What I Wore {First Post-Baby Edition}

by Kate on May 23rd, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Life, What I Wore

As I prepared this post I realized the last time I shared What I Wore I was 34 Weeks pregnant. The last month of my pregnancy I apparently wore nothing of note, unless you consider yoga pants and maternity t’s high style. And, just when I thought dressing couldn’t get more difficult, I actually delivered my baby and realized I had to dress my postpartum self. This presents many challenges: I don’t fit into my pre-baby clothes so I have a limited selection, I’m sick of maternity pants and breastfeeding-friendly tops can be less than cute.

The result? This is the first outfit that is post-worthy.

I am obsessed with The Shops at Target. This dress is from The Webster collection and I am tempted by just about everything available online. (There’s a lot more online than there was at our local store.) I wore the dress with Espadrilles from Target I bought last year so the outfit cost a grand total of $60.

Dress: The Webster at Target Sleeveless Jersey Dress
Shoes: Calypso St. Bart for Target Espadrille Wedge Sandal

Almost forgot to mention my white tank top peeking out. I wear a tank constantly while nursing. Constantly. And luckily the tank matches my pasty white legs. Score.

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Because I was dressed in something that I didn’t mind having photographed, I made the kids gather for a picture.

The boys are wearing one set of their matching clothes from Tea Collection. ::swoon::

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This post is happily linked with What I Wore Wednesday on The Pleated Poppy blog and the weekly Monday Mingle hosted by MomtrendsBonBon Rose Girls and Glamamom

Limited Edition Bravado! Designs Spring Fashion Colors {Giveaway}

by Kate on April 23rd, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  For Mama, Giveaways

Spring has sprung! Our weather is decidedly warmer, the sun is shining, and the flowers are blooming and the season is definitely reflected in current fashion trends. Bright colors are everywhere for clothes and accessories this spring and Bravado! Designs is making your nursing undergarments no exception with beautiful limited edition spring colors. Let’s be honest, breastfeeding can often feel like an all day affair, so you might as well brighten the experience with a hot color.

Limited Edition Spring Colors

Bravado! Designs Essential Nursing Tank in Tiger Lily is a perfect interpretation of the 2012 Pantone color of the year: Tangerine Tango. We have shared some tangerine fashion finds and should add this fun and bright (and breastfeeding must have) tank top. If you’re  hesitant to embrace the bright color in your wardrobe, accessories like the fab Essential Nursing Tank is a great choice.

With stunning style and a built in bra (no scrawny shelf bra here!) our breastfeeding and maternity tank beautifully supports up to a G cup, and was designed to make you feel fabulous inside and out.

The limited edition seasonal Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra in Honeysuckle is so pretty! The lovely bright shade of pink is feminine, fun and, of course, functional.

The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra melts onto your body and gives you comfort unlike anything you’ve experienced from a nursing bra before – wear it while nursing or as a maternity bra. A mom and celebrity favorite, everyone loves this seamless nursing bra that molds to your shape

The fun of the Honeysuckle color doesn’t have to stop when baby weans. The Body Silk Seamless bra includes a Bra Conversion Kit that transforms the Bravado nursing bra(s) to a “regular bra” once you have completed your nursing journey.

Bravado! Designs Colors in Spring Fashion Finds

Bravado! Designs limited edition spring colors are truly on trend. We didn’t have to look far to find our favorite brands showcasing the bright coral and pink from Bravado’s bras.

 LOFT

LOFT

Gap

Shabby Apple

Banana Republic

Shop! Grab these beautiful limited-edition breastfeeding bras while you can! The Essential Nursing Tank in Tiger Lily is $49 and available in a huge range of sizes from 34B/C through 44F/G. The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra is $44, available in sizes S through XL.

Win! Both the Bravado! Designs Essential Nursing Tank in Tiger Lily and the Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra in Honeysuckle!

How to Enter: Visit Bravado! Designs and leave a comment here with another Bravado! Designs bra color you’d love to wear.

Earn Extra Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Giveaway ends May 4. Open to US residents only.

Thanks to Bravado! Designs for providing giveaway items.

Mom Style Q & A: Danielle Medina from A Few of My Favorite Things

by Kate on January 24th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Fashion & Beauty, New Year New Mama

As part of the New Year, New Mama series, we are seeking out fashion insight some very stylish moms. We’re hoping the quick Q & A will give us all a little style inspiration to kick it up a notch in the new year.

