Tips and Tricks: How to Wear a Spring Dress in Winter

It’s still cold.  UGH.

Even though I am so over winter, I begrudgingly admit that winter is not over.  What’s more, if you believe in the weather predictions of rodents, then we are still in for another 6 weeks (thanks for nothing, Punxsutawney Phil).

Thanks to the weather, there have been many mornings that I have found myself just staring at my closet, longing for the lightness and ease of my spring clothes and dreading another day in cable knits (which is saying something, because I love me a cable knit).  Then last week it hit me- I may not be able to wear my spring dress on its own, but what if I threw on a couple of extra layers?  Could I possibly be warm enough?  Did I DARE to think that just a little layering could take a springy dress from 50 above to 50 below? 

The answer: Yes I did…AND IT WORKED!  

The key to my success?  The basic tshirt dress. 

Oh, how I love a basic tshirt dress.  It looks good on everyone (even while pregnant), comes in a zillion colors in patterns, is available at every price point, can be worn all year round, and is easy to wash and wear (which makes them kid friendly and even more fabulous).  Seriously, what's not to love?

My winter-ized way to wear: pair a fitted tshirt dress with leggings, riding boots, and an oversized cardigan.  Top with a scarf, add a small earring, and VOILA- dressed!  This is a look that can even go to work with you on a casual Friday (or all week long in a more casual office like mine).

No leggings?  Try opaque black tights. 

No fitted dress?  A flowy tee dress looks great with a classic cardigan. 

No excuses for why you can’t wear spring clothes now!  Hey, if you can’t beat ‘em, layer ‘em!

Tricks and Tips: Outlet Shopping

Hello all! Sorry for the delay in posting…sometimes the demands of being a worker bee, mom, and wife catch up to you and leave time for little else. Not that I am complaining, I love being a wife and mom more than just about anything (and I actually enjoy work most of the time too :)). I think I just hit that perfect storm of winter sickness, increased workload at my job, and the toddler phase kicking in (or should I say “kicking and screaming” in…and consequently so did our first foray into “time out”). So today I decided to unwind a little bit with the family (on a rare and much-needed day off altogether) and take a little trip up to the outlets (needless to say I chose the activity, but the husband was a very good sport...though he did spend last weekend in San Francisco sans wife and baby so he owed me in general :)). Hence the inspiration for this post- what does one buy at the outlets? Does outlet shopping guarantee substantial savings?

Outlet shopping is an interesting thing- when you go in, you generally assume that you are getting a good deal, but that’s not always the case. After all, you have to remember that the retail stores are still in the business of making money, not giving their merch away (though if any of them asks I would ADORE a Burberry trench :)). Here are my quick tips:

1. Avoid merchandise that is manufactured for the outlets. To keep a stock of items that is similar across outlet stores (and to keep their general stock high), companies often manufacture items specifically for the outlets. These items are typically popular and/or past season styles made with fabric that was not of high enough quality for the regular stores (meaning they may not wear or wash up as well). The dead giveaway is a price tag that is marked “Compare To” or “Similar Item Price” or anything to that effect. The one partial exception to this rule: some of the designer handbag lines do manufacture bags for the outlets, but the leather ones can be a good investment if they are priced around 50% or so less than the in-store price.

 2. Try department store outlets. Since most department stores don’t manufacture their own fashion lines, they are less likely to manufacture items specifically for the outlets. Additionally, the return policies of the retail department stores can bring some great designer pieces to the outlet. For example, if an item is returned at an odd time of the year (say after the large clearance sale), it’s likely that the item will be sent on its way to the outlet with very little time on the display floor since it will no longer be considered current season.

3. Don’t buy unless your savings are about 60% or more off of the retail price. Here’s the thing: most non-outlet retail stores have sales that can save you 60-75% off of retail price for current season styles…so why pay less than that sale price for an outlet, which typically carries past season styles? There’s nothing wrong with past season, but (in my opinion) you shouldn’t have to pay as much for it.

4. Google is your outlet BFF. Related to #3 above- how do you know if you are getting a deal? One easy way to find out- just Google the item you are looking at! Google the particular style name on the price tag or just the general description of the item (example: “Banana Republic cashmere sweater”). This will give you an idea of the item retail price. Note: if you have the exact style name but no online retailers carry that exact item (or that particular color), you probably have a past season style.  Note that this rule also applies to flash sale websites in addition to outlets.

