Spring Trends and How to Wear 'Em 2011

Yes, it's that time again! Time to sift through the year's spring trends, get rid of the terrifying ones (sack dresses? sheer shirts? Um, no thanks) and find out what is actually wearable in real life. Remember my usual disclaimer: just because I post about these clothes here doesn't mean you should run out and buy anything trendy, ever. Take the general ideas with you when you shop and invest in a few pieces that make your staple wardrobe look new. I already have my eye on a few items. Let's get to it!

Long Skirts

V neck cardigan, $10
Long tiered skirt, $45
Forever21 wedge heels, $25
Straw Studios hobo handbag, $31
FOSSIL vintage necklace, $34
Braided belt, $8.90

Remember how all last year it was all about the maxi dress? Well, you're in luck, because maxi dresses have come back with the warm weather. My husband breathes a deep sigh of relief, since I spent a lot of money on maxi dresses last year. But along with maxi dresses comes longer skirts and I am super psyched out of my mind about them. The trick to wearing longer skirts is to avoid looking like Laura Ingalls and wearing a more streamlined, modern top. The other day I wore my long white tiered skirt with a fitted tee and a little track jacket and it was just the right amount of modern to offset the length of the skirt. Don't be afraid to show a little skin! The best part about long skirts is that they are uber comfy. Look for flowy, stretchy material that you can move around in. Also, check your car door before you leave like, two feet of skirt flapping around as you drive. I did that last year.

Blue Shoes

Dorothy Perkins cotton tee, 7 GBP
Arden B knit skirt, $44
Paris Hilton platform stiletto heels, $95
Floral handbag, $35
Turquoise jewelry, $30
Layered necklace, $17
Dorothy Perkins leopard belt, 6 GBP

If you want to spend money on a pair of shoes that will look new and trendy, definitely go with blue. I think you'll see it a lot this spring. The trick with wearing blue shoes is to do it with nudes. The pop of color looks fresher with beige than it does black. My cute friend was wearing an outfit almost exactly like this one the other day and I died. Then I came back to life. It was fun. Also, I don;t mind a little blue in the accessories as long as they aren't the exact same shade of blue. So fun and pretty!

Wedges

Dressy top, $27
Embroidered jeans, $50
Platform wedge shoes, $20
Roxy faux leather handbag, $40
Brown jewelry, $25
Pave jewelry, $14
Bandana Print Lace Cami, $7.99

YAYAYAYAYAY I love wedges so very much. I have plans to wear my fave python wedges tonight and I shouldn't be so excited, but I am anyway. I am just glad that the comfy alternative to the heel is back. I can still add three inches to my freakishly small stature without being uncomfortable. (Have I ever told you that I have four brothers and they are all gargantuanly tall, yet my parents are small? I thank my lucky stars every day that I got the small genes. Because then I get to wear five inch heels!) ANYWAY, we already talked about flared jeans and trousers, so definitely pair your wedges up with them for a vintage look that is super now. OMG I'm talking like a Cosmo editor, shoot me.

Graphic Prints

Dorothy Perkins printed top, 26 GBP
American Eagle Outfitters dark denim jeans, $40
Faith buckle boot, 23 GBP
Roxy studded handbag, $54
Beading jewelry, $24
L by ELLE link jewelry, $40
Wet Seal hoop earring, $22

OK, so with the whole 70s revival thing happening, bright prints look fresh and spring-y and I love them so much. Look for floral numbers, or cute butterflies like this one here. Doesn't it just make you smile? It's a pretty brilliant way to wear your winter boots for a few more months, especially if you just snagged some on sale. Super cute with gray riding boots and you can be brighter and bolder with your accessories. A thin silver chain will be absolutely SWALLOWED by this outfit. Orange beads layered with a red watch? I think so!

Preppity Prep

Rocha John Rocha Petite white top, 30 GBP
Old Navy a line skirt, $30
Wedge heels, $27
Beach bag, 12 GBP
Rue21 butterfly hair accessory, $5.99

As a total side note, have any of you ever read the book "Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld? It's pretty much my second fave book of all time. Just don't read it in book club... it's super offensive on like 90 levels. But it's so addictive. Maybe my love for the book explains my love for the style. I just love dressing like my name is Bitsy and I play tennis at the club. When picking preppy pieces, look for boat shoes, drawstrings, polka dots and stripes. Anchor a bold outfit like this with neutral shoes, so it doesn't look SO all American. Pair it with unfussy hair and you're ready for the next benefit at the Stockington-Fairchild's estate.

