Mom it Forward » Accessories

Back to Basics: 6 Outfits Using Basic Pieces in Your Closet

ashley6703 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:48 +0000

Color me the typical woman. No matter how many full hangers I have in my closet, I whine the same thing every afternoon before a date night: ”I have nothing to wear.”

And it’s such a fib. Because, as much as it pains me to admit this, I don’t need to go out and buy a new outfit everytime there’s a special occasion. I need to learn to work with the basics because you can take a couple basic pieces and make at least two outfits out of them. True story. Do you need examples? I’m so glad you asked.

Tops: Classic White Button Down

Outfit #1

Outfit #2

Pants: Black Leggings

Outfit #1

Outfit #2

Shoes: Boots

Outfit #1

Outfit #2

There you have it. Buy those basic pieces so you can make more than one outfit out of it! And remember, accessories are our besties. Well, accessories and Target.

What is your favorite basic piece to have in your closet? How do you mix and match basics to create new looks?

*All outfit images from Polyvore, my newest obsession*

Ashley Stauffer is the author of “The Stauffer Shenanigans,” a blog about her family, weight loss, fashion, recipes, mommy rants and rambles, and anything else that suits her fancy. Check her out at www.thestauffershenanigans.com.

Fashion Tips: Keeping Yourself and Your Style Fresh

Jessica — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:00:57 +0000

Many women mostly told me that once I had a child, my clothes would no longer matter and my style would totally change. This was a bold statement made to a girl who went to fashion design school and lived and breathed each issue of Vogue Magazine.

When I was pregnant with my first child, those women were mostly right. I had no idea what to shop for, and at the time maternity clothes were dreadful. Two children and 3 dress sizes later, I can honestly say that it’s taken a good four years for this momma to get her groove back.

Moving to New York City aided in my ability to find my style voice. The inspiration that these streets lend is truly endless. I only wish I would have felt this sort of freedom a little sooner, because it truly doesn’t take much to feel like a million bucks.

I’ve compiled a list of my some of my fashion and beauty go-to’s for myself, and a few style suggestions for kids.

Fashion Go To Items for Moms and Kids

Shoes

A pair of cute flats will make any outfit. My favorites this Spring are J Crew’s Rainy Day Bow Ballet Flats. They are cute, bright, and easy to wear, especially when the weather is finicky.

Handbag

As a mom of two toddlers, the handbag is simply a thing of the past. I’ve been drooling over the Lia Sling purse from Alexander Wang. Simple, leather, adorable. Love.

Conversation Pieces

I have a couple of pairs of large, dangly earrings that I save for my t-shirt and jeans days, or a flashy ring and bracelet for date nights.

Splurges

My advice: Splurge on one fantastic pair of basic enough jeans that make you feel like a rock star. Trust me. It’s worth it.

Beauty Items

I never forget my daily rituals, two products that I rarely leave the house before applying. First: Posey Tint by Benefit. This product makes you look as though your grandma has pinched your cheeks, and not like actual blush. Second: Chanel Ultra Wear Lip Colour. I seriously apply this once a day, and it lasts without looking like I’m intentionally trying to keep lipstick on. This product is absolutely fabulous.

This list may sound slightly high maintenance, but these things make me feel great, every day. The days that I can’t be bothered to muster even brushing my hair, I throw it into a ponytail and add one or two of the above items and I feel even a little pretty and it counts.

I’ve had so much fun exploring my own personal style, but I admit that I have much more fun dressing and shopping for my kids. I love the GAP for their jeans, and Zara Kids has some awesome options for t-shirts and dresses that are original looking and cute. We stick to our daily rituals too, Vans slip-ons for my son, and Superga sparkle tennies for my daughter.

Being able to find a little freedom and have a little fun in our daily fashion has really made a huge difference in the way that I feel as a mother. There are plenty of options out there to keep you comfortable and feeling cute, without worrying terribly about strawberry stains and spit-up.

Mother’s are the most beautiful creatures. Hopefully we can all embrace it without the added accouterments, but some days, at least for me, that isn’t always the case. It’s nice to have some back-up in our arsenal to battle those feelings.

What are some of your go to fashion items? What accessories and beauty items make you feel your best? How has your fashion style changed since becoming a mom?

[Photo Credit]

Jessica Shyba is a mother of two children and the wife of a dental school student. She lives in Manhattan with her family, and when she isn’t singing the ABC’s or working on art projects with the kids, she’s writing about her journey at Momma’s Gone City. She has also started a new project, Two Sides One Story, which explores the differences between women and men and the trials that husbands and wives face dealing with them.