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Danielle Medina is a TV producer by day, mom to twin girls and style hunter all the time. Her blog, A Few of My Favorite Things, is a great source for indie, handmade finds that will set your child, party and home apart. She recently re-located from NYC to Rhode Island and I’ve enjoyed watching her new home come together – it’s a great reflection of her personal style.

The Shopping Mama: How do you define your style?

Danielle Medina: I would define my style as elegantly eclectic because I like a little bit of everything – preppy, trendy, classic, bohemian…. You name it, I’ll wear it in some way, shape or form.

TSM: What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?

DM: That’s so hard! I’m going to go with this striped blouse I just bought at Old Navy. Not only is it the perfect color and pattern (Pantone named tangerine the color of 2012 and stripes are so in for spring!) but it’s also totally versatile. I’m wearing it now with blazers, sweaters and boots, will pair it with lighter weight pants and wedges for the spring and then shorts and sandals this summer. Plus it was only $20. Can’t beat that!

TSM: Aaaaand, now I want to buy that shirt. I LOVE how you styled it with the jeans! If you could have any celebrity mom’s wardrobe, who would it be?

DM: Probably Nicole Richie’s. She always looks great, whether she’s dressed up or dressed down, and I love how she rocks accessories. Sunglasses, bags, jewelry – they always perfectly pull her outfits together.

TSM: We love inexpensive finds, but when it is worth splurging? What’s on your splurge wish list?

DM: Spend money on handbags because they make a statement and can take an outfit to the next level. And you can wear them all year long! I have bags in my closet that are 10+ years old and I still use, so even though they may seem like a splurge up front, you can really get your money’s worth in the long run.

TSM: What’s one must have piece for this season or the spring?

DM: Something bold and bright. Whether it’s kelly green jeans, an orange bag or a pink blazer, one colorful piece will breathe new life into any old outfit. Scared to sport a bright top? Start smaller with bracelets or a belt and work your way up. And if you only want to buy one bold piece this season, go with a pair of ballet flats in a color like yellow or pink. They’ll go with everything!

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Keep up with Danielle on TwitterFacebook and Pinterest.

Mom Style Q & A: Nicole Feliciano of MomTrends

by Kate on January 17th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Fashion & Beauty, New Year New Mama

As part of the New Year, New Mama series, we are seeking out fashion insight some very stylish moms. We’re hoping the quick Q & A will give us all a little style inspiration to kick it up a notch in the new year.

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Nicole Feliciano is joining us again this year to share her impeccable style with us. (Check out her Mom Style Q & A from last year.) Nicole is the founder and editor of MomTrends, the online destination for moms to stay in tune with all things stylish and cool. Make sure you check out the weekly Monday Mingle post – it’s a fashion link up full of great advice and fashion tips.

The Shopping Mama: How do you define your style?

Nicole Feliciano: Urban, bo-ho chic. What does this mean? My shoes need to be practical since I walk miles each day around NYC. I wear too much black because this city is filthy (sorry Major Bloomberg, but it’s true). The bohemian part comes from clinging to color and jewelry to elevate my basic pieces into something more chic than a mom uniform. I try to find cool necklaces, scarves, bags and shoes to break up the monotony of it all.

TSM: What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?

Nicole: I have this silver Ralph Lauren dress that is simply sublime (right). It makes me want to get dressed up! But since I can’t wear it everyday–despite the wishes of my daughters, 6 and 4, who also think the dress is the bee’s knees and want me to wear it daily–I am also obsessed with this green handbag (below left) that I bought in Italy last summer. It will be seen A-lot this spring in NYC.


TSM: If you could have any celebrity mom’s wardrobe, who would it be?

Nicole: Sarah Jessica Parker. She simply has the best shoe and handbag collection. I got the chance to meet her a few times last year and every time I saw her I drooled over her shoes. Frankly it was a bit embarrassing. I think SJP and I could be BFFs if she would just give me the chance. I’d let her post on Momtrends and she could share her shoes. Sounds fair to me.

TSM: We love inexpensive finds, but when it is worth splurging? What’s on your splurge wish list?

Nicole: I splurge on coats–it’s frigid here in the winter and it’s only practical to have a complete coat wardrobe. And boots. I will drop hundreds on a boot that not only catches my eye but also allows me to walk (did I mention that I regularly walk 5-6 miles a day). I hunted down these silver boots (that’s Jessica Alba, not me in the photo in case you got confused) and I adore them. Pricey but sooooo worth it.

