Top Women’s Fashion Trends For Fall

August 11, 2017 by Leave a Comment

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.

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Travel Light With These Easy To Pack Products

June 8, 2017 by Leave a Comment

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.

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Kids’ Clothes Don’t Have To Cost You A Fortune

May 24, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Whether it’s back-to-school time or you’re in the run-up to summer, your kids need clothes. With the crazy speed at which young kids grow, you need to be smart with your money when it’s time to hit some department stores again. If you know you’ve spent too much on children’s clothes in the past, here are some handy tips to make it less of a strain on your budget…

Stay Away from Collections

A lot of kids’ clothing stores will group all their collections right at the entrance of the store, where you can easily see all the pieces in one spot, and get tempted into a knee-jerk impulse-buy. Yes, those tops, skirts, along with the matching shoes and accessories might look adorable on the mannequins. However, your child really doesn’t care how well the different pieces of their outfit mesh together. If you see a pair of pants that you have to see on your child, then go ahead and pick them up. However, don’t get looped in and buy everything else in the collection. Try to bypass the new collections, and head to the back of the store, where you’ll find all the affordable clearance items.

Start Couponing

A lot of parents think that couponing has more popularity than it’s worth, and all those offers you come across are only there to get you in the store. Sure, businesses get on couponing schemes as a marketing ploy, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t save a huge amount through taking advantage of what’s on offer. Head over to a site like DontPayFull.com, and you’ll see a range of discount codes for popular department stores and kids’ clothing brands. These couponing sites go through their ups and downs, but it’s always worth having a look before you head out and start shopping.

Plan Ahead

Department stores start to close out jackets, sweaters and other cold weather gear once the spring range comes out. Obviously though, this doesn’t mean that your kids aren’t going to need winter gear in a matter of months. Start checking out more end-of-season sales, and save money ahead of when your kids actually need to change their wardrobe. Make a point of buying seasonal clothes that are just a touch large for your kids. This way, they can wear a certain item for a month or two, then store it away until the winter rolls around again. By leaving your kids room to grow, you’ll be able to go that much longer without having to buy more clothes.

Share the Basics

One of the great things about having young kids is that they can share a lot of their clothes. Of course, your son might not be crazy about the idea of wearing a Frozen shirt, or your daughter a Star Wars one, but when it comes to the basics, kids can share all kinds of items. Plain snow pants, hoodies, jackets and gloves are all good items for this, and will save you having to buy two sets of everything for your kids. The next time you’re shopping, try not to get a theme on everything, and look for clothes in neutral colors like black, gray and brown. Graphics of your kids’ favorite cartoon characters can add a ridiculous amount to an otherwise affordable piece of clothing, so keep sharing in mind on your shopping trip.

Think Work and Play

There’s a big difference between what your kids should be wearing to school and what they can use for play time. Mainly, the distinctions you should be worrying about are price and quality. When you’re at the start of summer, and your kids have got months ahead of riding bikes, running around parks, and so on, target cheap, low-quality clothes. There are usually great deals on around this time that allow you to buy a few shirts at a bundle price, along with discounted graphics tees, sweat pants, shorts and flip-flops.

Sell their Old Clothes

Baby onesies can make a nice memento, but as your kids grow out of their clothes at a ridiculous rate, you’ll need some way of getting rid of them. Why not get some of your money back by selling them at a garage sale? Just like you, other parents are going to want to save as much money as possible on clothes for their growing kids. Gently used shirts, pants, and shoes are all good items for a garage sale, and the little money you’ll make back can make your next shop that much cheaper.

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Get Ready for Summer with Land’s End

March 30, 2015 by 10 Comments

So, it’s Spring, right?  That’s what I hear, that’s what the calendar says, yet….yet it’s 32 degrees outside and I am still wearing boots and a winter coat every day.  I think someone has gotten it way wrong.  Isn’t Easter next week?  Because it snowed last weekend, and I’m pretty sure April is just a few days away….Have you had it with winter, East Coast?  Mid West?  Do you fight the impulse to “unfriend” your buddies living in warmer climates who post selfies of themselves in shorts or in their backyards, barbequing in t-shirts?  Then it’s time to get away.  Fast.  Check out the sweepstakes Land’s End is hosting to Win a Trip for Two to the warm and sunny British Virgin Islands.

