I just love it when being fashionable also prevents wrinkles.
Of course, I’m talking about sunglasses. In the fantasy world I live in inside of my head, I spend my days driving around in my vintage Mercedes convertible, silk scarf tied around my hair with giant frames perched on my face. I am the definition of glamour. Unfortunately, I don’t actually live in that world. But these sunglasses from Banana Republic make it a bit easier to dream:
Banana Republic Doris Sunglasses
There’s something about them that just screams “Drive down the Pacific Coast Highway!” But also “I am tough business lady!”
Spoken in more practical terms, I like sunglasses that look both appropriate for everyday and working, and trips to the beach as well. These sunglasses strike just the right balance between fabulousness and practicality. Offering 100% UV protection, they will save your skin as well.
Banana Republic Doris Sunglasses, $118.00. Available in Gold, Olive, or Black.
Another Form of Neck Decor
I love scarves! So very much! I often dream that one day in Texas, it will actually be cold enough for a scarf. But for those of you for which scarf weather is already a reality, let me introduce you to this beauty:
Anthropologie Amplitude Scarf
Oh, how I adore thee, Amplitude scarf! Often times, coats are purchased in basic, neutral colors. This Missoni-esque scarf is a lovely way to add a bunch of color to your winter coat. The metallic sheen will also add a bit of glamour to your outerwear.
I purchased a scarf made of a similar material this summer for a trip to San Francisco and it kept my neck nice and toasty without being too warm. This scarf is also the perfect length to experiment with various scarf knot methods. And for those of you looking for various ways to tie knots, I found this guide from Zia Moda to be most helpful!
Amplitude Scarf at Anthropologie, $58.00.
Accessories Week Begins!
This week, I’ll be featuring some of my favorite fall accessories. If there is any accessory you are interested in having me attempt to locate, please leave a comment!
Let’s get this show on the road with necklaces!
For years, I didn’t actually wear necklaces. I had some bizarre theory that necklaces made my face look fat. I know. . . ridiculous! However, I will say this for my theory- it saved me money. Because ever since I recognized the error in my ways with regards to necklaces, I’ve had a hard time resisting adorning my neck with all manner of jewels. It certainly doesn’t help matters that the jewelry designers at J.Crew have been consistently producing highly covetable necklaces like this one, which has already made my Christmas list. The price, while not ridiculous, is hardly within impulse buy territory. This Forever 21 necklace, however:
Forever 21 Cluster Bead Necklace
Well, at $7.80, the price is just right. This would be fantastic paired with a white button down shirt for the office, or fabulous with a simple strapless dress for your holiday parties. All of the pleasure. None of the guilt.
Cluster Bead Necklace at Forever 21, $7.80. Final Sale.
The Perfect Fitted Jacket to Dress Up Your Casual Wear
I have a small collection of fitted jackets that I use on chilly days to dress up my office casual wear. Something shapely to pair with tees and thin sweaters will make an ensemble look just a bit more put together. This same idea can work for SAHMs and WAHMs for running errands, picking up the kids, or going to the grocery store.
I love this cord jacket from J. Crew:
J. Crew Stretch Cord Jacket
The fabric has “a hint of stretch,” which will make it easy to wear while reaching for kids toys or that box of cereal on the top shelf. The back is shirred in the center, which will give this jacket shape. It can easily go with jeans or a pair of chinos. The bright red color will give your simple basics a pop.
Stretch Vintage Cord Peplum Jacket at J. Crew, on sale for $59.99. Available in sizes 2-14 in navy, ecru or red.
More Stylish Tees
So it seems there is a demand for stylish t-shirts. In lieu of words, I give you pictures!
BKE Pointelle Top
First up, this pointelle tee from The Buckle. I haven’t shopped at the Buckle since I was in college. And even then, it was only because I was living in Waco where shopping choices are limited to say the least. Perhaps that was in error because their site is a treasure trove of affordable, stylish basics like this $22.00 top, which is available in 3 different shades sizes XS-XL.
Rather ironically, stores aimed at teenagers seem to have a ton of different options that would be perfect for the SAHM/WAHM. Like this gathered top from Forever 21:
Forever 21 Kenitra Top
At $13.80, you won’t be shedding any tears if it gets a few drops of the baby’s breakfast on the sleeve. This top is available in Royal Blue in sizes S-L.
For for more great finds, try the casual tops section at Forever 21. There are also a ton of adorable, low-priced sweaters on their site. Do bear in mind that when shopping in these stores, you may need to order up size wise as they are typically fitted for juniors. Also take note of their return policies, as some only accept exchanges and do not give refunds.
A Cute Hoodie. NO, REALLY.
So hoodies. They get a pretty bad rap, eh? I can’t blame people for taking their name in vain. Hoodies are kind of symbiotic of the dress-down culture that predominates today. Don’t fret, hoodie lovers! Hoodies can be stylish! I swear!
