I certainly love some celebrities’ style. Like Audrey Hepburn. So simple, clean, and beautiful—Ann Taylor-esque. That used to be me when I worked in Corporate America. But, it definitely doesn’t define me now.

I now find myself in kind of a hodge-podge state, wondering what my style is period. Can any of you work-at-home gals relate? It’s like I have multiple style personalities:

• The work-at-home attire
• The going-out-during-the-day look (to meet a client, lunch with friends, etc.)
• The cocktail-party style

My Work-at-Home Attire

When I’m behind the computer for 10 hours straight, I’m all about the comfy factor. And to achieve that, some days, I relish in the whole layered look. Layered meaning wearing two t-shirts—one with short sleeves and the other with long sleeves to go underneath the top layer. Aren’t two always better than one… except in summer?

As the perfect companion to this double tee look, whenever I can get away with it, I wear my favorite Old Navy flip flops. You know the kind? They’re on sale for usually about $5.00 and are probably the worst shoes ever for your feet, but are so comfy you just can’t help yourself? I made the mistake of all fashion mistakes by wearing them with socks earlier this winter. I know! Horrible, right? But, I just can’t seem to get into winter this year and some days it was just too cold to go out without my socks on. I embarrassed even myself and put a stop to it!

Since this hasn’t been my look until recently, I only have about one pair of jeans, so I pretty much wear the same pair all the time. My sis made me buy some Target jeans yesterday. The jury is out on whether they really look good or whether she was just being kind. I’ll have to show Allison, because she’ll be honest with me. Everyone needs an Allison in their fashion life!

My Going-Out-During-the-Day Look

Because I’m not a comfy dresser at my core, unless I’m really lazy (which happens a lot, but don’t let it confuse you), I love looking somewhat put together when I go out during the day. I’ll be straight up with you. I love black. I would wear monochrome black all the day long paired with bold MAC eye shadow just so people didn’t think I was trying to copy Johnny Cash. However, wearing monochrome black all the time gets old. So, now, I wear all black with bold wool tights (like my favorite mustard colored ones from H&M).

My Cocktail-Party Style

This next part is what stumps me and this is where the hodge-podge style comment comes into play. I love getting dressed up for an event! I seriously die for cocktail party attire even if it requires walking really slow as I learn how to move from $5.00 flip flops to three-inch heels. I like pretty dresses, fun tights, and getting as close to my dream of being 5’9 as possible. Red lipstick and bold MAC eyeshadow is the icing on the cake… or fun short hair with awesome highlights.

Why does this stump me? Because I can’t find a common thread among all three looks. I don’t feel overly conservative or comfy, but I don’t feel really bold in my style either.

Which Celebrity Defines My Personal Style?

So, which celebrity most closely defines my comfy behind-the-computer look with a simple, but nice go-out-during-the-day look with a fun style that pops for cocktail parties? You tell me!

What celebrity most closely defines your style? Do you like to dress up, or are you more comfortable with the casual look?

Photo courtesy of flickr.

Tops: Classic White Button Down

Outfit #1

Outfit #2

Pants: Black Leggings

Outfit #1

Outfit #2

Shoes: Boots

Outfit #1

Outfit #2

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. 

Everyone seems to be happy when it’s sunny in Seattle, I’ve found. And what made my trip even happier was a fun Aveda event I attended with my fave Seattle peeps, where they treated us to hand treatments, makeovers, and hair styles, using the Aveda Summer Solutions product line, including my fave, Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser—perfect for getting rid of the chlorine.

Sound heavenly? Then head on over to your local Aveda store, mention the secret word “11Summer” and receive a free Aveda sample.

For a chance to win Aveda products, check out this giveaway.

Prize

One lucky winner will receive:

• One (1) 8.5 fl oz Damage Remedy™ Restructuring Shampoo (USD $24)
• One (1) 6.7 fl oz Damage Remedy™ Restructuring Conditioner (USD $24)
• One (1) 3.4 fl oz. Damage Remedy™ Daily Hair Repair (USD $24)

That’s a $72 value!

Entry Requirements

For a chance to enter and win, complete the following requirements and leave a separate comment for each, including a link to your original tweet. (You can access it by clicking the time stamp on your tweet and grabbing the link from the URL bar. Comments not including the URL to their original tweet will not be considered.)

• Visit the website (Aveda.com/video), watch a “How To” video, then come back to this post and leave a comment letting us know one thing you learned from the video.
• Tweet the following: “I just learned how to ___________________ with @Aveda and couldn’t be more excited! #AvedaSS”

Extra Entries

You will earn one extra entry (total of two) when you do the following:

• Like the Mom It Forward Facebook page for one extra entry: http://facebook.com/momitforward
• Tweet the following: “RT @momitforward Giveaway! Enter 4 chance 2 win an @Aveda summer hair/skin care prize pack. http://bit.ly/jHfebH PLS RT”

Terms and Conditions

Winners will be selected randomly through http://random.org. No purchase necessary to enter. Giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday, June 30, 2011. See all terms and conditions here. This giveaway is available to U.S. residents only.

