girlymama

i love new york

I love this city.

I would so move here!

I was walking around this afternoon in the city: Walking through Union Square, Spending an hour pouring through the treasure trove that is Filene's Basement (where there were two racks of Anthropologie clothes! AND 7 for All Mankind jeans from under $100. GREAT restraint was shown.) Stopping at Starbucks for an afternoon recharge.... I love watching the people and seeing what they're wearing.

Combined with several hours in the afternoon all by myself. 

Heaven.

Tonight I'm heading out to dinner the Spotted Pig with my fellow fashion bloggers and I'm so looking forward to talking more with the amazing ladies I met this morning! The stylist approved my outfit and gave me some amazing accessories to wear. You should see the space - I can't wait to share pictures! My clothes are spending the night there to get pressed and steamed to perfection for tomorrow's show. This whole thing is so surreal and hard to believe that I'm going to be in an actual fashion show tomorrow. (ACK!) It will be aired live on September 8th at 1 pm on the Electrolux Facebook page and www.Kelly-Confidential.com, so make sure to RSVP!

 

fashion friday: rumpled to runway

If you haven't heard, the Rumpled to Runway fashion event sponsored by Electrolux benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund is next Wednesday in New York City and I’m so excited to have been invited to strut my stuff on the runway to support this terrific cause!

Ten fashion bloggers were given the challenge to dress in white and accessorize with teal (the official color of Ovarian Cancer Awareness). We're meeting with stylists to really get our look perfect! Which is such a relief, because I can't decide what top to wear!

Here's what I have so far: I'm wearing my favorite boot-cut white jeans that I picked up at the LOFT outlet in the beginning of the summer that have proven to be one of my best purchases! I have worn them constantly all summer. My jewelry was made by RachelleD, a fabulous little shop I just discovered on etsy. Isn't her stuff adorable?

I have three tops I'm choosing between...

Option 1:

This cute embellished tank from Old Navy. I LOVE the neckline - it really showcases my necklace. And I think this cut is greta for me. I could even add a belt. Hummm... And it has ruffles. Its sold out on the website, so I can't link to it. Sorry!

Option 2:

This Raw-Edged Ruffled Tank is from Banana Republic. Its probably my least favorite. Actually, I'm pretty sure I don't like it. I love ruffles, but the placement of these is kind-of strange.

Option 3:

This is the High Tide Tee from Anthropologie. Very feminine and ruffley. (and Girly ;-) What do you think? This one is my husband's favorite, if that counts for anything!

What top has your vote?

If you’re interested in who else will be walking the runway, check out these fabulous bloggers…

• Nichelle Pace from Style Mom
• Lindsay Ferrier from The Stir & Café Mom
• Dana Walsh from I’m Not Obsessed & Fit Celeb
• Victoria Pericon from Savvy Mommy
• Leah Furman from Mamaista
• Bethany Winters from LA Stylist Mom
• Erika Lehmann from Lifetime Moms & Chic Shopper Chick
• Isabel Kallman from Alpha Mom
• Corrin Foster, Blissfully Domestic   
  and ME:
• Melissa Angert from Girly Mama & b*Stylish

The event will be aired live on September 8th at 1 pm on the Electrolux Facebook page and www.Kelly-Confidential.com, so make sure to RSVP!

Disclosure: My participation in the ‘Rumpled to Runway’ Campaign was sponsored by Electrolux who provided me with a $150 stipend to style my look as well as travel arrangements to and accommodations in New York to participate.

fashion friday: fall dresses

I love summer dresses. I do, I do! But fall dresses are their own breed of fabulous. Paired with boots, you can't go wrong!

1. The Shirt Dress
So cute! I'm clearly all about the shirt dress, after that adorable one I picked up yesterday at H & M. But there are some super cute ones out there right now. The work for so many different body types, can be worn loose or with a belt, with boots or flats... they're a great, versitle piece to add to your wardrobe.

I bought one like this one last year at Old Navy and I loved wearing it with my boots in the fall - it was so cute and so comfy. Shirt dresses can be really dressed up to with tights and heels, a la this ruffled shirt dress from Gap. Or this one by Lauren by Ralph Lauren. There are zillions of cute ones out there right now. Don't forget about adding a cute belt.