Crocheting: Stay-Warm Ideas for Your Family This Winter

Tiffany Bird — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:00:37 +0000

We are well into the winter months and baby it’s cold outside. And when it’s cold, all I want to do is cuddle up to a warm blanket and keep my eyes glued to a good book or the TV. Lately, it’s been the TV, which has given me a lot of time to crochet.

5 Crocheting Ideas to Keep the Family Warm Outdoors

Here are five fun crocheting ideas to keep your family warm this winter when they head outdoors:

1. Chunky pocket scarves: These scarves keep your neck warm and you can put your keys or phone in the pockets. Or you can keep your hands warm in the pockets. There is a pocket on each end of the scarf.

2. The twirly scarf: Then going a little more girly, I made a twirly scarf for myself to bring a little flare to my outfits. If you are new to crocheting, scarves are an easy start because it’s pretty much straight lines over and over again.

3. Crochet flower hat: With two little girls at home, I made them matching flower hats. And hats aren’t difficult to make once you figure out how to begin with a ring and crochet in rounds.

4. Striped children’s scarf: Another way to dress the children warm is making them a scarf. I love making chunky scarves because they take no time to make. I spiced it up by making it striped.

5. Crochet baby booties: These baby booties are a little more complicated to crochet, but they are the perfect thing for keeping those newborn toes warm. They also make great baby gifts too.

Tiffany Bird is a mom of two little girls and blogging at Simply Modern Mom. A site dedicated to simplifying the lives of modern moms. Simply Modern Mom is a community where moms exchange ideas about crafty tutorials, parenting tips and much more.

Fall Fashion That Flirts

petitelefant — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:00:12 +0000

There’s really nothing more fun to me than expressing a little bit of sass with fashion. I mean truly, where else can you express yourself so completely and personally. Okay, there are plenty of places but that’s neither here nor there. *Ahem*. We were talking about expressing ourselves with fashion.

Now, this is a great time of year to have fun with fashion. The weather is a little cooler, affording those of us who don’t love short shorts {raise your hands} the opportunity to shine in multiple layers of warmth. Sweaters, jeans, and boots? What’s not to love.

This outfit is my idea of a perfect ensemble for your fall and winter wardrobe: a sweater, a great pair of jeans, and some ridiculous shoes. And by ridiculous I mean awesome. The best part? Totally doable price-wise.

1. Sweater: Old Navy Buttoned Collar $35

2. Jeans: GAP Long and Lean $59.50

3. Shoes: Forever 21 Platform Heels $27.80

Now here’s where I get really sassy. Accessories. Accessories should be your best friend, mother, lover, whatever. Get nice and comfortable with accessories in your life because they will take you places you’ve never dreamed. Metaphorically speaking, which is I guess what dreams are.

Anyway.

Here’s what I’d wear with this sweater and jeans combo:

4. Charlotte Russe: Rhinestone Ring $10.50

5. Charlotte Russe: Quilted Clutch $18.50

6. Charlotte Russe: Filigree Earrings $4.00

The sweater has a funky neck, so forget a necklace, there’s too much competition. Stick to a great cocktail ring, a fun purse, and a great pair of earrings. If you don’t wear earrings, it’s okay, I’ll still love you anyway.

Get a little daring with your fashion. You can thank me later.

Allison Czarnecki is the founder and editor of Petit Elefant, a family lifestyle blog. That means she writes about anything she wants to, really. Mostly fashion, travel, crafting, and random recipes here and there. She’s married to her college sweetheart and has two adorable, if energetic, elementary school aged children. When Allison isn’t wrangling her kiddos or coming up with new content for Petit Elefant she’s writing for BabyCenter, AOL’s Holidash, and various other publications. She also hosts a luxurious annual party on the eve of BlogHer, SocialLuxe Lounge, where she helps blogging rock stars primp and pamper.

The Ultimate Closet Editing Challenge—From Too Much to Everything to Naked in 30 Days

Pam Speer Lewis — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:00:44 +0000

Here’s the challenge: You must choose 15 pieces of clothing that will be on your only wardrobe for 30 days. You can have all the accessories you want. Outerwear doesn’t count. Jammies, skivvies and exercise clothes are free passes as well.

How’s that sound? A bit insane?

It was.

