Shopping Savvy- Designer Gifts Under $50

Shopping Savvy

Designer Gift Deals Under $50 (and no, not everything is $49.99)

Happy Holidays to all!

I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving.  I am so grateful for the many blessings in my life, including my amazing family, friends, and all of you lovies who have been supporting my little blog.  Thank you for your readership (and patience with me taking a few days away to celebrate the holiday J). 

Today’s post is to help with the holiday shopping we are all trying desperately to pack in to our busy schedules (especially with the shortened shopping season…yikes)!  In fact, while writing this post I am simultaneously wiping some toddler boogies (the most wonderful time of the year is also the runniest nose time of the year), planning a leftover-centered menu for dinner, and trying to check a little Christmas shopping off of my list as well.  

Below is my list for Top Designer Gifts Under $50.  I hope this list helps you find a gift or two for some of your favorite, label-loving people (or for yourself, because after making everyone’s holiday a little brighter you deserve a treat too).

 

The Best Designer Gifts under $50

Tory Burch Large Logo Stud Earrings, $39- A touch of Tory for under $50? Yes please! I love these earrings. They are substantial enough to work with a variety of outfits, but conservative enough to wear to the office. The pop of orange also makes them different from your standard studs.

Coach North/South Universal Case, $48- Every mom needs one of these!  This case holds your iphone and has slots for credit cards and money inside, making it function more like a handy little wallet/clutch instead of your standard wristlet.  I own this case and use it whenever I’m taking my diaper bag- it frees me from the hassle of toting a second purse but still keeps all of my essentials handy and organized.  This little gifty is also perfect for college students who need a small, organized bag for those nights out…um…”studying”.  Not into the logo?  Spring for the leather version for $10 more.  Bonus: Coach usually has a coupon for 25% off this time of year.  Join the email list stat to take advantage! 

 

Jack Spade Stripe Socks, $14 Through Today Only, Reg $28- Jack Spade, brother label to Kate Spade, let’s the guys have a little luxury too.  During the Jack Spade Surplus Sale (running through today), enjoy extra savings on a variety of bags and accessories perfect for your significant other, son, or nephew.  My pick is this pair of striped socks- at $14, they are cheap enough to be a stocking stuffer yet substantial enough to work as a gift.  Plus, the simple but bold stripe is easy enough for most men to work into their wardrobes. 

Kate Spade The Short List Notepad, $8- This is a fun gift for your designer-loving work friend.  So much more chic than a post-it, non?  You can also pair it with a gift card for your college intern.  No office?  No problem.  This notepad is also a great buy for that playgroup Secret Santa.  Wrap it up with a fun pen for a gift under $10.  Who says designer has to be expensive?

 

Michael Stars Folk Art Scarf, $30 Through Today Only, Reg. $42- This gift comes in under $50 with and without the sale!  I love the bold pattern on this scarf.  The oversized effect also makes it more substantial and expensive-looking than a lighter fabric or regular knit.  If you have a boho-loving lady on your list, this is the perfect present.

Found it! The Wear-Everywhere Dress

Found it!

The Wear-Everywhere Dress
 

Truth: when you have kids, your social life changes.  To provide examples from my own life:

 

·         The only event taking place after 7:00 PM is bedtime.  (How on earth I ever managed to do 7:30 dinner reservations, I do not know or remember.)

·         When I do manage to go out for dinner, we rarely go anywhere that does not provide crayons and a coloring book menu (but sometimes, when we are feeling very fancy, we’ll stop at a restaurant that provides patrons with wiki stix and animal crackers).

·         Game watch parties (a college football Saturday staple among my friends) now consist of trying to watch the game while simultaneously refilling sippies and playing referee amongst several toddlers who refuse to share toys.

·         “Date Night” is sometimes a kid-free Costco run, complete with $1.50 slices of pizza (I will take alone time with the hubs any way I can get it, even if it’s next to pallets of TP and gallons of laundry detergent)

 

So, given the lack of special events, it’s easy to see why some of us never buy dresses.  After all, wearing a cocktail dress to a 5:00 dinner at the local greasy spoon seems a bit silly, to say the least.

 

However, I am here to challenge your thinking.  Don’t reconsider buying a dress- just choose to invest in a dress that actually works with your life.  Enter what I like to call the “wear-everywhere” dress.

 

The wear-everywhere dress is exactly that.  It can take you from work to playgroup, and will be equally appropriate for the diner and for a wedding with just a change of shoe and jewelry.  Not only does this magical dress exist, but there is one at every price point.  Bonus: I have done all the shopping for you! 

Misguided Felicia Value High Neck Midi Dress, $10.55.  10 bucks, free shipping, and 10% off coupon code through 11/28 (offer code: THANKSGIVING)- why would you NOT buy this dress?  It also comes in several colors.  Pair with a classic pump for the office, chic ankle boots for family time, or sexy heels for a wedding.