 

2. The Sweater Dress
Oh, the sweater dress. This has to be one of my very favorite trends. Just like the shirt dress, they can be dressed up with tights and boots or heels:

or down with jeggings:

They are so so very comfy as well! Bonus! There are about a zillion styles to choose from. I recommend going with a slight pattern (like the one from Limited above) and not too chunky so you add interest, but not bulk. Cause adding bulk is rarely attractive.

 

3. Combo dress:
This trend is still here and I'm still on the fence. I think you need a pretty average body type to pull this off - if you have a long torso or are short waisted, you might have trouble with this one.

What do you think? Yes or no?

4. Retro Dresses: One of the hottest trends right now are clothes inspired by the hit show Mad Men. They're so elegant and ladylike... What's not to love?

For more fashion friday posts, check out Big Mama (fall trends), Musings of a Housewife (back to school), Mommies With Style (military jackets).

If you love fashion fridays, go on over and join my facebook page, where we talk fashion all week long!

fashion friday: back to school

We're focusing on the kidlets this week for Fashion Friday. Mine are headed back to school Monday after next  (WOOT!) so I've been going through their clothes and figuring out what they need for the new school year.

A few looks my girls will be wearing this year:

1. Jeggings: I bought both girls the Medium Wash and Dark Wash Jeggings at Target last week for only $12.99! (And this week they're only $10!)

They love them! They are terrific for those kids who don't really like jeans (like my girls) because of the buttons/snaps and zippers. They have the comfort of leggings but the look and durability of jeans. Perfect!

2. Cardigans: We're all about the layers around here. Gracie picked out this Zip Hoodie while Ellie went for this Layering Cardigan. Ohmyword, does this Jayna Cotton Cardigan come in my size? Look at this:

3. Boots: Both of my girls love boots, especially their "Fuzzy boots" which they wear all the time:

OHMYGOSH these ruffled tall boots are so cute! So are these Geox Peggy boots.

4. Tunics: Because you need something to go with the Jeggings! Gracie just got this Pierced Ruffle Dress from Target:

How cute is that? She's been wearing it with her jeggings. I also love this adorable ruffle dress from Old Navy - very Gracie - and Ellie would love this Button Sleeve Dress from GapKids. and this Striped Rugby Dress from Ralph Lauren.

Speaking of Ralph Lauren, have you seen the Ralph Lauren fall line? Its so adorable. They have a cute storybook called the RL Gang - and each child in the book has a unique style, so you can easily find things for your child's clothes personality. My daughter Gracie is totally Mae - girly girly girl! - while Ellie is Willow - comfy, no frills.
I could totally see Gracie wearing something like this Marielle Dress on the first day of school:

With those ruffles, this is so her style! And she would totally need some matching leggings so "no one will see my panties on the monkey bars!" She's my little lady!
Now Ellie, she hates dresses and skirts, but loves tunics and leggings and scooters. So am much as I would KILL to put her in this Ruffled Polo Dress, I'm not sure she would wear it. She'd be more likely to wear these Liam Chino Shorts with a t-shirt.  But for fall, I would love to  get her this Courtney Fleece Dress:

Sooo, its basically a super cute, really long sweatshirt! Brilliant! She would wear this all the time with some cute leggings and her Uggs.

Ralph Lauren is offering Girlymama readers 10%-off full price Ralph Lauren Children’s and Baby products on their website. Use code RLG_GIRLYMAMA - its only good TODAY so hurry over and pick up some classics for your child's wardrobe!

For more fashion friday posts, check out Musings of a Housewife and Mommies with Style!

disclosure: some of these are affiliate links. i am a ralph lauren ambassador and received this discount code to share with my readers, but was not compensated for this post.

fashion friday: eat pray love

With Eat Pray Love coming out (Who else cannot wait! ME!!), looks inspired by the movie are popping up everywhere! I love it!!

World Market has some AMAZING jewelry in their Eat Pray Love shop and its all really affordable! I am loving those Beaded Stretch Bracelets. What a fabulous way to add some fun and color to just about anything from a little dress to a tshirt and jeans. And how cute is this Bucket Hat with Grosgrain Ribbon?? I'd feel like such a world traveler in that! There's just too much jewelry to choose. Go look - its worth it! I promise.

Mid-length Skirts by Athleta
Sandals by Mossimo

The Shifting buttons skirt from Anthropologie with this Unveiled Tank (and of course some adorable shoes!) is so precious. Don't this just scream strolling through Italy? Or for a more conservative boho look, just pair your favorite casual skirt (like this Organic Cotton Skirt from Athleta) with a sleeveless top and add some sparkly sandals and a scarf.