5. Go for basics or higher end items that would normally be out of your price range. On my list of items to buy: handbags, designer jeans in a dark or classic wash, and a leather jacket or winter coat (one of my best outlet purchases was a suede and shearling coat for $200 which retailed for $2500…and after 6 Chicago winters I can tell you that the warmth this coat provides would have been worth the full $2500). For extra savings and one-of-a-kind items, go straight for the outlet store markdown or clearance racks. You would be amazed what you can find. For example, one time I found a Ralph Lauren black label blazer with a retail price of approximately $2000 for fifty bucks. Yes, $50, and the same blazer had been featured in Vogue magazine. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Current Cravings: Hats, Gloves, and More!

Current Cravings: Hats, Gloves, and More!

Spring clothes are starting to hit the stores, but who can think about spring in this weather?  With the polar vortex causing sub-zero temperatures across the country, all I want to do is stay inside and be warm.  So instead of springy tees and sandals, I’m still scouring the stores for hats, gloves, and other cozy things.  Ironically, this is the time of year when stores put all of their cold weather gear on clearance, so there are deals almost everywhere.  Brave the cold or shop my picks below from the comfort of your (heated) home.  Stay warm and safe!

Bad Hair Day Beanie, Boys and Arrows, $19.  This cheeky chapeau is sure to make you smile on even the dreariest day.  Plus, it's so true right?  I know all of these hat days are wreaking havoc on my hair!

 

 

 

 

Scandi Fair Isle Mittens, $20, Topshop.com.  A little tip: Layer fingerless gloves over a pair of solid leather gloves.  Not only is the mix of leather and knit right on trend, but it will give you an extra layer of warmth.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Asos Turban Headband, $14.52, Asos.com.  These headband-style wraps are perfect for anyone who loves a topknot or a ponytail (like me).  They keep you warm but won't crush your hair like a regular hat.  Perfection!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Unisex Circle Scarf, $28, AmericanApparel.net.  This infinity scarf is super soft and comes in a zillion colors.  Need I say more?  Bonus: choose a scarf in a jersey fabric and it will be light enough to wear through the spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ugg Scuffette II Slipper, $80, Nordstrom.com.  This pick comes straight out of my closet.  These slippers are a bit pricey, but the rubber sole means that they will wear like a shoe instead of a slipper (meaning they will last a long time).  Plus, they will keep your toes toasty all winter long!

Tips and Tricks: How to Work a Sale Rack

Tips and Tricks:

How to Work a Sale Rack  

I hope that all of you are having a blessed holiday season, enjoying time with family and friends, and maybe even hitting up a sale rack or two this weekend!

Ah the sale rack, a mom’s best friend and worst nightmare all at once: on one hand it’s a way to save a few bucks (every extra dollar counts when managing the family budget), but with everything cluttered and thrown together it can be a huge time-suck (not ideal if you have a toddler tagging along on your mall trip).  The lack of organization can also be overwhelming- where to start?  What to buy?  How do I dig through this vast pile of sweaters, dresses, and tops and find things I actually need?

The key to sale rack shopping is simple: be prepared, shop smart, and invest in pieces that work with your current wardrobe and real life.  To break it down, here are my top tips for sale rack shopping:

1.     Know what you need.  Do a quick scan of your closet and take a note of needs and wants.  Ask yourself questions- are you looking for a few new and updated pieces or just looking to refresh your everyday basics?  Is there anything that you particularly need, like new boots or a new coat?  Also think about any upcoming events you are attending, as this is a great time of year to find special pieces for weddings, showers, or other events at a deep discount.  This step doesn’t take a lot of time (just 5 or 10 minutes) but it will help focus your shopping and may keep you from buying things that you don’t need.    

2.     Choose a plan of attack.  Rather than wandering aimlessly from store to store, choose one or two of your favorite stores and focus most of your time there.  Also consider shopping at a store that might be slightly above your average price-point…since everything is on sale, your money can stretch a little further and put even designer items within reach.  

