t want to wonder what you are about to run into on a middle of the night bathroom run. Recently, VSSL Outdoor Utility Tools and Mountain Khakis came together to bring out a very cool camping torch that is also a survival tool kit. A powerful light when you need it, you can also unscrew the cap to find mini disks that have different tools one might find useful inside. Lightweight at only one pound and impact resistant, it comes with 12 tins inside, including the flashlight disk itself, instructions, a compass, water purification tablets, first aid supplies, and more. The flashlight has four modes of LED light on it as well- medium, high, red, and SOS.  Available for $130 at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

I don’t know about you, but I really don’t like to mess about with my hair when I’m camping or otherwise outdoors. Basically, I just want it kept out of the way. I really like Seirus, they offer a variety of options to keep you protected from the sun and as dry from sweat as can be in a no fuss manner. They have these multi-functional what they call “neck tubes” on the site, and that’s a pretty accurate description since that’s exactly what they look like. They can be worn around your neck to protect from the sun, around your head as a stay put headband that keeps the hair out of your face and sweat out of your eyes, a balaclava, and quite a few other ways to wear it- super versatile. They are quick drying, very breathable, and have a UPF of 25 built in. The site posts videos on the many ways to wear them- check it out. $19.99 at https://www.seirus.com

Looking for something a little more straightforward? They also offer a UPF50 Hinged Headliner as extra protection from the sun as well as a liner and extra warmth under helmets and on bitterly cold days. There are multiple headliners and balaclavas to choose from, prices vary from $16-$35 at https://www.seirus.com

camping

Mountain Khakis are one of our favorites to wear camping, or really just great for being outside in general. These clothes are durable, breathable, soft, and great for layering in weather that can’t make up it’s mind. Nothing trendy, these will keep their appeal year after year, and they will be wearable for years as well. If you are new to the brand, you might want to start at the beginning. The Men’s Original Mountain Pants are, as you may have guessed, the ones that started it all. Organic, reinforced 2 play cotton and canvas, multiple reinforced pockets, reinforced heel cuffs, and more- you can probably tell these pants are built to last. They come in relaxed and slim fit, with 6 colors available at $84. 95 each at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

mountain khakis

If you want to top them off, we really love the new Pearl Street Collection flannel shirts. Soft, wicking fabric that stretches to give you that perfect feel, it still has a classic fit and look. The material keeps you warm and dry without overheating you. Since it has stretch to it, you can go rock climbing, chop wood for your campfire, go ziplining- whatever- and the shirt moves with you.  These are available for both men and women, with three color choices for men and two for women. They are $89.95 each at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

 

 

2019 Footwear Trends for Men

Despite popular belief, men care just as much about fashion as women, especially when it comes to footwear. Over the years, there are fashion trends that come and go which is why it’s important to know what’s in and what’s not. Studies have shown that typical men between the ages of 20 and 30 spend between $500 and $600 on shoes annually. This is surprisingly more than most women spend on their footwear. What men wear on their feet plays an essential role in which every outfit they wear and can easily make or break their look. Here is a list of the current footwear styles for men. Some of these are new trends, while others never left.

Black Dress Shoes

The black dress shoe is a timeless classic that will provide you with a debonair feeling of sophistication. They will make you look and feel like a million bucks. Oftentimes, a person has trouble deciding if they should go with brown or black. The rule of thumb is, when in doubt, choose black. Black complements all dress attire.

Cowboy Boots

John Wayne wasn’t the only man who wore cowboy boots, which have recently seen a comeback. Every year or so, we see cowboy boots make a comeback. They are both fashionable and functional. Cowboy boots are rich in history and showcase a masculine blend of Americana and style. Cowboy boots, such as Ariat mens square toe cowboy boots, provide versatility and comfort, which can be easily paired with simple clothing or dress attire.

Converse Style Sneakers

People have been wearing Converse-style sneakers for more than 100 years, which was actually the first rubber shoe to be manufactured and continues to be adored by millions of people around the world. If you’re ever confused about what to wear, you should simply throw on a pair of Converse-style sneakers, which are comfortable, affordable, and easily identifiable.

