The Best Style Dresses for the Party Season

With the party season coming up fast, now is the right time to treat yourself to some new clothes. Right now, there is a huge range of outfits available to get dressed up for Christmas, with all shapes and sizes covered.

Shopping early, for your party clothes, ensures that you get the best choice and that you are more likely to find what you like in your size.

Detailed little black dress

For versatility, you really cannot go wrong with a little black dress. Every girl or woman should own at least one. Using the right accessories enables you to dress it up or down, so you can always create a look that works for the type of party you are attending.

This year, a lot of designers have decided to add some sort of special detail to their LBDs. Usually, it is small and simple, for example, some embroidery on the shoulder strap or a satin belt that is sewn into the dress. These little touches are very subtle, yet make a big difference to how classy the dress looks.

Something more colorful

However, if black is not for you, do not worry because there are also plenty of brighter options available. This year, plum, sapphire blue, russet and green dresses are very much back in vogue. But, for the more daring amongst you red is still a very popular colour.

Pencil dresses

For 2017, the pencil cut is very much back in vogue. A knee-length LBD made from a high-quality fabric like velvet or lace is a great way to smooth your silhouette and create a classy look.

The good thing about these slightly thicker fabrics is that they fold and travel well. If you are planning to enjoy a city break or are spending the festive season away from home, this is a particularly important consideration. The last thing you need is to be running around a strange town or city on the eve of a big party trying to find a dry cleaner to fix your rumpled party dress.

Something shimmery

For 2017, shiny fabrics are once again back in vogue. There are still some nice gold or silver lamé dresses available in the shops. However, that trend is on the way out, but ultra shiny patent leather style clothes are already starting to fill that gap. If you want a more edgy party outfit, a dress made out of this ultra shiny material is a great option.

As normal, there are also plenty of sequined dresses available. This year, a lot of designers have had fun with this material. As a result, you can easily find your favourite style of dress in a sequined fabric.

Getting the fit right

If you are very lucky, you will find an off the peg dress that fits you perfectly. However, most of us rarely have this experience. Usually, your dress will need a few adjustments to make sure that you really do look your very best. Fortunately, with the help of a friend, adjusting a dress is a task that most people can manage to do at home. This video shows you how to correctly tailor and adjust a dress.

Dressing For Fall Travel

No matter where your travels take you this season, we have some great options to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.

Now that it’s Autumn (and it’s finally cooled off), you want to make sure you have some layers available. One of my current go-to’s has been Dare 2b‘s Women’s Loveline II Core Stretch, a pull over the head, half zip sweatshirt. It’s not your mom’s sweatshirt, however- soft, warm, lined inside with a quick drying/water repelling outside, it’s pretty tough as well as functional. It comes in several color options, and is easy to care for as well. The price is right at $22, and it’s easy to pair with your running gear or toss on with jeans etc. The more options, the better, and it’s just the right weight for the fall season or to layer under your clothing as it gets colder.

Craghoppers has comfortable clothing for the entire family that protects against UV rays, insect bites, and even digital theft. No matter if you are out in the woods, in a national park, or on the city streets, these clothes are easy to wear, match, and keep you protected on all sorts of levels.  The Nosilife Pro Trousers for women havd a slim fit, but not too slim, with several pockets that zip closed to keep your valuables safe. The fabric is soft and quick drying, so quick showers or muddy patches won’t be an issue. They are also generously cut around the ankle for boots should you want to wear them.  The long sleeve NosliLife Erin Long Sleeve Shirt is breathable and quick drying as well, and the entire NosiLife collection is also insect bite repellent. Who needs all the bites that so often accompany time in the great outdoors? Not you, that’s for sure. Prices vary, visit https://www.craghoppers.com/us/

Another option to layer while keeping warm and cuddly would be the Hazelton Half Zip. So soft, and available in three very pretty colors, it’s both lightweight and durable, so it’s great by itself or as a top or middle layer. It’s a great jogger, but I can see using it underneath a ski parka when it’s time to hit the slopes- I’m really loving the feel of this one. It’s easy to wash and wear, though I personally prefer to hang it to dry so it stays extra fluffy as long as possible.  Pick yours up at https://www.craghoppers.com/us/hazelton-half-zip-bluebell/

As for fall footwear, I’m loving the Icebug Metro BUGrip for hiking. They are very comfortable, and fantastic for all kinds of weather. They have amazing soles- they grip is fantastic, and will help keep you on whatever trail you find yourself on. The Icebugs are great for keeping your feet warm and dry as well- which is always a good thing, but especially now with the weather cooling down. Nothing like cold, wet feet to ruin a hike.  Easy pull on and off, comfortable and tough with studded running shoe soles, these boots have it all. I really enjoy them, and think you will as well. $189 and worth every cent.