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After a horrible winter, the majority of us could use a warm getaway. Lands’ End has teamed up with the British Virgin Islands to offer one lucky winner a trip for two to the beautiful Bitter End Yacht Club.  Make sure you enter to win (more points as you pass it along to friends as well).
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March Trends at The Children’s PLACE

March 26, 2015 by 7 Comments

The Children’s PLACE has come to deliver marching orders: Put your best foot forward this spring with the best on-trend outfits and styles. With everything from dressy Easter attire to casual clothes, shoes, and accessories, The Children’s PLACE has everything you need for the stylish kids in your life. Girls can have fun in floral accents and casual dresses they can style up with a pair of sparkly flats or make more casual by pairing with an ankle bootie. Boys are all about preppy and sporty looks with bold pops of color.

easter clothingThe Children’s PLACE is also one of my favorite places to shop for our son, because it’s easy to mix and match clothing and the prices are wallet-friendly. He likes the clothes because they are soft, for him a must.

He can be picky about his clothing- not so much about the style, but about the fit.  He really dislikes jeans for some reason, and anything that feels tight, stiff, or “scratchy” is a no-go.  He likes khakis (in any color or print), track pants, sweat pants, and the like, which they have so many options of at The Children’s PLACE.  He will wear most shirts, as long as they fit the above qualifiers.  He used to love, love, love wearing ties, bow ties, and vests (not sure if you all remember, but there was a time he wouldn’t leave the house without them on!) but now he’s all about the casual.  I’m glad that it’s easy to match clothes at The Children’s PLACE, because you can get more wear and more outfits for your money that way, without having to shop as much or have as much clothing.  With as fast as they grow, who wants to spend that much money for a single season of use?
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Downy Wrinkle Releaser- Home and On the Go

August 4, 2014 by 2 Comments

Disclosure- we received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are our own and honest.  For more, see “I Disclose”.
downyDuring the summer (or any season really) life seems to speed up.  I often think it should be otherwise, it rarely works out that way. As such, your activities had to have priorities- whats more important? Catching on on some summer reading or ironing?  Personally I would say reading but ironing still needs to be done.  To the rescue Downy!

Downy have recently released a new spray called Downy Wrinkle Releaser.  This simple to use fabric fresher makes your day move a lot quicker as well as a day saver.  The way this works is, first hang up your garment, then spray it with the Release then tug to pull out the wrinkles.  That is all there is to it.  Simple and quick so not only would this be a time saver with ironing but also a savior when you find out that blouse that you planned on wearing to work today fell off the hanger and has been wrinkled.  The Wrinkle Releaser saves the day here too.  The odd thing about the releaser is the once you have it, around you definitely start using it more and more often.
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Pack Light With Land’s End

July 27, 2014 by 7 Comments

Disclosure- Some of the products in this post were given to me in order to facility this review, others were my own.  All opinions are mine and honest.

6 20 14 and waterparks 217Recently, we went to Europe for a few weeks.  I had to pack light, and be able to make what I packed count.  No one wants to be lugging many suitcases around, and it’s best to make everything that you bring able to mix and match, getting the most from each garment. One of my favorite places to shop has always been Land’s End, because clothes are versatile, durable, and long lasting.  They are also great with exchanges, so if you don’t like an item it’s easy to return- even if you have worn it. I love that about a brand, because so often you don’t know how things will fit or wear properly until you actually wear them.  Catch 22, but Land’s End makes it easy and worry free.

Norway, Packing, Products (canon small cam) 033I exclusively packed Land’s End clothing for my trip.  With the exception of my sneakers, walking sandals, and bathing suit, it was all Land’s End, all the time.  Sticking with the brand made it easy, since all the colors matched, the fabrics worked well together, and I really do like the durability they commit to for travel (and everyday wear as well, but I can be abusive to things when I travel).  I chose to stick with the primary colors of navy blue and black, with colors and patterns that matched the basic items I already owned or purchased.  I was also given several new review items from this season’s new line, which complimented what I already owned beautifully. All of the items are well made, pretty, easy to wash and wear (even on the go), and fully functional as well as classically stylish.  Very easy to love, and the reasons why I come back to Land’s End again and again.
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Ready for Summer With Fresh Produce

May 28, 2014 by 6 Comments

When I’m looking for something easy to wear, I head for my Fresh Produce Harbor Dress. It’s become a favorite of mine, because it’s easy to dress up or down, it’s really comfortable, machine washable, and has pockets. The pockets don’t bulge out or make me look bulky in all the wrong places, which is a bonus. I often pass up dresses and skirts with pockets for that reason, but this pleasantly surprised me.

dress1

Fresh Produce makes some seriously soft clothes that wear well. I like to be comfortable, and am not one to sacrifice comfort for fashion. Why, when you can have both? Makes no sense to me. This dress is cute, fun, and feels nice- the material is smooth and supple, and didn’t pill after I put it in the washing machine. (I hung it to dry.)

A bit more about Fresh Produce-

Fresh Produce has delighted women, for nearly three decades,  as a lifestyle brand known for its original prints, vibrant color and stylish, comfortable clothing.Today, Fresh Produce designs, manufactures and markets a leading women’s and children’s lifestyle brand of clothing that is primarily made in the USA.

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