 

 

 

 

Zara Tube Dress with Ruffle Hem, $59.90.  With the bright color and body-conscious fit, this dress is party-ready, but it’s still possible to wear it everywhere!  To dress it down, layer a chunky knit over top and add tights and boots.  To make it more conservative, try layering a turtleneck or long sleeve tee underneath and pair with flats. 

All Saints Riviera Jersey Dress, $175.  I actually do own this dress, and I really do wear it everywhere.  It’s definitely a splurge, but the quality is phenomenal (the photo doesn’t do it justice) and the uneven hem gives it a little oomph.  If you’re not into the hemline, check out the other All Saints dresses, as this brand has several wear-everywhere options.

Yes You Can! Overalls.

Yes You Can!

Overalls

From the fashion runways to the closets of celebrities, overalls have made a major (and unprecedented) comeback.  Back in the day, I used to love a good overall- I’d rock it with a sunflower-print tee, some keds, and a giant, floppy hat (also accented with an oversized sunflower pin).  I was 9 and my inspiration was the awkwardly amazing, 90s TV pre-teen icon Blossom.  Oddly enough, overalls have come back into vogue at the same time actress Mayim Bialik (who played Blossom) is reviving her career (btw, thank you a million times over Big Bang Theory).  Is it irony or an overall manufacturers’ conspiracy?  Either way, I am happy.

So onto the reason for writing this post: there is a special challenge for moms in rocking an overall.  It is one of those tricky trends- it can be hard to find the balance between looking young and fresh and looking well…so young that you might have just freshly pooped your pants.  Let’s face it: any trend where we can actually match our children should set off some sort of alarm in our heads.  If it didn’t, we would all still be wearing onesies emblazoned with “Mommy’s Cutie” or “Daddy’s Princess” (and not even adult Blossom could pull that off).

The trick to overalls is keeping the look edited and the pieces sophisticated.  Read on for my tips.

Just leave the floppy hat back in the 90s.

How to Work an Overall

 

It’s all about the color.  Keep it sleek with black denim overalls.  Why black?  Because choosing a denim wash can be tricky.  Too light or bleached reads “high school.”  Too classic and you run the risk of looking like an overgrown toddler.  Black, on the other hand, is sophisticated.  Black says, “This is not my first time at the overall rodeo.  I have lived through the 90s and come out a sophisticated, overall-wearing adult.  I have my period now and everything.”

Pair overalls with a simple tee.  A fitted tee in a solid or stripe is all you need with a statement piece like overalls.  It’s all about editing down and keeping it simple.  It’s also what makes this look so easy to pull off…everyone has a basic tee.  Bonus: even if your tee is covered with a couple of random stains- maybe a little baby poop, spit up, miscellaneous food stains from toddler snacks- the overalls cover it right up!

Add a blazer.  Trust me, it sounds counterintuitive, but a fitted blazer adds a bit of polish to the look.  This is the power of a great blazer- even overalls suddenly become chic!  Bonus points if you can cuff the blazer sleeves to show off a fun lining.

Choose ballet flats.  I love a ballet flat with overalls.  There is something about a feminine shoe that perfectly balances the baggy, boyish silhouette of the overall.  They add a classic touch to the trend.

Keep the bag simple and structured.  Again, it’s all about the edit. Choose a simple satchel, but don’t be afraid to choose a size that fits your needs.  This look pairs well with even a very large bag.

Layer on a scarf.  A scarf easily injects color and pattern into the outfit.  This is where you bring in some fun!  Anything goes, just choose a print that makes you smile.  Even if it’s sunflowers (side note: if Blossom had negotiated royalties on all things sunflower print back in the day, she would never have had to work again).

Finally, add a touch of sparkle.  A playful pair of stud earrings adds a fun touch. 

 

Current Cravings: OTK Boots

Current Cravings:

Over the Knee Boots

My winter wardrobe tends to be full of the basics.  When you open my closet, it’s a veritable rainbow of neutrals…cream, navy, camel, gray, and black are my cold weather ROYGBIV.  So when I find something that can add a little pop of color to my everyday wintery look and a little oomph to my wardrobe, I have an instant crush.  This is why I’m saving up for these over-the-knee boots (or “OTK” as the cool kids say) by Chinese Laundry.

I love this boot.  The bordeaux color is a pleasant change from the usual black, brown, and cognac, but it’s still subtle and winter-y.  The OTK style has a little sass, but will still look adorbs with my camel cable-knit and jeans.  I also adore the little gold detail on the back…it stands in for those big bangles that I so miss wearing during the winter (many sweater snags have taught me to save bracelets for warmer weather).  Finally, the price of these boots is fantastic- at $130, they won’t break the bank and my cost-per-wear will be pennies!