 

Top Women’s Fashion Trends For Fall

When you’re a busy mom, you probably don’t have time to scour the pages of Vogue for the latest trends, and even if you do, they might not necessarily be realistic for your life.

With that being said, it is fun to feel like you’re on-trend at least some of the time as a mom, so below is a brief rundown of the top fashion trends for fall 2017. They’re some of the trends that will actually work for real women’s lifestyles, rather than the ones that look like they’re exclusively reserved for the catwalk.

Statement Glasses

A lot of us moms need glasses for one reason another, whether it’s for working on our computers long hours, or just for general vision correction.

Regardless of why you need them, let them be your must-have fall accessory. Shop retailers like Glasses Gallery to find some of the best trends that will completely change even the simplest of outfits. Some of our favorite trends right now include round frames, tortoise shell patterns, and unisex glasses.

Bright-Colored Faux Fur

Most of us probably aren’t heading to school pickup wearing real fur, both out of principle and because of the price, but luckily there are some great faux fur options that are budget-friendly and lots of fun to experiment with as the weather cools.

This season, go for bold colors such as bright greens and pinks. A fur vest is always fun to add to an outfit, particularly if you want to infuse some color.

Cold-Weather Florals

When we think of floral patterns we probably generally think of wearing them in the warmer weather months, but new trends are introducing them in cold-weather friendly options. Bright and large-print florals are particularly popular on sheer blouses and on top of dark colors like black.

Denim on Denim

Did you think we’d come back to a point where denim-on-denim was such a trend? But, here we are, and it is.

Denim on denim was seen on many runways for Fall 2017, and it’s great for moms because you can go casual, simple, and of course, denim is durable and can stand up to a busy life. If you’re not sure you’re comfortable with denim-on-denim you can always do a nice denim button-up shirt with a pair of fun-colored pants for fall.

Joggers

There might be no trend that moms who value comfort and functionality will like quite as much as this one: joggers. Joggers are somewhat of a European-inspired pant trend, and it refers to pants with a looser and more relaxed fit, along with a cinched ankle and often a drawstring waist. Joggers are cute and chic, but also comfortable and versatile, so what more can you ask for?

Pair them with some of the season’s trendiest sneakers, and you’re ready for whatever your day might throw at you.

Finally, we love slip-on mules right now as well. They’re the perfect shoe for fall weather, you can slip them on in a hurry, and they work well in casual or dressier situations.

What Should You Wear When You’re On The Road? 3 Tips That Can Keep You Comfortable & Looking Good

When you’re traveling on the road, you need to be as comfortable as possible, particularly if you’re spending a lot of time at the wheel.

Whether you’re on a bus tour, you’ve rented an RV from Outdoorsy, or you’re driving your car across the country, you need to wear clothes that make your trip as comfortable as possible.

So what should you wear when you’re on the road, and how can you stay stylish while you travel from A to B? Take a look below to find out:

Wear Flat Shoes

If you’re on the road for a long time, you will need to wear flat shoes. Shoes such as these not only support your feel a little more than shoes with heels, but they’re a lot more comfortable too.

Your flat shoes don’t have to be plain or dull ones, they can be as bright and as sparkly, or as sophisticated as you like, but they do need to be flat.

Think about the last time you wore shoes that weren’t comfortable, it’s likely they hurt your feet. If you’re on the road for a long time, painful feet will make the whole experience a little worse.

Do your feet a favor, and wear flat shoes, that you can slip on and off when you want to.

Wear More Layers

If you’re traveling to somewhere cold, rather than cranking up the heating in the RV, simply wear more layers. The beauty of wearing an extra layer is you can take it off when you’re too hot, or put it back on when you’re cold.

If you’re heading somewhere hot, wear clothes that are very comfortable, and roll the sleeves up, or pull the legs up on your pants so they look like shorts. Just because the sun is beating down, it doesn’t mean you have to sweat.

Wear summer clothes when the weather is hot, and take an extra layer or two with you so you have an extra layer to put on in the cool summer evenings.

Don’t Forget Your Shades

You would be surprised by how many people forget to take their shades with them on vacation. If the sun is bright, and especially if you’re driving towards it, you will need to take at least one pair of sunglasses with you.

Driving across the country can be difficult if not impossible when the sun is shining in your eyes. Stay safe, and take your shades with you.