So what's the verdict? Doable? I know keeping up with trends can be overwhelming, but the trick is to add pieces to your existing style. Don't be a trend whore. For instance, I'm in the market for more graphic floral prints that I can wear with my signature skinny jeans and brown boots. It's still Jae, just springier.

I swear, if it snows again I'll light the weatherman on fire. I am SO ready for warm days and baring a little more skin. I am SO white you guys. Bronzer can only go so far.



***And on a completely serious note, please click here to donate to the Red Cross for relief for the Pacific Tsunami. Every little bit will help to send aid to Japan, where thousands of displaced families are in need. Thanks, guys! ***

Pain Management 101

Did you know that at least 45% of all Americans seek professional advice for persistent pain due to an injury or other physical problems at some time in their lives? Studies have shown that more than 150 million workdays are lost annually due to pain and pain relief medication is a multi- billion dollar industry.

I know I have mentioned in earlier posts that I am currently training for a 30 km Around The Bay race. Not three weeks into my training I started feeling massive pain in my foot. Of course I felt it in a lesser degree before hand but my mind said "work through it"..not advice I would give.

What is pain?

It is your bodies way of protecting itself. Something is wrong and your body is trying to cope with it. I ignored my pain, and if I dealt with it right away, it probably wouldn't have gotten to this state and maybe even be healed by now.

Knowing my own clients, I know that many of them live in mild to moderate pain on a daily basis. Some I can relate to, some I can't. I can't say I've chronic back pain, but I've suffered my fair share of sprains, strains and torn ligaments.

Here are some facts about pain to keep in min as you participate in your physical activities:
1) Bone mass decreases up to 30% for females and 15% for males by age 60.
2)90% of all injuries involve slow and wear and tear, strains, sprains or inflammation.
3) 8 of 10 adults suffer low back pain at some time in their lives.
4) By 60 years old many can expect a 25-30% increase in body fat.
5) By age 40 or 50, many will have cartilage damage caused by wear and tear, and injury.
6) A decrease in muscle mass, less mobility in the joints and lower cardiovascular efficiency is common as the body ages
7) All of these factors lead to a loss of body balance and flexibility. This affects the ability to perform daily functional tasks, including workouts.
(source: American Council on Exercise Oct./Nov. 2001)

The best advice I can give is not to wait til it gets so bad you can't stand it. I did that with my plantar fascitis. I ended up getting orthotics and I'm definitely on the road to recovering.

Committed to fitness success,
Kelly Parker
www.fitmommakeover.net

Freaky Friday: The Clothing Equipment for a Lullabye

Since Wednesday's post is all about conservative clothes, I searched high and low of yawnworthy stuff. I'm not gonna lie, you should probably read this post in bed after you've taken a Tylenol PM because you are going to crash. This is how NOT to dress conservatively.


Just when you thing UGGS can't get any worse, they totally do. With rubber.


The other day I used Clarks shoes for inspiration but this goes to show that not all Clarks are fashion forward. These shoes look like they should be named "Agnes" and be filled with orthopedic gel insoles.


I can't wait for summer, because YOU KNOW we're going to have another debate on the wearbility of capris.

Go ahead... try and tell me they are flattering. Please. Especially when worn with bandage shoes and embroidered flowers. I dare you.


WHY are they still making these dresses? I totally had one in 1992. I was cross eyed. It wasn't pretty.

OMG does this not remind you of Paula Deen? I don't even care about her cooking, something about her nasal voice makes me want to crawl into a woodchipper.

If you want a really good laugh at Paula Deen's expense, check out this website: Paula Deen Riding Things. It is hilarious, y'all!

What's worse than wearing Americana? Wearing Americana WITH A BEAR. How old are you? I just... I just don't even know anymore.

From the decidedly not sexy librarian fantasy. I like my librarians old and smelling like overpowering dusty perfume. OW OW!


Seafoam green denim with nude boots? SIGN ME UP.


I thought this $200 sweater....scarf.....jacket thigy was pretty conservative. Until I saw the tights. OH THE TIGHTS.

Emo guy thinks you just don't understand.


Well, I'm off to go snowmobiling at our cabin for the weekend. So my weekend wardrobe will consist of yoga pants, old sweaters, boots and my pink helmet. Gotta love spending two days smelling like exhaust. It's my dirty little tomboy secret. Hopefully you're dressing better than I am!