But it also provided the greatest sense of style and lifestyle clarity I’ve had in a long time.

For the month of September I participated in Felicia Sullivan’s Ultimate Closet Editing Challenge. The impetus for this insanity was simple. Was it possible to live simply? To apply some creativity to mixing and matching instead of mindlessly purchasing? To get back to basics and be thoughtful about clothing and style?

I had to publicly commit to my 15 chosen pieces. I will admit to cheating a small handful of times, but nothing outrageous. (If you count not choosing almost NUDITY at the office not outrageous —and I DO.) There was a big difference mentally for me between the first half of the month and the last half. Having almost all my clothes “taken away” from me immediately, put me into an almost desperate mindset.

OMG! What will I WEAR?! I have to PLAN and make sure things are CLEAN…

And, yes, that was the case. It was a true definition of the mindset of scarcity. I have LESS. It’s harder to work with LESS. I don’t like having LESS. LESS is worse than MORE.The first two weeks were a cocktail of hard and frustrating and boring and interesting. At the halfway point I moaned about my lack of options (partially due to the lack of FALL where I live). But I also started to realize a few things.

The most important thing I discovered was that I really liked nice things. Sounds ridiculously simple, but here’s where it became important to face that and own it. I love nice things. When I love something, I wear it more and take great care of it and generally feel great. This holds true for a Michael Kors ensemble or a $12 necklace from J.C. Penny. There is nothing wrong with any of that.

What is wrong is to buy things just to buy them. Quantity will never trump quality. Buying for quantity is a scarcity mentality. Buying for quality is full of abundance—regardless of price.

I now view my wardrobe not as my closet, but as my collection. Because a collection is thoughtful and interesting. It is beautiful and inspired and full of joy. And since my clothing and style are a reflection of who I am—why not choose beauty and thoughtfulness and inspiration and joy?

I did a huge closet clean out right before beginning this challenge. I thought I had done a good job—and at the time I had. But two days after the challenge ended, I went in and cut some more. Ruthlessly. I’ve never been so thrilled to donate or give away clothes that not only take up valuable space in my closet, but also no longer represent the style I choose or the person I am.

To commemorate this challenge and its importance, I had a portrait done. I was plainly certain about its elements— naked and an empty bag. I can’t think of two better images to describe the end of this challenge. A blank slate and an empty bag –

Imagine if you were that blank slate and your bag was empty. How would you fill it?

What’s stopping you from attaining your authentic style and authentic collection?

Pam is an old soul in high heels. She is a recovering IT consultant and sales executive and right now she’s just happy to be here. In a PowerPoint induced moment of clarity Pam decided to chuck her previously lucrative career to work in the world of philanthropy for 40% of her previous salary. She was clearly a moron. A moron with great jewelry. The stories of her life and the ridiculousness that goes with it can be found at www.outsidevoice.net and her love of all things accessories, fashion and style can be found at www.accessorywhore.com where she will tell you, yes, it is okay to lick the shoes.

Giveaway! Enter to Win More Than $300 in Fashionable Gifts From Ann Taylor!

Jyl Johnson Pattee — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:42:15 +0000

Three lucky winners will receive fashionable gifts from Ann Taylor pictured on the right. Read below for more details.

Entry Requirements

To enter for a chance to win, you are required to do the following three things. Make sure to leave a comment here linking to each one:

Follow @anntaylorstyle on Twitter.
Become a fan of the Ann Taylor Facebook page and leave a comment there sharing your “must-have” item from Ann Taylor’s Holiday 2009 Collection. (Visit http://anntaylor.com to see their Holiday 2009 Collection.)
Retweet and/or post the following two messages on Facebook and/or Twitter and comment here, linking to your update/post:

GIVEAWAY! Enter 2 win over $300 in fashionable gifts from @anntaylorstyle. http://bit.ly/17qJn5 PLS RT

X

Become a fan of the fashionable @anntaylorstyle FB page! http://www.facebook.com/AnnTaylor PLS RT

The Fine Print

No purchase necessary to enter. Winners will be selected randomly through http://random.org. Ann Taylor and Mom It Forward employees are ineligible to participate. All entries received after Wednesday, November 25 at midnight PT will not be considered. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered. Winners will be notified and will have 24 hours to confirm receipt of the e-mail. If they do not reply within 24 hours, another winner will be selected. Open to participants in the US and Canada 18 years and older. One entry per person.

Full disclosure: Mom It Forward, Inc. offers brands sponsorship opportunities, which include giveaways.