Love this Lucy Loves Charlie tunic and white skinny jeans! SO cute! I love the soft colors and the shape of the top.

Or this ADORABLE tunic! Little bolder, little more boho chic. LOVING the belt. Its a little short for a dress, but it would be super cute with jeggings!

Are you as excited about the movie as I am? Planning on seeing it?

For more Fashion Friday, check out Musings of a Housewife who is talking summer favorites (and she's giving away of Miraclebody Jeans!), Water Water Everywhere, who is talking shoes (shoes!) and don't forget Big Mama, who is spending her birthday money!

disclosure: some of these links are affiliate links. so if you click, i will make a few pennies to feed my fashion addiction. mama needs some boots for fall!

so i chopped my hair off yesterday

I tend to cut my hair on a whim. Dramatically cut my hair on a whim.
Yesterday, I called and made an appointment on the way to church and right after church was over, I headed over and chopped about 12 inches off my hair.

GULP.

Here is basically how long it was yesterday:

Here it is now:

Just a tad shorter in the back, wouldn't you say? Sorry for the self portrait. I'll try to get a better pic soon!

I love it!!Now I just need to decide on a color. Can't decide if I should go lighter or darker. What do you think?

fashion friday: sort of

Life got in the way of Fashion Friday this week. Well, not so much "life" as that instead of working on my post last night like I planned, I went out an met Kelly and Jo-Lynne for some girl talk at Cheesecake Factory. Which was just what the doctor ordered on this particularly insane week. I have approximately 8,000 things to do today, so I need to keep it really short, but I still have a few little gems to share with you this week!

1. Unique Vintage: I could spend hours browsing this site. If you love the old school glamor of Mad Men, this site will be perfect. Look at this Pleated Bodice Cap Sleeve Wiggle Dress. And I love this Houndstooth Skirt for fall. (Although its admittedly hard to think about fall clothes when its 97 degrees outside.)
Unique Vintage is offering Girlymama readers 15% off the entire site with the discount code "getmad". Happy shopping!

2. Target Booty: A Target opened this week less than TWO MILES from my house. This is both good and bad. But I was able to hit it before the grand opening and was welcomed by a fully stocked clothing section with everything in every size. *SWOON* And I picked up some really cute things. I love this Ruffle Neck Blouse. I also picked up this Wrap Dress by Merona that is super cute, lightweight and "easy care" so it won't wrinkle. Yipee! And meet my new best friends.

3. Did you see French Connection is having an up to 75% off sale? You're welcome.

fashion friday: BlogHer Style

Last night I hosted a fabulous exclusive event at my local LOFT with nine of my favorite local moms to do some serious BlogHer shopping! We're hitting LOFT's new fall line, getting some great style input and getting treated to some fabulous goodies to get ready for BlogHer!

We cracked up as the frugal bloggers (Mindi and Kelly) headed straight back to the sale racks! They practice what they preach!

I immediately snatched up this Tube Dress with Ruffles. (Are you so shocked? Girlymama picked something with ruffles. Surprise!) Wouldn't that be the perfect compliment to some Kendra Scott earrings?
(and maybe a matching cuff bracelet?) I have these earrings and I'm telling you I am totally planning outfits around them. They are HEAVEN! I'm also coveting these Danielle Earrings in Turquoise. They caught my eye in a recent issue of People's Style Watch and I'm dying for a pair! They look like the perfect way to add a little splash of color to my dull, black-heavy winter wardrobe. And at only $60, its a really affordable way to add a celeb favorite to my soccer mom wardrobe ;-)

I'm also picked up this gorgeous Looped Ruffle Front Cami from LOFT. It looks so fabulous on and has a hint of sparkle that is perfect for parties! Not only does it match my Kendra Scott earrings (Told you! I'll be the girl at BlogHer with the earrings!), but it would be perfect for dressing up with trouser jeans and heels or dressing down with skinny jeans and sandals.

And I LOVE the Cascade Ruffle-Country Floral Top from LOFT!  This will be perfect for Friday... with jeans and wedges. And my fabulous Hannah Clutch from Ellington Handbags will be perfect!

This bag will be perfect for holding the essentials for an entire weekend of serious girl time! Big enough for a small wallet, business card holder and a few makeup essentials - and its small enough to throw into my laptop bag during the day! Loving it!