Shades are great at hiding tired eyes that you’ll probably wake up with at some point during your vacation. Have your shades to hand, cover your eyes, and wake up in your own time.

Staying comfortable when traveling on the road is so important. You don’t want to be stuck behind a wheel wishing you’d packed cooler or warmer clothes.

Get your most comfortable clothes together before you head off across the country so that you can look and feel good every step of the way.

Karina Dresses Look Good On Everyone- Win One Here!

Disclosure: I was sent the below product free of charge in order to review it. No other compensation was received. The opinions above are 100% mine.

Being top heavy, dresses are sometimes hard for me to find and fit into. My chest is always my first consideration, and if there is a zipper or buttons involved, that complicated matters quite a bit. Not that I am currently a slender woman, but whether at my slimmest or largest, when you have a chest as large as mine, no one makes clothes to fit the top, middle, and bottom all at the same size and you end up in a bag or at the tailor.

Karina Dresses are made in Brooklyn with microfiber blend fabric which is imported. Each Dress has four way stretch, is machine washable and come in limited edition solids and prints. The selection of dresses in constantly changing because the dresses are produced in small batches right in their Brooklyn facility, which means you will never (likely) run into someone in the same dress, and you get a dress made in the USA.
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How to choose the best Orthopedic Shoe

If your day ends when you are tired, and your feet are aching, there are chances all these problems are coming from your shoes. When you have shoes that are not fitting well on your feet, you will end up with heel pain, hammertoes, bunions, back problems, and calluses. You will prevent foot pain if you use the right shoes. It is only a reputable dealer that understands the constituents of a good shoe that will possess it in the store. It is vital for both feet to have the right measurements from the toes, ball of the foot, and the shape of the foot.

As you continue aging, you need better heel fit and more toe room to ensure comfort and stability. A shoe is not supposed to hurt you, if it does, then it is not the right one for you. The fact remains that feet change with time. Arches continue to get weak, causing the toes to elongate. The room in the shoe needs to be evenly distributed to avoid stress. You can get brands that fit in many sizes and widths per style. However, you will find stores many having selected sizes and styles they can sell most.

Genuine orthotic shoes come with a firmness design in the arch, cushion and heel support to contour the feet, and promote comfort and proper balance. Authentic shoes will give you more stability and a more sure foot. Putting on the right pair of shoes will help the whole of your body, and not just the feet. The hips, knees, ankles, and back depends on the proper foundation that comes from stable shoes.

As a matter of fact, people will benefit from the additional stability that comes from their shoes regardless of whether they are pre-molded or custom orthotics. They also provide excellent support by adding orthotics that may or may not be of use. Each foot can be unique from the other. Many individuals who have comfort, stability and flat fee issues will benefit from orthotics as they offer a better-contoured footbed. An orthotic shop serves well it customers by having different proper fitting shoes.

What do you look for in the shoe while buying?

The recurring theme in the field of orthopedic shoes is purchasing the right shoe as it is a sound investment. The search needs to start with your own feet and what is in your closet. You need to stand barefoot on cardboard or paper to ascertain the actual shape of the foot. You can take all the shoes from your closet one by one and fit them on the drawing. It is most probable that the shoe will comfortably fit on the drawing. Shoes that cause pain are most likely heels for women and narrow and short for men.

Basically, you will not put on shoes that are too tight, too small, or too high. If you possess these kinds of shoes, you will have to put them on as infrequently as possible to reduce the risk of foot problems and pain. The less often you put on non-fitting shoes, the better for your health. It is crucial to possess several pairs of shoes so that so that you use low-heeled and comfortable pumps at casual gatherings and the office, and save the fancy, high-heeled ones for dressy events.

Types of orthotics

While various orthotic devices range from silicon tabs to inlays to heel caps, the most common orthotic types for athletes are insoles. While they are similar to insoles which come to the regular shoes, orthotic insoles feature a custom design that will give your feet support when needed.

  1. Custom Made Easy

You can find this automated system at many drug and grocery stores all over. It allows you to step on its mapping unit to get a recommendation for the right orthotic type that will give your foot the best results. The kiosks use the help of sensors to pick your foot shape including foot length, pressure point, and arch type. It will take a few minutes, and you will have orthotics inserts that will fit your feet perfectly.

  1. Hard to Soft

Several over-the-counter orthotics have soft materials that go flat immediately you step on them. You need to avoid these shoes. You need to go for the material that combines hard plastic or vinyl polymer which offers rigid support under the foot. You can also opt for the moldable insole option which blends with both custom-fit and OTC orthotics. These shoes allow you to mold the shape of your foot by use of heat treatment. The problem with the moldable orthotics is that you do not get proper implants that will make your insoles to be virtually useless.