Dressing Conservatively -- Not Yawnworthy

I understand that not every mom stays at home with her kids. It makes some people crazy. I know that if I didn't work while I was at home, I would lose my sanity and lie on the floor, eating Playdoh and singing Raffi songs psychotically all day. I'm not saying that's what you do. That's just what I would do. I love keeping my connection to my old, professional self. So I get working moms. Whether you do it because you have to or you do it because you want to, you're already a step ahead of me because you actually get to shower every morning. AMAZING.

I have had a bevy of weird jobs that all required certain dress codes. My first "real" job was with one of my best friends in high school (Hi Katie!) She and I decided that we would split the job of a receptionist at a home improvement company. My job consisted of answering phones, talking to my boyfriend on Yahoo Chat and gossiping with Katie from 4 to 8 every night. The dress code was whatever I happened to wear at school that day. It was the best job ever. About a year later and once I'd graduated, I was hired by a recording studio and media company as an administrative assistant. I was the only female in the office, which meant I was able to push the dress code a little. Seriously, once I came to work in a velour sweatsuit. And it was totally fine. My next job was as an office manager at a home company where my husband worked. I finally had to start dressing a little more conservatively because I spent a lot of time with clients. My last out-of-the-house job was in a real estate office, where I had to dress very conservatively... for me. I actually didn't mind it because I got to play dress up a lot and act very important. When I finally decided to ditch the office and work from home in 2006, I had amassed a MASSIVE conservative wardrobe that I still can't bring myself to get rid of. But WHEN will I ever wear pinstripe pants again? WHEN!?

As much as I love dressing in trendy outfits and piling on accessories and wearing sky high heels, if you're working in a corporate environment, you're probably not going to have the same benefit. One reader emailed me with this very question. How do you dress conservatively without looking like a total yawnfest?

This advice doesn't have to be just for working moms. Anytime you're invited to an event with a business casual dress code, this applies. Which is why I keep my pinstripe pants. I wonder if they still fit.

I'll be right back.

THEY DO!!! I shall wear them forever.

Using color on a daily basis, layering for interest and using trends without being "trendy" will serve you well at work. You'll also notice that all of the shoes are the same brand. That's because I wanted shoes that would be super comfy for work, yet still cute. Also... they're closed toes. Always closed toes until your office permits open-toe. If you're not sure how far you can push the boundary, take a cue from your supervisors.

Old Navy stretch pants, $33
Clarks platform shoes, $50
Paper tote bag, $41
Jessica Simpson flower necklace, $44

First, trouser pants are totally exciting right now with the whole 70s revival things that we talked about. When you pair them a neat blazer, the effect is like a suit without being so manly and businesswear-ish. You can also make the total effect more girly by adding pretty jewelry. I also like a big, structured bag for work, especially if you're schlepping work home.

Dorothy Perkins full skirt, 30 GBP
Dorothy perkin, 14 GBP
Indigo by Clarks silk boot, $100
O Neill zip bag, $35
Betsey Johnson cluster ring, $32
Beaded bib necklace, $15

You can totally wear a skirt at a conservative workplace, so long as it reaches the knees, please. Unless you work at like, the offices at Vogue ala The Devil Wears Prada. But you probably don;t. If you do, I'd like a job as well. But that's besides the point. Keep the look neat by tucking in your top. Wear the shirt higher on your waist for a more vintage, Mad Men look. It's totally fine to wear a flirty, non-matchy heel, especially if they are comfortable.

Dorothy Perkins red dress, 27 GBP
Clarks black boot, 50 GBP
Zip top bag, $22
Hinged bangle, $25
MNG by Mango coral earring, $24
Elastic belt, $50

Dresses can be your best friend at the office. I know they were mine. They are versatile and easy in the morning... hello! One piece. Also, adding a belt can help a dress look less cocktail and more business. You can also up the ante by wearing boots instead of heels, just look for ones that have a bit of a heel and aren't all sloppy and slouchy. I'm very into shorter boots lately, which look super current. But knee highs are still awesome too.

See? Easy principles. Even if your evil corporate job dictates what you can wear, they can't tell you how to dress. And THEY'LL NEVER TAKE OUR FREEDOM! Sorry, I used to watch a lot of Braveheart with my brothers. If you dress super conservatively, try introducing things slowly. A pair of heels one day, a bit of color the next. Soon you'll be the stylish girl at the office and people will be offering you promotions and whatnot. Trust me.