These boots will take you from the PTA meeting to the playground and back again.  Although the OTK style may seem intimidating, it’s basically interchangeable with a riding boot, which makes it incredibly easy to wear.  Also, since it is so very similar to a basic riding boot, it will flatter most legs (even short ones like mine). 

Need suggestions on how to wear OTKs?  Toss them on with jeans and a chunky knit for a day out with the kids, or try with a sweater dress and leggings.  If you are in the mood for something a little sexier, try a mini skirt and a simple top or sweater.  Avoid longer hemlines (the boot will quickly over-power a pencil skirt or maxi) and also super-short hemlines (anything more than a couple inches above the knee will scream Pretty Woman…although we all love a Julia Roberts moment, this is probably not the best one to re-create).

 

Enjoy!

 

Yes You Can! Leather Leggings

Yes You Can!

Leather Leggings

One of my missions is to give all of you hot mammas the confidence to try a new look!  My philosophy is that you can make any trend work for you…you just have to know how to keep it easy, comfortable, and fitting with your everyday life.

So I’m starting with a challenge to you- to try leather leggings!  YES, LEATHER LEGGINGS.  Trust me, they may look intimidating, but they are as easy as a black jean (with just a little edge).  Want proof?  I wore my favorite pair just two months after having my daughter.  The elastic in the waist made them comfy enough to wear out, and the leather made me feel sexy (which I think we can all agree is hard sometimes in those first week as a new mom).  They even felt comfy over my still-healing incision from my c-section.  (I know, major overshare…but if that little anecdote didn’t take away some of the intimidation factor of leather leggings, I’m not sure what will.  It’s all about de-mystifying the trend, people!)

Here are my pointers for finding your own perfect pair:

·      Check the lower priced stores.  My leggings are from Zara and were only $30.  These pants can seriously be found anywhere, at any price point.

·      Go for a ponte knit with leather panels or a leather front.  Ponte knits are amazing!  They are flattering on almost all body types and as comfortable as a legging.  They will give some major stretch to the pants, which will keep you from feeling like you are in a leather casing (no one likes to feel like a sausage).

·      Try a faux leather.  Faux leather wears well and is easier to maintain than regular leathers.  It also has a certain kid-friendly factor, as you may recall from a previous post.

·      Try before you buy.  As with most pants, you may have to try a few on to find a pair that is easy and comfortable.  After all, if you don’t love them, you won’t wear them.

Still not convinced?  Here are 3 easy ways to wear.

1.       The Office Look.  Paired with a crisp white shirt, simple sweater, and pumps, it’s just a little twist on the basic.  The key is to keep everything else in the outfit simple and chic.  For a little extra sparkle, you could even add a statement necklace.  Caveat: This is not for all offices, but if you work in a creative, casual environment, it may work for you. 

2.       Sexy Date Night!  Every mamma deserves to look sexy and feel amazing.  A soft, sexy blouse will keep you feeling sexy but still covered, and balances out the legging.   Throw on some pumps (a low heel will be comfortable all night and still sexy) and some fun jewelry.  The final touch?  A little clutch!  Leave the big bag at home and enjoy carrying a bag that doesn’t contain snacks and a sippy!

3.       Running Errands.  Love sweats?  Here you go!  A sweatshirt is the perfect counterpoint to the legging.  Little booties and a big, kid-friendly tote keep this simple and practical.  You can inject a little pattern and texture with a chunky scarf (I chose an on-trend plaid).  Last, a chunky watch will add sparkle and keep you on time.    

 

     

I Made It!

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

My daughter is 15 months old and totally bananas for…well…bananas!  If I let her, she would literally eat bananas at every meal.  Needless to say, keeping up with my little monkey’s demand for fruit means that I always have a supply of bananas on hand…and often times at the end of the week I have a couple of overripe ones left over.  This means I’m always on the lookout for easy and toddler friendly recipes to use up my extras (you can only make banana bread so many times, after all).

My latest recipe find?  Easy-peasy banana oatmeal cookies courtesy of The Burlap Bag.  The original recipe calls for just two ingredients: Bananas and oats.  It recommends mix-ins like chocolate chips.  Although chocolate chips sound awesome, in my house I have a toddler who loves to share everything she eats with her doggie BFF, so I had to go a decidedly more dog-friendly route with my add-ons. 

My daughter loves these cookies.  I love that they are extremely low in sugar (we all know toddlers have enough energy without the extra sugar) and are a healthy, quick snack or breakfast.  Enjoy!

 

Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Recipe modified from The Burlap Bag

Ingredients:

2 Large Overripe Bananas

1 Cup of Quick Oats

1 Tablespoon Cinnamon Sugar or Brown Sugar

¼ Cup shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mash bananas with a fork.  Add all remaining ingredients to mashed bananas and mix.  Bake for 15** minutes and enjoy.