Your child can look paparazzi ready too with a few ideas I found while surfing the web. I adore Suri Cruise and found some wonderful look alike pieces. Check it out!

Dress

The lovely ivory dress looks alot like Suri’s! It’s handmade by Anastacia y Gus on Etsy and it’s reasonably priced at $49. The dress is handmade and supports the mom crafting community. It can be worn with or without a sweater which makes it more versatile.

Sweater

In my opinion, a pink sweater should be a staple in every little girl’s closet. This look alike can be found at The Gap for $26. The sweater is a great price and the sweet, solid color will be easy to use with other outfits.

Backpack

I couldn’t bear to find a knock off of this one. It’s just too cute! The actual bag worn by Suri Cruise is made by Manuella for $48. I feel like the bag would be the biggest splurge item but it is the item she’s least likely to grow out of quickly.

Now get out there and find some deals! What have been some of your best fashion finds and deals?

Kelly Loubet is the founder of the blog Everyday Childhood. She’s a mother of two that loves to create, write and share her passion. Kelly is the President of the Arizona Chapter of Mom It Forward. Each month she devotes time to charitable giving in her community. In her other life… she’s the Social Media Marketing Manager for Social2B, where she helps brands develop their social media marketing strategy. Follow her on Twitter @childhood.

I hear that New York City’s Fashion Week tops many people’s bucket lists. I’ll admit to loving and appreciating style. It moves me in the way all great design does. But, being fashionable isn’t a talent I claim, so I leave the fashion fun to my friends and watch in amazement at their creations.

Given my not-so-stylish ways, you can imagine my surprise when I got invited to Fashion Week. Not to any show, but to see designer Jason Wu and lead stylist Odile Gilbert for Aveda. I found myself at once nervous and giddy to be inspired. And this is where my fashionista friends, and probably all my readers, will shrink in their chairs as they read, because I am now going to share with you, by example no less, the top 10 ways to NOT fit in at Fashion Week.

Top 10 Signs You Don’t Fit in at New York City’s Fashion Week

• TEN—You walk in the door and no one asks for your credentials. In fact, they don’t even look at you as you make your way back stage.
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• NINE—Once back stage, you notice all the food’s gone and immediately think, “Wow! The rumors aren’t true. Models really do eat. I wish they would have saved me some.”
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• EIGHT—You notice that no one’s getting hair and make up done. In fact, there are no models to be found. Does a red flag go up? No. Instead, you think, ” Score! Less waiting time.” Your shoes are killing you anyway, so you’re happy to get this show on the road… or the cat walk!
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• SEVEN—You realize that no one sent you the message about skirts only being 2 inches long this season as you cinch up your knee-length number.
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• SIX—In the same missing message, they didn’t tell you pink coats, that are all the rage in UT, aren’t hip in New York. Apparently, black is the new black!
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• FIVE—You wonder where the brand is that invited you, but figured they must be sooooo busy downstairs that you make yourself useful by looking for the best photo opps for the blog post you’re going to write up all about Jason Wu’s inspirations.
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• FOUR—You thought you had skinny legs until you notice the tooth picks that everyone is walking around on out here and you almost gather a group together to ask if you can snap a pic, which you will immediately entitle, “Bird legs.” It could go viral, right?
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• THREE—You block out a 1 to 2-hour window on your fashion calendar for the show and soon learn they are only as short as 7 minutes and as long as 20.
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• TWO—When you see a chandelier in a box in the room where the fashion show is supposed to be, you should get a clue that something isn’t quite right. But instead, you say: “They’d better hurry and put that up. They’ve only got 20 minutes until the show starts.”
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And the number ONE sign that you do not fit in at Fashion Week…

• You forgot you were on eastern time and showed up after the show was over, when everyone was cleaning up. The thing is, never once did it occur to you the show was already over. You thought they were setting up and were so concerned they weren’t going to have it ready in time for the “3 p.m. show” that you about volunteered to unstack the chairs and help hang the chandelier, not realizing it was an art piece not meant to be hung at all.

After the Show With Jason Wu

Here’s a short slideshow. When you view it, please keep in mind that all the pictures were taken, thinking that everyone was just setting up. Good thing we get a second chance to see a show this Tuesday. Stay tuned for more fashion fun from your favorite no-so-fashionista and rest assured, my stylish friends, I’ll be wearing my skinny jeans this time around. No knee-length skirts for me!

To see what we both missed, check out Jason Wu’s brilliance here: New York Magazine, Huffington Post, New York Times, LA Times, and Wall Street Journal and pictures from the fashion show on Aveda’s Facebook page.

Are you a fashionista? Do you dream of going to Fashion Week? What would your ideal experience include?

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Pictures used with permission by Jen Tilley.