Brilliant Idea Time!

My gawgeous friend Charity is the best at find stuff at thrift stores and garage sales and making them look beautiful. I am so jealous because I am the least crafty person on the planet. I just can't do it. I know my limits.

Anyhow, today she posted this awesome idea for a jewelry tray and I MUST STEAL IT. My jewelry is always in a forlorn little heap and come accessorizing time I'm left yanking things apart. Also, my jewelry box has a magnetic closure and my necklaces are always getting stuck. Charity's idea is a heck of a lot prettier and more functional. Wish I'd thought of it first!

Thank me later.

You're awesome, Charity!

PS I covet your Audrey print.

Get Sexy, Shapely Shoulders: 3 Simple Moves

Years ago when I started working out seriously, I noticed how quickly I saw changes in my shoulders. It was awesome. One of the reasons for this is as women we tend to have more fat in our hips,butt and thighs, so when you begin workout out muscles like your shoulders which have less fat, you tend to see some pretty great results fairly quickly.

Nice shapely shoulders also help to make hips, glutes and thighs appear smaller. As you increase your muscle in the deltoids or shoulders you help to balance the lower body.

When you work your shoulders, you will quickly see that you do not need to use a lot of weight before you start feeling "the burn". As you perform the following exercises focus on your speed. When lifting the weight do it in a one count, as you lower the weight, focus on a slow, controlled movement that is a good two to three counts.


1. Barbell or Dumbbell clean and press:
(OK, this is actually me doing an overhead press, ok, so it's a little bit simplistic but you get the idea)

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and pull your belly button in towards your spine. As the weight hangs in front of you, inhale and exhale as you lift the weight up to your shoulders. Then press the bar or weight overhead straightening the arms but not actually locking the arms. Be careful not to arch your back. Bring the bar or weights back down to your chest and then lower to starting position.

2. Dumbbell Shoulder Press:
You can sit or stand for this exercise. Start with a weight in each hand, your palms are facing forward. You want to press your hands up above your head. Return your arms to start position. Be sure to exhale as you push your hands up.





Bentover Rear Delt Dumbbell Row:

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees slightly bent. Lean forward from your hips until your back is parallel with the floor. Be sure to not let your back round. You want to stick your chest out and keep your back flat. Hold the weights in each hand and let your arms hang in front of your body slightly. As you exhale, pull the weights up until your arms form 90 degree angles. Squeeze your rear delts together and return to the start position.

Working your shoulders can be very rewarding. You will get great looking delts in a relatively short period of time.

Committed to your fitness success,
Kelly Parker
www.fitmommakeover.net

Freaky Friday

Hi guys! I am so glad it's finally Friday. I got my hair done yesterday and I'm so excited to show it because it is super cute, but it;ll have to wait till tonight. I'm going to a benefit and get to wear a hot dress so I'll take a pic and you can get the full effect because I'm super vain like that.

I also waxed my eyebrows. It's amazing.

ANYWAY, a bunch of today's pictures were submitted by my super hilarious sister-in-law, Sheriece. She has a knack for finding bad fashion, sending it to me as a .zip file and feeling satisfied.




Honestly, these look like they were made by the Swiss Family Robinson. Like, we're stranded on an island! Quick, fashion some shoes 0ut the sails and my belt! Don't forget a fashionable peeptoe!



Ugh, is there anything worse than drawstrings on shoes? What? You can't tie or buckle? LAZY.



You know it's cold when even your boots need to wear a sweater amiright? AHAHAHAH kill me.


Yes. A gold bubble jacket. For those night that you want to be understated.


I love when Paul Bunyan releases a new line.


The wording on this shirt makes me laugh. First of all, it is the droopiest, most unflattering tank OF LIFE. Then, it's talking about fashion in the 90s. Do I NEED to remind everyone what fashion in the 90s was like??



So... much.....acid wash.....and frontbums....


I can't decide whether this is a shirt or a cape. I think it would be cool if it were a cape for a superhero called "Fat Day!"


Elizabeth experiences that sickening moment when you realize your shirt is on backward... and you've already done your hair.



Hyuk, hyuk! It's Goofy! Say, has anyone seen my spare hat?


Oh! There it is! On a pensive model, no less.