I also picked up my newest love, Jeggings! I think that 4 or 5 of us bought the Rinse Denim Leggings. I have a feeling these are going to become a wardrobe staple for me - they are super comfy and perfect for wearing with tunics or a dress without adding extra bulk. I think every person that tried them on bought a pair!
                                    
photo from Colleen                                                                            photo from Whitney
Colleen, Me, Jo-Lynne, Whitney and Kelly                Whitney, Julie and Kelly all
                                                                                                        rocking the "Julie" pant

                                   
Sarah and Kelly decide what to try                                Shannon will be looking super cute!

One last necessity for BlogHer? Some terrific beauty products to  get us looking our best! We're so excited to try out Barista Beauty's yummy shampoo and conditioner. And, boy, were the girls excited to see a rechargeable flat iron in their gift bags! Hot and humid weather, look out! We're armed and ready! And I'm planning on using my ShopatHome gift card at Sephora!

disclosure: this event was sponsored by LOFT in Paoli and girlymama.com.  Kendra Scott Jewelry, Ellington Handbags, Barista Bath and Beauty, Kymaro, and ShopatHome.com generously provided products for our gift bags.

fashion friday: getting ready for BlogHer

As I'm recovering from my sister's wedding and looking forward to BlogHer, I've been pursuing the Internet and here are a few things I've been eyeing!

A Cute non-black Laptop Bag: I need a new laptop bag, since my old one decided that having straps was optional. In the middle of the airport. So I'm loving this bag by Angie & Lola at Target. The color is too cute!! Way beyond the typical boring black laptop bag!
 

This green one is pretty stinkin' cute too! (For more of a splurge, I'm loving this Blue Winnetka Italian Leather laptop case on Overstock! I wish!) Actually I really like this commuter bag from Vera Bradley - even though its black! That looks so classic it will last for years (and its on sale to boot.)

Cute comfy shoes: An absolute necessity for a blogging conference!! I love Privos, but I think that they're a little casual for the outfits I have planned. And I love heels, but they need to be comfy. I have a pair like these that I can wear all day, but again, a little casual. I want a really, really awesome comfy pair of black heels - any recommendations?
(But I definitely think I need to buy these shoes by Sofft:

I mean, they are over 70% off. So it would be wasting money NOT to buy them! Right?)

A cocktail dress: I have a really cute black one that I just rocked at my sister's wedding. But I'd love to get something a little less traditional. I absolutely love this VP Pintuck neck dress from Shabby Apple's new Skyscraper collection. And remember, just because your little black dress is a classic doesn't mean it has to be boring! Kick it up a notch! And I know black is traditional, but what about pink? Or if that's too much for you, what about grey?

Wouldn't this be so cute with some metallic shoes? And gorgeous blue and silver accessories? YUM!
By the way, most of these cocktail dresses are from Shabby Apple, who is having a super sale - 20% off almost everything with the code SUMMER20!

What are you buying in preparation for BlogHer?

fashion friday: casual party

As much as I love getting dressed up, living the glam life I lead here in the Philly suburbs rarely offers the opportunity! The parties we get invited to involve barbecues and backyards, beer and burgers rather than champagne and caviar! So what to wear to these staples of summer in suburbia?

  1. Day time party:

For something like this, obviously you don't want to get all decked out. But you obviously need to look cute, since that's always a given, right?
I'd recommend maybe a casual dress (if you won't be playing volleyball or anything) or a simple shorts/shirt combo. I just love this outfit from Shade Clothing: a v-neck boyfriend t-shirt, a short sleeved cardigan and shorts.
But for all the picnics I'll be attending this summer, my go-to outfit will be a cute tank top and bermuda shorts.
And I love combining a cute, girly top with distressed denim.

2. Evening party:

For this, which I'd consider still casual, but a tad more formal than an afternoon event, I'd be much more inclined to wear a sundress, like this Mundaka Dress from Athleta. I also love this Floral-Embroidered Gauze Dresses with a pair of white capris. And this Pleated Empire Dress from Simply Vera Wang is too cute!
If its not super hot, I would wear denim capris (a summer staple if there ever was one) and a cute flowy top, like this Mint Julep Top from Anthropologie! Or this fabulous Dana Buchman Embroidered Tunic from Kohls! 

(sorry this is light this week - my sister is gettig married next friday so we're a TAD BUSY over here!)