Top health benefits of orthopedic shoes

Nowadays, finding orthopedic shoes is quite easy for enhancing the health of your shoes. There many valuable health benefits that you will get when you buy these shoes. They include:-

  1. They provide great support

These shoes have a design that will cater for your arches, help realign your foot, and cushion your heels. You can get frustrating problems like plantar fasciitis and flat foot without proper realignment and support of these shoes.

  1. Wearing these shoes encourages blood flow

Orthopedic shoes are vital for people who suffer from diabetic nerve pain. Those people suffering from diabetic neuropathy can also support their arch with great comfort. Diabetic neuropathy can cause you not to feel pain in your feet. Putting on orthopedics shoes will take your foot to a functional and healthy environment. These shoes can save diabetic people from losing their feet.

  1. Orthopedics cost less than foot surgery

Ignoring taking care of your feet will become costly in the long run. Putting on these shoes when you have foot problems can prevent you from going for a surgery that is eminent. These shoes will act as a preventive feature for the health of your feet.

  1. You can correct foot problems by use of these shoes

Since these shoes can help preserve arches and realign feet, the problems that you have been experiencing will be history. Most foot problems come as a result of wearing wrong shoes.

Travel Light With These Easy To Pack Products

Headed out for a weekend, or perhaps longer? With all the restrictions on how much you are allowed to pack (or even how much space you might have in your own car or luggage), it’s best to pack light, and with versatile pieces.  These are a few of our current favorites.

Icebug, one of my personal favorites in shoes and boots that can hold up and take quite the beating, has recently put out a new style of sneaker. While it would be more convenient and easy if it had a name with letters that formed, perhaps, a word or two, these are found by their call number, which is DTS3 RB9X GTX. I know.

However, they are super cool shoes, and wildly comfortable. I love the color and the style- it’s nice to wear shoes that are nice looking, lets be honest. But even better, they are soft, supportive, and really hold up. They deal with mud, slush, and rain with no problems at all, and your feet stay dry. The Icebugs have done me equally well hiking, running, going to the gym, and running random errands around town. Something else I love? They have this cool “Boa lacing system” that lets you slip your feet in, then just twist the knob (best way to describe it) on the front tongue until you like the way it fits. Pull it straight back to release- this makes on and off at the airport (or wherever) fast and easy.

These are waterproof (don’t go scuba diving in them, but in all sorts of weather your feet stay dry) and have soft padding in the collar and tongue, as well as ergonomic soles. These tend to run small, order up as suggested by the website. You can order at https://us-shop.icebug.com for about $180.

For workout to headed out, check out Nuu-Muu. They make this item they call the original “exercise-and-everything-else” dress. Not only is it good to wear from the gym to the PTA meeting (or wherever life is taking you today), but the colors are both vibrant and beautiful, and there are quite a few options available.

Designed to flatter women’s bodies and made from fabric that feels as good as it looks, the classic Nuu-Muu is a go-to for exercise, travel and life. Nuu-Muu does what you do, beautifully. Designed to cover most sports bras completely and with nothing built in for maximum versatility. Sewn in the U.S.A. (every dress, every time).  Wear it alone or with leggings or shorts for more coverage (or for class), and that also makes it even easier to transition. It looks great either way.  In sizes “0” to 3LX and in child sizes as well, prices vary depending on item. You can pick yours out at https://nuu-muu.com

Bermuda Sands is a brand that is new to me, and has options for both men and women, and have just about anything you could want to pick up for that quick summer getaway. Specializing in active and leisure sports wear (and would be equally at home at backyard or office party barbecues), the clothing is both super soft and lightweight. This is not just extra comfy, but also easy to pack and resistant to wrinkles. From men’s polos to women’s tanks and skirts, you can make outfits of your choosing, or pick up a few new items to liven up your summer wardrobe. Look good, feel great, and again- super easy to travel in and pack.  Visit https://www.bermudasandsapparel.com/ for options. Prices vary by item.

Looking for something to pack it all up in? I’m really liking the ease of the Expanse Wheeled Tote from Eagle Creek. Perfect for a short jaunt or weekend trip, or to use as your carry on, it’s easy to wheel around (as the name suggests) and is easy to organize. It has quite a few pockets for storage as well as to make it easy to find what you are looking for quickly- a function we all will like.