I've been watching WAY too much Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Welp, I'm off to finish my work so I can spend the rest of the day preening. I miss those days when I was a teenager and "getting ready" with my friends was more of an event than actually going out. These days I spend an hour trying to keep my kids entertained with Diego long enough that I can sneak in a shower and attempt to dry my hair.

Also, my son keeps stealing my makeup brushes. Should I be worried? I should mention that he usually eats them.

Beauty 101: Makeup Brushes

So let's have a little skills meeting today, shall we? Let's talk makeup brushes. I know, it's like seriously, she's going to do an entire post on makeup brushes oh honey, no. But the right brushes make the difference between flawless makeup and looking like you got into your mommy's makeup bag. Just trust me on this one.

The first step to getting to know makeup brushes better is go directly to your bathroom or vanity or wherever the heck you do your makeup, fish out any applicators that have come with your makeup and THROW THEM IN THE GARBAGE. Whoops, I just got a little violent there. But still, obey.

Good makeup brushes will give you much more natural look over the spongey things that they include in eyeshadow palettes. I can always tell when someone has been using those archaic applicators by the harsh line over the eye or stripey blush. Sad.

If you're new to makeup or a beginner, buy a set of brushes altogether and save yourself some confusion. I'm obsessed with Sonia Kashuk brushes, which you can buy at Target (yay, target!) but I've also loved the E.L.F. studio line of brushes and Bare Escentuals. Either way, buying them as a kit can take some of the questions away from what you need exactly. If you already have a few brushes, it may be time to add to your list. Here are my top five essentials for a prettier face.

Kabuki Brush

The kabuki brush is short and stout, with rounded, soft bristles. It's perfect for large areas of smooth and even coverage. I use mine for mineral makeup, but they can also work for applying bronzer. And as an added bonus, they are just so darn cute.


Blush Brush

K, so this is where the skinny little inadequate brush that comes with your blush should be thrown out. It will result in really terrible and stripey makeup and I WILL judge you. Look instead for a puffy brush for moderate coverage. I apply both bronzer and blush with a puffy brush (but not the same one, that's mixing, ew.) To apply bronzer, draw an imaginary number three, starting at your forehead, swiping across the cheeks and down to the chin. Then dab a little blush right on the apples of your cheeks. Yay!


Fan Brush

Now, this fan brush looks weird and ineffective, but it is THE BEST for applying highlighter. If you put on too much highlighter, you're definitely going to look like you're in the movie Burlesque. And that got TERRIBLE reviews, so.... anyway. Use a fan brush to add a teensy bit of highlighter at the top of your cheekbones and under your browbones. Beaut.


Eyeshadow Brush

K, so this is my fave little trick in my makeup bag. Eyeshadow brushes make applying eyeshadow SO EASY that you cannot fail. Since it disperses color evenly without being splotchy, you won't get the scary clown affect that can happen with sponge applicators. Also, I can get away with wearing brighter colors because the brush makes the pigments less condensed. Buy immediately.

Eyeliner Brush

Here's another trick that I use. Have you ever put on WAY too much eyeliner and looked like a depressed emo vampire? Of course you have. When that happens to me, I wet my angled eyeliner brush and use it to brush out the eyeliner so it looks more like eyeshadow. I also use it to clean up wayward liquid liner, because that stuff is tricky. You can also use it to apply darker shadow to your creases to attain the ever-elusive smoky eye.

Another tip is to make sure that you clean your brushes every two weeks or so. Otherwise they could get germy and bacteria-y and gross. I just suds mine up with hand soap, rinse them and leave them on a towel to dry overnight. They'll be ask good as new come morning.

Is any of this making sense?

Morning Exercise...Is it Better??

Does working out in the morning give you better results? Although exercising at any time of day can bring many benefits, resent research has shown that exercising in the morning can give you an extra push.

One of the first things you may notice is that working out during the day may help you sleep better. Many people find that if they work out at night or too close to their bed time they actually have trouble sleeping. Getting a good nights sleep is definitely important to achieving any weight loss goals so a good sleep is a priority.

Another bonus to working out in the morning is that you increase you metabolism first thing and it will stay elevated for a good part of the day. Many people find it clears their minds and helps them get and stay focused for their busy day ahead.

Even with the best intentions to always get your workouts in, sometimes "stuff" just happens. Kids need to have help with something or need to be somewhere, something comes up at work and you need to stay late or you are just exhausted from a very busy day. The benefit of getting up early is that there is nothing to get in your way.