Billabong Avacado Hoodie
How adorable is this number from Billabong? I love the pink and green color combination. I love the print. What separates this hoodie from the pack are the details: the gathered shoulders, the hidden zipper, the toggle closure. This hoodie also has a more defined shape than most, and thus will not create that not-so-flattering sack silhouette commonly associated with hoodies. This piece is perfect for working at home- and you can leave the house to run errands in comfort AND style.
Billabong Avacado Hoodie at Lulu’s, $59.50. Available in size Medium. For other hoodies with style, try Lucky Brand Jeans and their fabulous collection.
Practical Shoes Don’t Have To Be Boring.
Obviously, a stay-at-home-mom is going to need some practical shoes. While I proudly confess to being a heels devotee, even I am not immune to lusting after the adorable flat from time to time. However, flat shoes are one of those purchases about which I become uncharacteristically….frugal. As in, I don’t want to spend more than $20 frugal. Thankfully, I can always count on Old Navy to come through in such situations.
Old Navy Satin Rosette Ballet Flats
These ballet flats will be perfect with sweaters or tees and jeans, and they are even dressy enough to be coupled something more formal. In the past, I’ve been wary of Old Navy shoes because they can be uncomfortable and poorly cushioned. However, I have tried on several pairs of these gathered-type flats in store and they were quite comfortable indeed.
Presently, Old Navy has several other gorgeous pairs of flats that can be dressed up or dressed down. They also have a fantastic classic suede driving moc on sale for $16.50 in a variety of colors.
Satin Rosette Ballet Flat at Old Navy, $19.50. Available in sizes 6-11 (including half sizes), in four different colors.
Workin’ It with WAHMs.
I received an email this week from a reader, Kristin, who is about to transition from working in an office to working at home. She is also a mom working with a budget. Kristin doesn’t want to lose her style while staying at home. So what are some pieces than can help our WAHM stay stylish?
Admittedly, this is not my area of expertise. I am not-mom working outside the home. However, I do work in a VERY casual office, so I would imagine that many of the pieces that will work for me will also work for Kristin. So this week, I’ll be sharing more casual, budget friendly items that are machine washable.
I would imagine a lot of WAHMs spend a good amount of time in tees. And why not? They are affordable, washable, kid-friendly and comfortable. But just because you are wearing a t-shirt doesn’t mean it can’t be a stylish one.
Pleated Yoke Top
This top from New York and Company gets all of the above done. More than just a basic crewneck tee, the pleats at the top add a little something stylish. I also really like the elastic cuff sleeves. I have a similar top from J. Crew last season and it has become one my favorites. And bonus! This top is currently Buy One Get One 1/2 Off! At $26.95 each, you can get two of these tops for around $40.
City Style Pleated Yoke Top at New York and Company, $26.95. Available in sizes XS-XL, in blue, black or white.
Better Than Your Average Cardigan
One of the ways I have found several of my favorite shopping sites is by paying attention in magazines. It is often worth the effort to check out the fashion bibliography located in the back of mags like Glamour and Marie Claire. These pages will tell you wear you can buy pieces from the looks featured in the fashion spreads, and they often contain links to websites that are worth your inspection.
One site that I found via this method is Tulle. I first noticed the Tulle brand at another of my bargain fashion favorite sites, Francesca’s Collections. But until I saw it mentioned in a magazine, I had never bothered to Google the brand and check to see if they had their own website. As soon as I checked out their site, I knew I was in trouble. Tulle is a fantastically fashionable brand, with fairly reasonable prices. They have a gorgeous selection of sweaters in their fall collection. One of my favorites is this belted cardigan:
Tulle Long Belted Cardigan
I love cardigans because even when there is cold weather outside, you never know when someone is going to have the heat cranked up to an unreasonable temperature inside. This sweater is more than just your average cardigan though! The belt makes it considerably more body conscious, and elevates the item from something just to keep you warm to something to make your outfit a little more special.
Belted Cardigan at Tulle, on sale for $30.00. Available in sizes XS-XL in Cocoa or Cranberry.
Ask and You Shall Receive
Yesterday, a reader left a comment asking for work appropriate sweater dresses. This is something I am also seeking out because I like to be comfortable and snuggly at work as often as possible. So, I started hunting.
Fortuitously, I received the Isabella Bird catalog in the mail just a few days ago, and luckily I decided to look through it before tossing it in the pile of unsolicited catalogs that live in a basket beside my bed. In that catalog, I found this fantastic sweater dress, which I feel will both be perfect for the office, and flattering to many body types:
Isabella Bird Whitney Dress
This dress is form fitting enough to be flattering, but loose enough not to create any extra bumps or lumps, as sweater dresses can do. The defined waist will also prevent that sack look that sweater dresses can sometimes create. I would pair this dress with boots as shown, or a with a pair of round toe pumps.
Whitney Sweater Dress at Isabella Bird, $99.00. Available in sizes XS-XL.