Need something bigger, but still need something sturdy that can take a tumble? The Expanse  Converitble 29 (same company) gives you more room, and gives you the option to use it as a wheeled bag OR as a travel backpack. I like options and when you can use things in multiple ways- more bang for your buck, more uses, just more.  You get all the ease of access of a duffel bag, the roominess and wheeled maneuverability of a large suitcase, as well easy (internal) organization pockets and the option to use as a backpack.

For these and more bag/suitcase options, head to http://www.eaglecreek.com/ Prices vary.

The Ultimate Winter Gear for Your Kids

As you head out into the blustery, winter-y weather that has descended on many by this point, you will want to make sure the kids are well equipped to handle all that mother nature dishes out. Here are some of our favorites for your snow days.

One of the most important winter wear items is a durable, water resistant coat. The Dare 2b Boy’s Dedicate Jacket is a coat for both daily wear and for serious outdoor play.  Girls Entrust Jacket also available- same jacket, different name. It not only wears well, but has all sorts of features that your kids will love. It has a waterproof outer layer, and is made with a breathable 4-way stretch fabric. The hood is detachable (but doesn’t fall off) and has an elastic trim, making adjusting it easy. The coat also has internal mesh pockets, and all the pockets zip (so not as many lost gloves and whatnot). It has bight reflective details, making spotting your child on the trails or during snowball fights even easier.  Available at http://www.dare2b.com/ for about $140. Infant snuggler suits (one piece coats for babies) available for about $50 each.

snow gloves

You will want sturdy gloves- it’s hard to play outside very long with cold, wet hands. The Jr Rascal Glove by Seirus comes in fun options like skeleton, zombie, and Digi (think video game/Minecraft looking), and feel as good as they look. Kids will like them because they are fun, you will like them because they are functional and do their job well. They are windproof and water resistant, and have Heatlock insulation to keep little hands warm. They feature a gauntlet cuff that cinches easily to help keep ice and snow from getting inside, and have SureGrip on the palms and fingers to help them hold onto whatever they are trying to keep in their hands. Most gloves are really slippery, this is a cool and useful feature. For about $30 at https://www.seirus.com

snow boots

For snow trekking, you will love the Icebug Myoko BUGweb GTX.  These boots are fantastic- and yes, they have adult shoes and boots. You will love them that much. I have had Icebugs myself for several years, and my son and I agree they are both comfortable to wear and great at keeping your feet warm- we both really like them.  These boots are cut slightly higher then the ankle, and keep you warm with fleece insulation. They have a GORE-TEX® outer shell that will keep your child’s feet dry. They are easy to put on and take off- any parent that has had wars with snow boots will appreciate the double Velcro that kids can adjust themselves. No one will complain about sore feet in these boots- at least no one I’ve met. Available for $169.95 at http://icebug.com/us

To go under your boots- and often not thought of until it’s too late- you want warm, comfortable, and high socks. Yes, high- at least mid calf, because there is nothing more annoying then a sock that falls under your foot while you are walking about. They should also stay put, not the drooping kind. Those are fine for lounging at home, not so much for activities. Hi-Tec makes socks for men and women, and we’ve worn them on a multitude of activities and climates and been happy with them. They are soft, they stay where you want them to, have both zone cushioning as well as cushioning though the entire leg, and (a must) reinforced heel and toe. No toes poking out, and they will last longer. They also have arch support and compression, which is pretty advanced stuff for a sock.  These retail for between $15 and $20, which might seem like a lot for socks- but like I said, these do flex an awful lot of muscle, and you might be surprised and how much happier your feet will be when they are warmer, for longer- and without annoying under-the-heel nonsense that often happens when wearing boots. Pick yours up at http://us.hi-tec.com/accessories.html

Ready to hit the slopes? If not the mountain, perhaps a neighborhood hill. Your kids will really enjoy the Freshie Snow Scooter. It’s something fun and new, yet not so wildly different they will have a hard time using it. A great way to keep active and outdoors when the weather outside turns frosty.  Lightweight and easy to carry (as well as store), it is made of high impact plastic so those rough runs and wipeouts won’t ruin it. Use it to scoot sans wheels down snow covered walkways or driveways, or as a snowboard with handles down hills.  It’s super easy to maneuver and use, even for the less athletically inclined. Fold up the handle and put it away just about anywhere when you are done playing, or when Spring is around the corner. Prices vary, from about $40 and up depending on retailer, at retailers like Amazon and Sears.

Disclosure- Samples were provided in order to review. All opinions are my own and honest. For more, see “I Disclose.