Exercising first thing gets the blood flowing through the body. This can definitely help you get some mental clarity and help you get all fired up for your work day. Whether you need to be ready for a big meeting or ready for a play date at the park, being "on" and ready you will be.

Being regular with your early morning exercise routine can be no easy task. But by being creative and consistent you can get results and be happy.

Tips for Great Early Morning Workouts

-Nothing beats a great run while the sun comes up. It's quiet, beautiful and you feel like you are all alone, just you and the world.
-Leave your car at home. Try going to work if it is a reasonable distance by bike, roller blades, or even running. Keep an extra change of clothes there so on the days you decide do this you are ready.
-Try something new. If you have never tried canoeing or kayaking or bike riding, give something new a go. You may even find something fun for the whole family.

Committed to your fitness success,

Kelly Parker
www.fitmommakeover.net

Freaky Friday: Fun With Keywords

Today's Freaky Friday is late because it's my daughter's 5th birthday party and I'm gearing up for the invasion of 12 kids. I'm bolting down breakables, duct taping things to the wall... you know, the usual stuff. But I have a few seconds of downtime, so I think it's time to go through my keywords!

If you've never experience a "Fun With Keywords" post before, it's when I look through my site statistics to find out what people are searching in order to find my site. Since I talk about everything from Full House to uterus pillows, I get a lot of weird ones.


Here we go!

--"Winking oil sexy body"

Sweet mother of mercy, get a girlfriend. Also, I want to know how surprised this guy was when he searched what amounts to Victoria's Secret and ended up here, a website for MOMS. I guess, if you're into that kind of thing...

Awkward.

--"Man coin slot."

What? Why?

--"What does a mom look like?"

Here you go!

'
That should be in the Mullet Hall of Fame. You work it, Carol!

--"Faux fur reindeer shrug."

Um, WTH? Who wears reindeer? And how do you explain that to your kid. You know what would be funny? Putting a blinking red nose on your reindeer shrug. Just for kicks.

--"Obnoxious wedding dress."

OMG you guys, how obsessed am I with wedding shoes? The answer is: very obsessed. I watch an average of 300 "Say Yes to the Dress" episodes PER DAY. And nothing annoys me more then girls who describe their ultimate wedding look to be like a PRINCESS.

But.... you're not a princess.

So I'm basically against any dress that is larger than a Mini Cooper. You'll just be bumping into people all night. THAT'S obnoxious.


Ew.

--"Desperate need to pee/"

WHO takes the time to head to google to type this in? JUST GO! I have nothing more to say to you.

--"Sexy phantom costume."

I hate you for making me do this.

Just so you know, every time you search "SEXY" in front of any costume idea, Hitler eats a baby seal.


--"Lady Gaga dressed normally."





*crickets*




riiiiiiight.

Also, with my awesome typing skills, I first typed her name out as "Lad Gag." Hilarious.

Thanks to the freaks who actually search this stuff. I love logging into StatCounter to see what you crazy kids will come up with next.

Now, I'm off to gird my loins for a child party invasion. Wish me luck.

Upping the Ante for Spring Shopping

Now is about the time every year that I get stuck in a rut, fashion-wise. Something about the doom and gloom weather and the craziness of my kids makes me want to hide in my room wearing my husband's sweatpants and that free shirt I got from work. This is when I have to work the hardest to put myself together and get going! Since I have a strict "no staying at home all day rule" it means I usually have to, at the very least, put on pants. So it's time to try a few new things.

I have to admit, I get annoyed when I hear someone say, "I couldn't pull that off," after viewing a style or trend. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? I contest that there's always some element of style that you can incorporate into your current wardrobe so that it looks up to day without you looking like a trend whore.

By taking your cues from a handful of trends, it's a good way to add new pieces to your wardrobe without spending a ton of cash while making things look new and different. Observe:

Something girly:

(Charlotte Russe)

Girly pieces look best when paired with decidedly ungirly clothes. I would pair these with my favorite gray pencil skirt and a structured shirt and cardigan a la Mad Men. If you pair with girly things, it's a tad too sweet... like a Fun Dip. Mmmm Fun Dips. But Fun Dips always give me canker sores. What I'm saying here is that too much girliness is not a good thing. Look for pale, ballerina-esque colors and ruffles. When I went on a search for ruffled things there was WAY too many I wanted to buy. My husband will not be impressed.