TSM: What’s one must have piece for this season or the spring?

Nicole: Color blocking is going to be alive and well this spring. I suggest everyone get a fun pair of colored jeans.

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Keep up with Nicole and the latest in mom fashion on Twitter and Facebook.

Fashion Finds in Tangerine Tango: 2012 Pantone Color of the Year

by Shannon on January 13th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Fashion & Beauty, New Year New Mama

I’m not afraid of the color orange. In fact, I always say orange is my third favorite color – behind apple green and pink (and if you mix all three of those colors together in a bouquet of pink and orange tulips I could swoon!). If you are are afraid of orange, would you consider “Tangerine Tango?”

Tangerine Tango is the Pantone 2012 Color of the Year. Who is Pantone, you say? The Pantone Matching System is the definitive guide for selecting and controlling ink colors. If you’ve ever printed anything (wedding invitations, brochures, etc) you probably selected your spot colors from a PMS chart. Let’s just say, it’s how the Target bulls-eye logo is always the same color red, no matter who makes the sign or where it is made.

Pantone knows color and, according to their Spring 2012 Fashion Color Report, designers including Tommy Hilfiger, Elie Tahari, Adrienne Vittadini and more are including the subtle reddish orange of Tangerine Tango into their upcoming collections. As The Shopping Mama focuses on New Year, New Mama this month, it makes perfect sense to share some “color of the moment” fashion selections so that our readers can set the fashion trends.

Tangerine Tango Fashion Finds for Moms

I’m starting with my favorite. Boden USA always features bold patterns and colors and has been a favorite clothing line of mine for years. Originating in England, the line features clothing and accessories for the entire family, including the expecting mama. This cute embellished cardigan features multi-color dots and will match just about anything.

Speaking of sweaters, this number from J.Crew makes a bolder statement.

Did I mention that I love hot pink and Tangerine Tango together? This custom-made dress is adorable and is a win-win. You get an exact fit while supporting an Etsy vendor.

The temperature will be in the 20s for us tonight, thus I couldn’t resist a chunky snood scarf available on Etsy. I feel warmer just looking at this.

A total budget-buster, how elegant are these Kate Spade wedges featuring the color tangerine and more?

The color of the year can even adorn your diaper bag with the Kalencom coated double messenger bag in “sunrise.”

And finally, as you begin to think about Valentine’s Day, how about a break from the traditional (and cliche’) red? This beaded heart bracelet will brighten your wrist and your mood.

Mom Style Q&A: Audrey McClelland of Mom Generations

by Kate on January 10th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Fashion & Beauty, New Year New Mama

As part of the New Year, New Mama series, we are seeking out fashion insight some very stylish moms. We’re hoping the quick Q & A will give us all a little style inspiration to kick it up a notch in the new year.

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Audrey McClellan is, quite simply, a rock star in the blogging community. In addition to her blog Mom Generations, Audrey keeps busy as a spokes mom, numerous television appearances and she co-authored the book The Digital Mom Handbook: How to Blog, Vlog, Tweet, and Facebook Your Way to a Dream Career at Home. Audrey worked at Donna Karan International before working from home to care for her family – which now includes four young sons.

The Shopping Mama: How do you define your style?

Audrey McClelland: I define my personal style as classically chic. I love to take classic pieces – denim, blouses, blazers and add trendy pieces to them, I’ve always been this way. I actually remember being in 6th grade and wearing a tunic and skirt to school one day and adding in all these necklaces from my mom (she didn’t know I was “borrowing” them). I’ve just always loved trying to complement both styles.

TSM: What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?

Audrey: My FAVORITE thing in my closet right now is a black and white scarf that I got at TJMaxx for myself. It’s cotton and it’s gigantic! I love to wear it with a Little Black Dress, with my sweats and with my jeans and a blazer! It’s the perfect “add-in” piece.

TSM: If you could have any celebrity mom’s wardrobe, who would it be?

Audrey: I would say Rachel Zoe, hands down. She is my fashion icon. She combines prints and fabrics and colors like nobody’s business. I look at how she tosses together her outfits and I drool. Her Chanel blazers… her own designs and her floppy hats. I want them all!