Chat With Ann Taylor About Style & Success Tuesday During #gno on Twitter

Jyl Johnson Pattee — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:57:23 +0000

Do you believe that style plays a part in success—that first impressions can lead to great opportunities? What does your personal style say about you and how has it helped shape your success? Who are some successful women that inspire you?

Join Ann Taylor’s style director and other twittering fashionistas this Tuesday, November 24 to discuss the answer to these and more questions at a fun chat regarding style and success! Party details included in the bullet list below.

And don’t forget to enter this week’s giveaway. Click here for a chance to win more than $300 in fashionable prizes!

What: Ann Taylor is sponsoring this week’s #gno Twitter party (Click here to learn about #gno!)

When: Tuesday, November 24, 9-11 p.m. EST (8CT, 7 MT, & 6 PT)

Where: Click here to party with us on our custom Tweetgrid. (Use hashtags #gno and #anntaylor.)

Topic: Style and success

Who: @anntaylorstyle @charissacowart @fashiongrail @kadiprescott @katjapresnal @kristinfromAT @momtrends @petit_elefant @stylemom @westernglamour

Party Favors: Click here to enter for a chance to win fashionable giveaways from Ann Taylor.

RSVP: Please leave your Twitter ID in the comments to follow and be followed (on Twitter, of course!) by other #gno gals. The best format is as follows: http://twitter.com/jylmomIF.

GIVEAWAY—Set of 4 Timex Watches!

Jyl Johnson Pattee — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:22:48 +0000

This week’s giveaway offers the gift of time!

Prize

The winner will receive a variety of four Timex watches (approximate retail value: $250).

Entry Requirements

To enter for a chance to win, you are required to do two things (make sure you leave a separate comment for each of your entries).
Note: Entries that do not follow all of these requirements will not be considered.

Become a fan of the Timex Style Facebook page and leave a comment there about what you would do if you had 1 more hour in your day.
Post these messages on Facebook and/or on Twitter and leave comments here, linking to your messages:

GIVEAWAY!—Enter 2 win 4 #timexstyle watches (retail value: $250). Deadline: Sunday 10/25. http://bit.ly/36qKlo PLS RT

Be fashionable on a budget! Learn how by becoming a fan of the #timexstyle FB pg: http://bit.ly/1hwTYx PLS RT

Extra Entries

You can earn up to two extra entries for this week’s giveaway.

Follow @momitforward on Twitter.
Become a fan of Mom It Forward on Facebook.

The Fine Print

No purchase necessary to enter. Winners will be selected randomly through http://random.org. Timex and Mom It Forward employees are ineligible to participate. All entries received after Sunday, October 25 at midnight PT will not be considered. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered. Winners will be notified and will have 24 hours to confirm receipt of the e-mail. If they do not reply within 24 hours, another winner will be selected. Open to participants in the US and Canada 18 years and older.

Full disclosure: Mom It Forward, Inc. engages with clients to perform social media consulting and to provide sponsorship packages, which include giveaways.

RSVP to Share Tips About Fashion on a Budget at Tuesday’s #gno Twitter Party

Jyl Johnson Pattee — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:28:13 +0000

What is your fall fashion must have? How can you be fashionable on a budget? What accessories “make” the outfit?

Come join us as we discuss and share tips about these questions and more during this week’s girls’ night out (#gno) party on Twitter. We’ll be tweeting with terrific folks from the Timex Style team as well as some fashionable moms.

Don’t forget to enter to win Timex Style’s giveaway this week! Click here to check out the details. The contest ends Sunday, October 25.

What: Timex is sponsoring this week’s #gno Twitter party (Click here to learn about #gno!)

When: Tuesday, October 20, 9-11 p.m. EST

Where: Click here to party with us on our custom Tweetgrid. (Use hashtags #gno and #timex.)

Topic: Fashion on a Budget

Who: @amyegoodman @aprilbraswell @charissacowart @jennfowler @keepingupwmom @keepitclassyjen @petit_elefant @sahans @stephanies

Party Favors: Click here to check out this week’s giveaway sponsored by Timex.

RSVP: Please leave your Twitter ID in the comments to follow and be followed (on Twitter, of course!) by other #gno gals. The best format is as follows: http://twitter.com/jylmomIF.

Thanks to Kelly King Anderson from Startup Princess for modeling her affordable fashion and thanks to Timex Style for providing the watch.