**I did find that my cookies stuck to the baking sheet just a little bit.  On my next attempt I plan to use a little cooking spray on the cookie sheet before baking.

Cheap and Chic- Old Navy Sweater dress

There is something amazing about a sweater dress. It's comfy and cozy, easy to wear, and yet still appropriate for both the workplace and the weekend. Fabulous.

This one from Old Navy is my pick. The black and white marl knit is right on trend, it will go with virtually any shoe (from a pump to a boot), and it can be worn with leggings or tights. The best part? If you order through tonight, it's on sale 30% off or 35% off (for card members) during a site-wide sale.

Gotta love a bargain!

Like most moms, I’m often pressed for time in the mornings.  I’m perpetually squeezing in “five more minutes” of sleep and running through the morning routine: dressing the kiddo, walking the dog, collecting various bags, school supplies, and the occasional coffee cup, and all the while hoping that I am vaguely in the realm of being on time for work. 

My secret to staying chic even with just minutes to dress?  A uniform!

Now, before you start reliving (and recoiling at) your days of plaid and polos, check out my list of necessities.  My “uniform” is simply a collection of classic pieces that all work together to keep me looking pulled together, fashionable, and maybe even a little sexy (on a BUDGET, no less)…yet still easy enough that I can be dressed and ready to roll in under 5 minutes.  Intrigued?  Then read on, and hopefully be inspired to create your own uni!

 

The Necessities:

A Striped T: Channel a little Parisian-chic with a classic stripe in black or navy.It’s an easy way to inject a little pattern into your look.In the mood for some color?Toss on a pair of colorful flats or a bold handbag and voila!Instant chic!Pictured is a tee from J Crew, but I find that Loft has cute stiped tops (and as a bonus, 40% off flash sales)!

The Chambray Shirt: I wear mine at least once a week. It’s another staple- you can blend it in with work wear (try a pencil skirt or use a tailored version to dress down a suit), throw it on with jeans for an outing with the kiddos (just wear a darker shade of denim on the bottom to avoid the Canadian Tuxedo look), or even wear it with something sparkly for a date night look.Try Gap and Old Navy (if you are a card member they always send coupons), or Madewell.

A Fisherman Sweater: A cable knit in classic cream is a winter staple.It’s cozy but can be layered, dressed up for work or down for the park, and will still give you an air of sophistication while sipping cocoa with the kids.

The Go-Everywhere Dress: Every woman needs a dress that can be worn from the most casual event to a formal affair with a simple change of accessories.Trust and believe, this dress does exist.Look for a jersey knit in a basic color (black, gray, or navy) with at least one special detail (like the hemline in the picture below).My favorite are from All Saints.

A motorcycle inspired coat or leather jacket: Adds just the right amount of edge for any outfit.My absolute favorite is a leather jacket, but as I have (sadly) learned the hard way, leather and kids don’t always mix.True story: walking out the door on my first day back after maternity leave, my poor cognac leather blazer was the victim of friendly fire in the form of spit up from my daughter’s morning breast milk binge. The leather quickly turned from smooth chocolate to mottled mess.The lesson? If you have small children, consider faux leather (it has a wipe and wear quality and is harder to stain) or choose a wool blend coat with a moto“look”.

A Cross Body Bag:Hands free is key when you have little ones to chase after!Invest in a durable, quality leather bag that is large enough for all of your essentials but still easy to wear across your body.I will say that I am a fan of a nice bag, like this Coach style.

Ballerina flats:My pick is always the Tory Burch Reva flat. They come in a zillion colors and patterns, and the logo is like jewelry for your feet!They are a splurge but add a nice designer touch and last forever.

Black Ankle Boots:Another wear-with-everything staple.I always go for a low (2 inches or less) heel. My favorite pair are from All Saints (which I got 50% off, thank you), but you can find this staple at virtually any price point.

A Knit Beanie:A true lifesaver for a bad hair day. Your hair can be a total mess, yet somehow the beanie always seems to turn my regular bedhead into model-inspired, runway bedhead (which is waaay better).It’s also cheap!I tend to find mine at stores like Forever 21 for under $10.

Stud earrings:Simple, silver studs go with everything and are appropriate for any occasion.I wear this pair on a near daily basis- they are just chunky enough to add a little edge but still a classic.Mine are from Caruso and Company Fine Jewelers, (330) 478-4415 for similar styles.

A Red Lip: Red lips might seem scary, but the truth is you need very little makeup to pull it off.On a daily basis, I do a 2 minute face: black mascara, blush, powder, maybe a little concealer (every mom knows those baby-kept-me-up –all-night circles), and a bold lip.It’s a great compliment to a clean, fresh face but yet always elevates your look. Still wary?Try a punch of pink or a nice berry tone instead.