Retro Nike-Style Sneakers

Your wardrobe isn’t complete without a pair of retro-style sneakers which is why you need a pair of old-school Nikes. There are a wide array of different retro-style and vintage-inspired sneakers which provide a timeless look that is impossible to recreate. Sneakers provide functionality and style; they have become a representation of the modern man. There is little that can separate a man from a good pair of sneakers. There is often a personal significance behind the shoe that cannot be replicated.

Leather Boots 

There is nothing a man loves more than a nice pair of leather boots, which add height, style, and durability. If conditioned properly, a good pair of leather boots can end up lasting for years. A study conducted by GQ Magazine has shown that most women love a man in leather boots, which is typically what they look for on a first date. They provide functionality and are made to be durable, which can typically withstand rain and snow. Rather it’s an ankle-high, lace-up, or military boot, they’ll provide you with an edgy, yet masculine look which can be worn for years.

Loafers

Loafers, which originated in Scandinavia, have become a staple in almost every man’s wardrobe. A pair of beige or brown loafers can complement a wide range of palettes, from casual to formal, which have become a great go-to shoe for any situation. There are many different varieties of loafers, including dress shoes and slip-on’s, which provides a comfortable look that can be worn year-round.

White Low Top Trainers

If you’re a fan of white sneakers, you should consider purchasing a pair of white low top trainers. Oftentimes, men are afraid to wear white, because white stains and shows dirt easily, but a pair of white low top trainers can be worn with almost any outfit. It will provide you will a minimalist, yet stylish look, which will easily complement your summer wardrobe.

Suede

Suede shoes aren’t a look that every man can pull off, which is a leather material often used to make belts and handbags. When a person imagines wearing suede shoes, the first thing to come to mind is more than likely Elvis Presley, but suede also can be extremely versatile and stylish if worn properly. Suede has seen a massive comeback this season, which includes jackets, pants, and even shoes. A pair of tan suede chukkas will definitely enhance your wardrobe.

Fun Summer Finds for Active Women

As active parents, we are excited that warm weather has finally decided to visit us (and here’s hoping it stops raining for a few minutes so we can stay outdoors to enjoy it!)

Now that Spring has spring and Summer is on the way, here are a few of our favorites for moms on the go.

Sand Cloud, an environmentally aware company that donates %10 of it’s profits to #SaveTheFishes (help protect and preserve marine life) offers a wide array of items that are sustainable, adorable, and environmentally friendly. From super useful items mom will love like reusable glass bottles with beautiful and fun designs on them to metal straws that you can take anywhere (avoid those unnecessary plastic ones), soft towels with lovely artwork, to organic tees and tanks and more. Visit https://www.sandcloud.com to see what strikes your fancy.

yoga gear

Yoga lover? Me too, we hit the mat almost daily, it is one of the best ways to center yourself and have a few minutes of peace. Slightly Buddha is a yoga company for yoga lovers, by yoga lovers. The items on the site are simple, pretty, and express the ideas of living a zen lifestyle. They make, as they describe them, “well made, cute clothes” that offer value to the customer. As the owner describes the collection, “Slightly Buddha is a manifestation of my love for yoga, art and clothes.”  The clothing is soft and comfortable, and perfect for hitting a class or running errands. Pay attention to the photos and the reviews, they are honest and helpful when choosing a size.  Visit https://www.slightlybuddha.com and check out the graceful designs that are easy to mix and match.

Title Nine has everything the active woman needs, from running gear to swimwear to undergarments and more. Dresses that move with you, skirts that shake the rain off, leggings that actually stay in place. I can’t say enough good things about the company, which is run by amazing women for women, so they know what women want and need. I recently tried out the Roadster Convertible Underwire Bra and the Cuz She Say’s So Underwire Bra and I have to say, I’m in love. The “Roadster” in particular has become my “go to”- if it’s clean, I’m wearing it. Comfortable and keeping everything where it needs to be, even during vigorous workouts, this is the one to beat in my opinion. The “Cuz She Said So” was also comfortable and preformed well, and kept it all together.  The company is so passionate about their bras, they even have a program to help get them to girls in underprivileged communities. They know it’s hard to preform your best when you are being hindered- and that’s pretty cool. Visit https://www.titlenine.com to find your perfect match.

