Printed Pants

A hot trend for this year is printed pants and denim.  When I first stumbled upon a trendy fashionista wearing a pair, I kind of cringed.  Patterns on the butt and thighs are not always a girl's best friend.  

However, if we shall remain slaves to the fashion world, at least let's do it tastefully.

Here are few safety tips for wearing them.

1.  Stay Dark

No need to draw attention to places you don't want people to notice.  Stick with a dark background and it will be the most flattering.

AG Polka Dot - $178

Zara Pants - $80

2. Go Subtle

Nobody said you had to wear the loudest print out there to be in style.  A subtle print is just as fashionable as the boldest floral.

Vince Camuto - $99

J. Crew - $118

Loft - $60

3. Walk Away

Not all trends are created equal and you may just not like wearing prints on your arse.  It is okay to find a great printed top and stay in your comfort zone.  

ASOS - $75.00

INSPIRATION

Rachel from Pink Peonies

Atlantic-Pacific

Gal Meets Glam

Stay tuned for how I wear printed pants.

Happy Shopping! 

5 "Go To" Accessories

According to the fabulous stylist, Brad Goreski, there are 5 must have accessories he thinks you "gotta-get" for your wardrobe.  Of course each one of them is at a price point of $200 and up so I thought I would adapt it for my readers who have a slightly smaller bank account.


1. Large Day Bag
I do agree that a good leather handbag is the best investment you can make for your accessory wardrobe, but it is not necessary to spend a million dollars on one.  There are great options at all price points.  If you have your basics covered, buy one in a great color and add a little fun to your outfits.

R&M Bubble Lamb Shopper - $105

Piperlime

Leather Market Tote - $120

Banana Republic

Merona Scarf Tote - $30

Target

2. Cocktail Ring
I'm sure we would all love to wear a Harry Winston cocktail ring, but I personally think that having a few pieces of costume jewelry is much more fun.  Sporting a little bling brings out your sparkly personality.

Soiree Trio Ring - $49

Stella & Dot

Glistening Dome Ring - $6.00

Forever 21

Opulence Cocktail Ring - $48

Anthropologie

Gin Daisy Ring - $54

Kate Spade

3. Amazing Sunglasses
I love a fabulous pair of designer sunglasses, but only if you can take good care of them.  Bring a friend to help you find your perfect pair - whether a vintage silhouette or "Old Hollywood" glamour.

Modern Square Logo Glasses - $149

Tory Burch

Darryl - $128

Kate Spade

Oversized Round Sunnies - $110

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Michelle Sunnies - $98

Banana Republic

4. Vintage Clutch
If you take this literally, a vintage clutch may be hard to find.  It also may take a little time which most of us mommies are in desperate need of.  If there are thrift stores or even second-hand stores in your area, check them out and see if you can find a unique bag for a night on the town.  There are also plenty of vintage look-a-likes out there too.

Renee beaded clutch - $79.50

Banana Republic

Charley Clutch - $56

Piperlime

Rococo Fold-over Clutch - $30

Shopruche.com

Pleated Frame Clutch - $49

Nine West

5. Closed-Toe Pumps  
A great looking pump can be worn with just about everything in your closet.  Find a heel height that works for you and go for a nude color which is the most versatile.

Faith 2 - $100

Plenty by Tracy Reese

Year Wedge - $90

Franco Sarto

Desti Pump - $98

Vince Camuto

Gillyan - $89

Nine West

Happy Shopping! 

Splurge vs Steal - SHOES

There are a laundry list of shoes we would all like to splurge on, but unrealistic with bills, kids, and of course our own wardrobes.  Finding the perfect, affordable shoe can sometimes be frustrating and difficult.  

Here are a few "look-a-likes" for you to check out in case your laundry list is out of your budget. 

SPLURGE

'

Jimmy Choo - $450

STEAL

Nine West - $79

or 

STEAL

Sam Edelman - $110

SPLURGE

J. Crew - $228 (on sale for $160)

STEAL

Me Too - $89

SPLURGE

Spectator Peep Toe - J. Crew $298

STEAL

Anthropologie - $118

SPLURGE

Christian Louboutin Sparkle Flats - $695

STEAL

Zara - $70

SPLURGE

Prada - $390

STEAL

Sam Edelman - $110

SPLURGE

Michael Kors - $250

STEAL

Franco Sarto - $90

Happy Shopping! 

Date Night

Date nights are too few and far between in our household.  After a long week, a date night on Friday was just what my husband and I needed.  We met another couple at a restaurant in Nashville and enjoyed dinner and drinks without our wee little ones tugging on our last nerves.

There is a lot of fashion inspiration out there in the form of Pinterest, Blogs, and retail sites, but most come in a twenty-something package with no hips, short skirts, and 5" heels. I asked myself the question many of you probably ask as well which

is

 what does a mother of two in her mid-thirties (or your age here) wear on a date?

Tip 1:  Wear Heels

Take advantage of your night with no children.  Regardless of who your date is with - a boyfriend, husband, or girl friends - bust a move in a great pair of heels.  A higher heel will elongate the legs, creating a leaner look.  Feeling lean means feeling sexy, right?

Nine West - $89

Tip 2:  Get out of Your Mom Wear

No sweats, No flip flops, No over sized T-shirts, No "mom" jeans.  This is your chance to take advantage of the clothes you don't get to wear on a regular basis.  Go for it and put on those white jeans you are afraid to wear with the kids.

Gap Denim - $60

Tip 3:  Get Your Sexy Back

Getting dolled up for a date night does not mean X-Rated.  Keep it classy ladies, but be daring and show a little skin with a skirt, V-neck blouse, or even go sleeveless now that the weather is warmer.

Printed Dress - $79

INSPIRATION

Try the colored denim trend.  They are out at all price ranges and look great with a simple blouse and bold accessories.

WHAT DID I WEAR

Made my first purchase at StyleMint.  Great T-Shirts at affordable prices.

Check them out here.

Lace Back Tee from StyleMint

Made a statement with a necklace from Stella & Dot

Wore my "pop" of color with red jeans from Loft.

Balanced it out with my favorite pair of nude peep toe pumps.

What will you wear on your next date?