3.     Check for coupons.  Finding a coupon for your favorite store can take just minutes.  Great coupon resources: store websites, social media (like official store Facebook pages or Twitter), store email lists, or your local newspaper.  Most stores will even accept coupons via smartphone, meaning no dreaded coupon clipping (though check store policy before you go)!  Even high-end stores are offering extra coupons and savings this time of year, so it’s worth it to check.  If you can’t find a coupon, ask a store associate if there are any promotions or discounts going on.

4.     Shop smart.  Scan the sale rack for fabrics, textures, and colors that catch your eye instead of shuffling through each piece.  If you focus on one or two pieces that really catch your eye, you are more likely to love what you buy and not fall into the trap of buying things you don’t really want.  Love something but don’t see your size?  Check larger size racks and see if your size was misplaced (or hidden…people often hide things with the intention of coming back later to scoop it up).  Also check with the sales associate as there may be additional sizes in the back of the store, or even hiding out in a fitting room.  Finally, don’t be afraid to try a new style but limit yourself to one or two trendy pieces.  Keep the bulk of your purchases to items you love and investment pieces.  Which brings me to my last point…

5.     Buy designer or stock up on good basics.  Designer items (including handbags) can be marked down as much as 60-75% this time of year.  If you are looking for shoes, try classic styles like riding boots, pumps, or ballet flats.  Need a sweater?  Cashmere is on clearance everywhere. Invest in a beautiful sweater (or two, or three, or more) in a neutral tone- black, navy, camel, or cream.  You will have it for years. 

Helpful Hints: Last Minute Gifts- No Mall Required!

Helpful Hints

Last Minute Gifts- No Mall Required!

We are in the home stretch of the holiday season.  If you are like me, this means tons of wrapping, baking, errand running, and Santa visits (ours ended with a major crying fit, and I have the photos to prove it…ahh, memories).  There is also likely to be at least one forgotten gift on your list, which may be anxiety inducing (I love to shop, but the thought of the mall on Christmas Eve makes me want to cry like my daughter on Santa’s lap, except my overpriced photo would not be nearly as adorable).

So with that in mind, I have come up with a list of a few chic and thoughtful gifts that you will be happy to give to your friends and family, with no mall (or Santa photo) required.  To make it even easier, all of these gifts take less than 5 minutes to pull together, with an accompanying idea if you can find a few more minutes in your packed schedule.

For your BFF:

Got 5 minutes?  Pick up a gift card to a local nail salon or spa.  Who doesn’t love to get their nails did?  I love a good mani-pedi, but I rarely have time to go.  When I have a gift card, it’s both an excuse to break my routine a little and a pampering treat.
Got 5 more minutes? You could do the usual, like package with a nail polish and file, but how about taking it a step further and planning a girls day so you can get mani-pedis together?  Package with a note or a simple calendar page highlighting the date of your spa get-together.

For your Pregnant Friend:

Got 5 minutes?  Throw together a basket of ingredients for simple “mocktail” (aka a non-alcoholic beverage that has the appearance of a regular cocktail).  Being pregnant at the holidays can be tough when all of your friends are imbibing and you can’t.  It’s nice to have a little faux cocktail to make it feel like a special occasion!  Plus, mocktail recipes are all over the internet so it is easy find a simple drink recipe (even if you aren’t a mixologist).  My favorite is a simple sparkling water and OJ concoction, which fizzes like a mimosa.  Friend more of a beer gal pre-pregnancy?  Try a craft root beer six pack!
Got 5 more minutes?  Add a couple of snacks from her current cravings list.  A mocktail and munchies?  Nom nom!

For your New Mom Friend:

Got 5 minutes?  Call a local cleaning agency and ask for a gift card.  Being a new mom can be stressful, especially at the holidays, and having help around the house may be better than anything Santa could fit in that sleigh.  Last Christmas, my daughter was just 4 months old and it was still hard keeping up with the everyday demands of a newborn (especially one who nursed every 90 minutes, yikes), let alone shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc!  Having someone come to clean my house so I could squeeze in a nap would have been priceless.
Got 5 more minutes?  While you are doing your holiday cooking, take a few minutes to make a freezer-ready meal to go with that gift card (maybe even send a little frozen cookie dough to bake up for dessert).  Having a clean house and dinner for your friend will definitely earn you a spot on Santa’s “Nice” list this year!