I went to Blissdom with a larger group of Mom It Forward team members: Carissa, Fiona, Jen, Kelly, Kristen, Melissa, Niri, and Sky. On our last night in Tennessee, after we had attended the official Girls’ Night In at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, we made our way back to our adjoined rooms and continued the girls’ night in fun.

Aveda had provided me with some hair care products to test and I took them with me to Nashville. What could be more fun than trying the product line out together with a bunch of girl friends, right? I wasn’t representing Aveda in any formal capacity and they certainly didn’t realize we’d turn their product line into party favors, but why not?

The result? Fun, laughter, and super soft hair. The treatment worked and was the hit of the party.

Side note: Aveda’s Damage Remedy product line includes a restructuring shampoo and conditioner. But, my favorite product was the leave-on intensive restructuring treatment that “deeply penetrates to help repair, seal and smooth even the most damaged hair. Using the power of pure plant oils and quinoa protein, it restores health, silkiness and shine.” My friend described it to me as a hair makeover and he was right.

So… the next time you are looking for a night in, or out, with the girls, look around, gather up your favorite products, and try them out together. Whether you use hair care products or food, testing together makes for a really fun night with some really goofy pictures!

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What are your favorite Girls’ Night In or Out memories?

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.

]]> http://momitforward.com/crocheting-stay-warm-ideas-for-your-family-this-winter/feed 1 http://momitforward.com/flying-home-for-the-holidays-planning-the-perfect-outfit-for-easy-and-comfortable-air-travel http://momitforward.com/flying-home-for-the-holidays-planning-the-perfect-outfit-for-easy-and-comfortable-air-travel#comments Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:00:04 +0000 Lori http://momitforward.com/?p=11134 Planning to travel by air this holiday season? Time to start planning the plane travel with your family. So many things to consider – Flight times? Entertaining the little ones in the airport? What to do if your flights are …

Planning to travel by air this holiday season? Time to start planning the plane travel with your family. So many things to consider – Flight times? Entertaining the little ones in the airport? What to do if your flights are delayed?

Five Tips to Comfortable Travel

With so many things to think about when it comes to packing and preparing for a flight with family, follow these simple dressing tips so that clothing-related delays and discomfort can be the last thing on your mind:

1. Keep it simple. When you think airline travel, think security screening.  As you plan travel-day outfits for you and your traveling companions, prioritize clothing that is belt, buckle, and shoelace free whenever possible.  In other words, if it can be slipped off and on in under 10 seconds, wear it to the airport!  A certainty is that every traveler will have to remove his shoes, so be sure that you and the kids pack your lace-up shoes and boots and travel in your slip-on flats and vel-cro sneakers.  Feet tend to swell on long flights, so for the comfort of you and your family will be more comfortable in slip ons.  While you are at it, go through your purse ahead of time and take out the nail clippers and jumbo hand sanitizer.  Sharps and liquids over 4oz. will not make it through security, so save yourself time and pack them in your checked luggage.

2. Layer it. Before take-off, airplane air tends to be stuffy and warm.  In the skies, the recycled air tends to get chilly.  Don’t fight the predictable.  Rather, plan for it.  Dress in layers that can be added and removed.  The sweater or jacket that your child sheds, because they are hot, can double as a pillow.

3. Make it versatile. You board the plane with the family members that you see everyday, but you de-plane into the arms of loved ones that you haven’t visited with since last holiday season.  Make comfort and convenience a priority when traveling without sacrificing shape and style in your travel outfit by wearing stretchy leggings with a trendy tunic top (which, by the way, pairs great with those travel-friendly flats!) You’ll be all set for easy, chic travel and able to go from the plane to the dinner table without having to change clothes.  Forgo the heels, making connections carrying luggage and even children are impossible with heels, not to mention the danger of turning an ankle.

4. Keep an extra set of clothes in your carry on. You never know what will happen on the plane, a little turbulence or an overactive child can cause some unwanted spills on your clothes.  Who wants to sit in a shirt covered in milk for any longer than a few minutes?  If you are traveling with a baby, you will be happy to have that extra set of baby clothes when the inevitable spit up or worse happens.

5. Plan for changes in temperature. If you are traveling to very different climates, make sure to prepare for the dramatic changes.  Floridians traveling to Colorado for the holidays will be very happy to have the extra sweater or jacket when they step outside.  Small babies will need a warm baby hat to keep them from losing their necessary body heat.  Hats, sweaters, and scarves are great items for keeping you warm without taking up too much valuable carry on space.

Have a safe and comfortable trip this holiday season! A little planning can go a long way, especially when traveling with children. Most importantly, have fun!

By Signe Whitson, LSW.  As a mother of two girls and a child therapist, she has become a master at planning creative ideas to handle the everyday issues facing parents today.  Her advice can be found on her blog about passive aggressive behavior, and as a featured writer on Psychology Today. She has partnered with My Baby Clothes Boutique to provide her advice to a larger audience of parents.

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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.

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?