Something sexy:


(Alloy)
It hurts my heart when a woman doesn't own anything that helps her to feel smokin' hot. The problem is that sexy is usually perceived to be skin tight and that is no bueno when you're battling post-baby bulge and that Chocolate Cream Pie Shake you had yesterday (Which I learned has 700 calories AFTER I consumed one in like, 3 seconds. Kill me.) Instead, look for form-fitting, with details that make you feel more comfortable. Ruching around the waist? Check. Bouse-y sleeves that hide heavier arms? Check. Deep v-neck so your hubby's eyes pop out of his head like he's a cartoon character (A-wooo-ga!)? Check and check. Can you imagine this with a pair of bootcut jeans and heels? Simple but hot.

Something biker or rocker inspired:


(Delias)
My love for a good biker jacket is well documented. I have five. I just think they make bodies look insane with the seaming and the higher neck. Awesome. Buy one. If you already have a biker jacket, look for other biker/rocker wear to add to girlier pieces. Studded shoes, a leather bracelet, whatever. I like that rock-inspired pieces add immediate texture to whatever I'm wearing. Jeans and boots are just meh, but then I add a corded necklace and everything is tied together.

Something fancy:


(F21)
I love things that look substantial and expensive without costing a ton. This little baby is $5 and I WILL HAVE IT. You should have something equally ornate and expensive in your wardrobe or jewelry box. It's awesome to dress up an otherwise plain outfit. I have a brown wrap dress that I adore but is hard to accessorize. This would be perfect because it lends a pop of color and all I'd need is a pair of stud earrings to finish things off. Plus, aqua blue is awesome on everyone.

Something bright:


(Delias)
It's spring, people! Time to shuck the gray, brown and black for something that doesn't make you feel like a sad emo kid. A super bright piece can anchor a whole outfit. Even if you're wearing the same slacks and flats you always do, add something bright near your face and you're guaranteed compliments. I love the idea of this belted with a brown leather belt too, so it's not so shapeless. Either way, it's a adorable, hence your adorableness while wearing it.

K, so do you have your lists ready. I'm going to have Tim Gunn moment and tell you to make it work. The next time you see a celeb wearing a trend you'd love to try, find a way to do it on a small scale and I promise you'll be able to "pull it off." By updating a few key pieces in your wardrobe you automatically update just about everything else. Super easy and affordable. I wish I could take everyone shopping!

Unless you were excited about Gaga dressing in an egg. With an oxygen tank. That is neither safe nor attractive. I would have been more impressed if someone literally gave birth to her on stage.

Oh no... I'm giving her ideas.

Bonus: How to Shop With Kids

Just had some adorbs pictures to post. (YAY iPhone!)

I have two kids, who are two and five. This can mean exasperation when shopping together. My daughter is an awesome shopping partner and totally tells me how I look in things. My son? He'd pretty much rather get immunizations than come to the mall. Unfortunately, their mother is a shopaholic so they end up at the stores with me more often than not. We've learned to deal with. Mama gets the shopping shakes when she hasn't been for a while.

But we make it fun. I shop with my kids by:

1. Bribing with pretzel bites and lemonade.

2. Allowing my son to watch "Go Diego Go!" on my phone.

3. Doing my best to endear my children in the hearts of women who work retail so they don't hate me when my son licks the mirrors.

4. Yelling at my son to stop peeking under the fitting room walls like a creep. Then apologizing to strangers.

5. Parking by the play structure and bribing my children for the entire time.

6. Chick-Fil-A. This is also fun for me. Not so fun when the salesperson informs me that they've run out of the skirt that I want but I can take the size 2 from the mannequin. I have just eaten eight pieces of delicious chicken. Ohhhhhh dear. (PS I totally bought it and then vowed to stop eating Chick-Fil-A..... until tomorrow.)

7. Going for frequent rides up and down the escalator. Sorry, Macy's.

8. Bringing my husband, who can get the kids gumballs while I hum and haw over large purchases. By "hum and haw" I mean purchase without thinking and then panic later.

9. Two words: Disney. Store. Speaking of large purchases.......

10. Employing the buddy system. Yeah, we're like seven feet across and no one can get by us. But I do get audible "awwwws" when people see my kids happily holding hands while we walk through the department store.

Awesome.





We have got this DOWN.