For Everyone

Got 5 minutes?  Write a simple note telling that person how much he or she means to you.  It sounds cheesy, but to many people it would mean more than anything that you could buy in a store.  No matter what, even if you know you are loved, it’s always nice to hear it…and really, doesn’t telling our family and friends how much they mean to us embody the holiday spirit?  It’s truly a gift from the heart.  Also, if you have older children this can be a great project for them for an older relative or a close family friend (and help to teach them a lesson that not all special gifts need to come from the mall).    

Got 5 more minutes?  This gift is wonderful on its own, but it’s easy to pick up some flowers, a poinsettia, or even a holiday wreath to send with your note. 

Have a wonderful holiday readers! 

Giveaway Time! Like and Share for a chance to WIN!

Giveaway Time!
Happy Holidays from Yo Mamma and The Sweet Things in Life

Christmas is the time for giving...and cookies!  Lots and lots of cookies!

In this spirit of the holidays I'm very excited to announce my first giveaway, courtesy of The Sweet Things in Life.

The Sweet Things in Life is a San Antonio, Texas based baking company.  The owner, Amanda, makes the most beautiful sweets from scratch.  I ordered several dozen cookies for my daughter's baptism and when they arrived, I could hardly believe it- they were gorgeous, individually wrapped and ready for gifting, and arrived to my home in Chicago as fresh and delicious as if I had gone to the local bakery.  Needless to say, my party guests loved them!

Now the Sweet Things in Life is giving you the chance to try some of their treats!  The winner of our contest will receive a decorated box which contains: a coffee mug, instant coffee, a cookie cutter; a gingerbread cookie mix with candy, icing mix and a decorating bag, 2 gingerbread cookies, and 2 candy canes in a decorated box.  It's perfect for gifting (or saving for yourself :)). 

To enter the giveaway, simply "like" and "share" this post on Facebook- that's it!  I will randomly choose a winner tomorrow evening at 8:00 PM CT.

Make sure you head over to The Sweet Things in Life's Facebook page, check out Amanda's amazing albums, and maybe even place your own order for some beautiful Christmas treats!

Style How-To: Sheer Tops

Style How-To:

Sheer Tops

Sheer is a major trend this season.  From shirts to skirts, pants to pumps, showing a little skin is totally in.  However, it can be a little tricky to master this trend without looking a little bare, especially as a mom.  On the runways and red carpets for example, the sheer look often comes with exposed bras and panties.  This is not so practical in real life.  Can you imagine wearing a sheer top with exposed bra to playgroup?  One bad move and “peek-a-boo” will become “peek-a-boob.”  Eek!

In addition to the risk of a wardrobe malfunction, it can be a challenge to tone down the overt sexiness of sheer.  We all want to be Hot Mammas, but not so much Hoochie Mammas!  With this look, it’s all about finding the balance between sexy and sweet.

Despite the challenges, sheer can actually be very wearable…especially for a holiday party!  Check out my tips and try this trend for yourself.

 

Tip #1: Layer, Layer, Layer!

When layered under a strapless dress (we all have one hiding in the back of our closet), a sheer tee looks sexy but still keeps you covered.  It’s the perfect outfit for a party on a cold night!  Even better, a sheer black tee will visually slim your upper body.  So if you are a little self-conscious about your arms, give this layering trick a try.  Since the sheer top gives this look a bit of edge, keep the rest of the look elegant and easy.  Metallic pumps, a simple clutch, and statement earrings are perfect accompaniments.  Bonus Tip: If you aren’t into large earrings, almost any jewelry will do.  Just beware of large necklaces or bracelets, which may leave snags or runs in your top.

Tip #2: Keep it playful.

For a more casual get-together, try a sheer top that blends opaque and sheer panels.  A top like the one pictured below will still allow room for a normal bra.  (Hooray!)  To keep the top casual but cool, pair with dark or wax-coated denim (which gives a leather look), but keep the jeans skinny to balance out the volume of the top.  Then add quirky flats to keep the look fun.  If cats aren’t your thing, there are tons of different loafer styles or glitter flats to be found at every price point- just pick one that makes you happy!  Cap off the look with a small, structured handbag and stud earrings.  Easy!