Looking for something pretty? Mountain Khakis puts a modern spin on classics, and the clothing is built to last. This company builds tough clothing that’s still pretty and soft to wear. You can find classic styles mom loves, which are durable and have the highest quality craftsmanship. A brand you can rely on not to fall apart on you. Not only that, but they are a company that cares, being Fair Trade Certified, members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and are organic and biodegradable, using only products and production methods that are safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. You can be tough and rugged and still look beautiful at the same time- all this while being environmentally responsible. Great gift options, take a look at https://www.mountainkhakis.com to see what strikes your fancy.

Great Gifts for an Active Mom

This time of year, I’m always seeing lists about the best gifts for mom. See, I’m even making one. But the truth is, not all moms are alike, and you know best your mom’s personality. A “makeup and jewelry” kind of mom? Flowers, chocolate? Maybe she wants to sleep in and get a massage. (Hint, that’s pretty much everyone, all the time.) Some of that stuff can be sort of a “cop-out”, just going through the motions. Your mom did (and likely still does) a lot for you- make her feel special on days meant to celebrate her. (Dads, if you have very young kids, you are in charge here. Do something besides that macaroni necklace they made in school, yeah?)

As an active mom myself, and one that wears pretty much zero makeup or fussy things like that, I wouldn’t personally love a bottle of perfume or nail polish. I also try to be as eco-friendly as possible, and my family knows that’s important to me. I’m guessing to a lot of other moms out there as well.

Since many “idea” lists focus on candy and makeup, we here at Parents@Play thought there should be one with other options out there. This list is for the active mom, eco friendly mom, who is a little less traditional, but pretty cool in her own rights.

Sand Cloud, an environmentally aware company that donates %10 of it’s profits to #SaveTheFishes (help protect and preserve marine life) offers a wide array of items that are sustainable, adorable, and environmentally friendly. From super useful items mom will love like reusable glass bottles with beautiful and fun designs on them to metal straws that you can take anywhere (avoid those unnecessary plastic ones that end up in the nostrils of poor sea turtles and washed up on beaches), soft towels with lovely artwork, or organic tees and tanks, there is something your earth conscious mom will love.  These items are not only beautiful, but useful. In addition, a percentage from each purchase is given to a charity- I can’t think of a mother that wouldn’t be pleased that Mother Earth is also gifted on this special day.  Visit https://www.sandcloud.com to see their collections, and pick out a perfect gift for the moms in your life.

reusable bottle

Yoga lover? Me too, we hit the mat almost daily, it is one of the best ways to center yourself and have a few minutes of peace. It’s fantastic for both mind and body, and if you haven’t yet tried it out, there’s always today. The hype is there for a reason. It’s good stuff. Slightly Buddha is a yoga company for yoga lovers, by yoga lovers. The items on the site are simple, pretty, and express the ideas of living a zen lifestyle. They make, as they describe them, “well made, cute clothes” that offer value to the customer. As the owner describes the collection, “Slightly Buddha is a manifestation of my love for yoga, art and clothes.”  The clothing is soft and comfortable. Pay attention to sizing, as I find that they don’t run typically. Some say that they run large, so you will get the “heads up”, so to speak. Others don’t mention, but you can tell that they run slim. Joggers, for example, are less loose then any others I’ve had, and fit more like leggings, which you can see in the photos. They are perfect for a yoga class, however, so that may be why the design is different. The tanks are also a slim fit, but are a nice feel. Pay attention to the photos and the reviews, they are honest and helpful.  Visit https://www.slightlybuddha.com to see what strikes you- your mom will love the graceful designs that are easy to mix and match, and go from the studio to the couch to errand running and beyond.

yoga gear

Title Nine has everything the active woman needs, from running gear to swimwear to undergarments and more. Dresses that move with you, skirts that shake the rain off, leggings that actually stay in place. I can’t say enough good things about the company, which is run by amazing women for women, so they know what women want and need. It may be unseemly to talk about getting mom a bra for Mother’s Day, so maybe choose an awesome dress or sweater, and give her a gift card so she can choose her own, because these will be the only ones she will want from then on. I recently tried out the Roadster Convertible Underwire Bra and the Cuz She Say’s So Underwire Bra and I have to say, I’m in love. The :Roadster” in particular has become my “go to”- if it’s clean, I’m wearing it. Comfortable and keeping everything where it needs to be, even during vigorous workouts, this is the one to beat in my opinion. The “Cuz She Said So” was also comfortable and preformed well, but it was hard to compare to the “Roadster”.  The company is so passionate about their bras, they even have a program to help get them to girls in underprivileged communities. They know it’s hard to preform your best when you are being hindered- and that’s pretty cool. They do a lot of good work in the community. They even use “real life” models, who have regular jobs and live “regular” lives, no retouching the already impossible to achieve looks of supermodels here, and I love that. This company is all about celebrating women, and any mom would love that. Visit https://www.titlenine.com and see what mom would appreciate.

skorts

Looking for something pretty? Mountain Khakis puts a modern spin on classics, and the clothing is built to last. This company builds tough clothing that’s still pretty and soft to wear. You can find classic styles mom loves, which are durable and have the highest quality craftsmanship. A brand you can rely on not to fall apart on you. Not only that, but they are a company that cares, being Fair Trade Certified, members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and are organic and biodegradable, using only products and production methods that are safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. You can be tough and rugged and still look beautiful at the same time- all this while being environmentally responsible. Great gift options, take a look at https://www.mountainkhakis.com to see what strikes your fancy.

Healthy Bodies, Inside and Out

This winter, as Spring is (hopefully) around the corner, you might be having a hard time holding onto those New Years Resolutions or even trying to stay healthy or active as a part of your regular lifestyle. I know for me, February is my “ugh” month, I often find myself with a case of the winter blues and really just “done” with the gray and the cold. I find it hardest to be motivated in February, and not just grab a bag of chips and pop on the Netflix. What to do? Try something new, a little change can often be just the thing you need, a little bump to get you moving.

DIY kits

Have you ever heard of Purple Carrot? You have probably  heard of similar ideas, pre-ordered meal kits delivered to your home that you cook yourself. This is the ONLY 100% plant-based meal kit company of the kind, where you can get pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step instructions for cooking healthy, vegan meals at home. As we are learning, eating plant-based meals even if only one day or a few times a week, has a positive impact on people’s health, the environment, and animal welfare. The food is very good, but it definitely takes time to make, so prepare to spend some time in the kitchen. While not difficult, some of the items made were challenging and to me very unnecessarily time consuming, like making my own veggie burgers. But we learned new things, so that was something. I can honestly say, even as vegetarians, we had never made any of these recipes before, so they were interesting and new.  Find out more here-

Trying to get yourself moving? It can be challenging in this weather. One of the fitness groups I belong to recently posted a meme which said “I was sad, then I bought some new workout clothes and now I’m running!” I was clearly amused, but it’s also true. Sometimes a new pair of leggings or shirt or sneakers makes you feel good, and then when you feel good, you move. Also, you of course need to show them off, right? Your couch will not be impressed. You however will be impressed with the Brooks Running Ghost Tight. I can’t say enough good things about it. I thought they were going to feel like shrink wrap when I saw them, but they are wildly comfortable. It’s ultralight fabric keeps  you cool and wicks sweat and the color options (3 total) are fun. Price $120 at  https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/brooks-ghost-tight-womens/221347.html

Winter can be rough on the skin, rough all over. The new Limited-Edition NIVEA Creme City Tins from NIVEA® Creme are easy to carry around. They are tiny- easy to toss in your purse, backpack, or pocket, and give you a “protective layer of care that prevents the loss of moisture throughout the day” as per the brand. Smooth and soft, it has provitamin B5, which helps it last longer. You can use it on your face, hands, lips, and body- it’s good all over. These limited-edition tins are now available for $.99, get yours at www.NIVEAusa.com.

give back

For your love, no matter if they are one or a hundred and one, take a look at these. Not only are they amazingly adorable, but each toy funds 10 meals for a hungry person. These ethically produced, hand-knit dolls and stuffed animals give 10 meals to hungry children around the world for every item sold. Hand made by artisan knitters in Peru, these handcrafted, heirloom-quality dolls are great for anyone who loves stuffed cuddles. There are 27 toys to choose from currently, and two sizes are available in most cases.

“cuddle+kind has partnerships with several respected humanitarian agencies including World Food Program USA, Children’s Hunger Fund, Breakfast Club of Canada and WE Charity to guarantee that every purchase directly benefits children in need.” (Information given by the brand)

Choose your favorites here- https://cuddleandkind.com/collections/hand-knit-dolls.