TSM: We love inexpensive finds, but when it is worth splurging? What’s on your splurge wish list?

Audrey: The only thing I ever splurge on is handbags. I know styles come and go, but a solid, classic bag is something you can have forever. Louis Vuitton is my splurge. I don’t mind spending a lot on a handbag because I know I will literally own it forever. My Speedy 30 is my latest Louis Vuitton.

TSM: What’s one must have piece for this season or the spring?

Audrey: A Tangerine scarf! Tangerine is the color of 2012… and I think the best way to bring it into your closet is through a scarf!!

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Keep up with Audrey on Twitter and Facebook.

Photo credit: Rachel Zoe Facebook

Mom Style Q & A: Jo-Lynne Shane from Musings of a Housewife

by Kate on January 3rd, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Fashion & Beauty, New Year New Mama

As part of the New Year, New Mama series, we are seeking out fashion insight some very stylish moms. We’re hoping the quick Q & A will give us all a little style inspiration to kick it up a notch in the new year.

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Jo-Lynne Shane writes the memoir blog Musings of a Housewife from her home in suburban Philadelphia where she lives with her husband and three kids. She blogs about faith, family, food and fashion and I had the pleasure of seeing her fashion sense in person last summer at BlogHer. She and I spent lots of time together as we were both sponsored by Lands End to work with the Mom’s Fashion File gang.

The Shopping Mama: How do you define your style?

Jo-Lynne Shane: I would say, comfortable chic. :-) I try to always find that perfect blend of style and function. I hate to be over-dressed and will almost always opt for jeans if given a choice. Check out my daily outfits every Wednesday in my Mom Fashion posts!

TSM: What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?

JS: My absolute favorite item at the moment is this amazing dress I picked up at Bloomingdales last fall. I tend to shy away from pattern, but this was love at first site. I love the fit and the colors and the funky pattern.

TSM: If you could have any celebrity mom’s wardrobe, who would it be?

Hm, I’m not much of a celeb watcher, but I always admire Jennifer Aniston’s girl-next-door style.

TSM: We love inexpensive finds, but when it is worth splurging? What’s on your splurge wish list?

JS: I will always splurge on jeans. My favorites are Joe’s Jeans and Seven for All Mankind. I’ll also splurge on shoes and handbags, but not always. I have a mix in my closet.

TSM: What’s one must have piece for this season or the spring?

JS: A must-have item for this season is definitely the boot socks! I am loving this trend to add interest to any regular outfit.

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Keep up with Jo-Lynne and her fashionable musings on TwitterFacebook and Pinterest.

Holiday Gifts for the Stylish Mom

by Kate on December 13th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Blog, Fashion & Beauty, Shopping

I’ve done some serious research (i.e. consulted my holiday wish list) to compile a great assortment of gifts for the wanna-be stylish mom like me. Actually, you don’t have to be a mom to appreciate any of these finds, and they are all guaranteed to make the recipient smile. You may notice these are all accessories that even a giant pregnant woman can enjoy which means you don’t need to know any particular size for ordering.

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Fresh Sugar Duo ($22.50): I’ve been obsessed with my Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Plum and need a restock. This duo package is a great deal for fancy chap sticks. The Lip Treatment feels great and the color is subtle so it compliments every skin tone.

Fabric Rosette Necklace ($18): Take a tee and jeans from drab to fab with the simple addition of a fabric rosette necklace. We love this look because it’s handmade but preppy and a simple way to add color to an outfit. We like the necklaces from Jillian Audrey Designs.

Cha Cha Cha Bracelet from lia sophia ($130): I may or may not be sharing this because I’m obsessed with it and I’m hoping my husband is taking note. (Did you get that, dear?) It’s bold, makes a statement and goes with anything. Wear it to dress up denim or with a dress for an evening on the town.

Infinity Scarf ($58): Day to day life of a mom requires simple style and a scarf can add a lot to an outfit with very little effort, especially an infinity scarf that you don’t have to tie. We love this Stripe Knit Scarf from Splendid.

Bowtied Leather Gloves ($98): Love these practical and girly leather gloves from Anthropologie. The little bow tie adds just the right amount of unique flair to make the gloves something special. The gloves are lined with wool so they’ll keep your hands warm and cozy.

timi & leslie Charlie Diaper Bag ($160): It’s just so… pretty. No one will know you’re carrying everything but the kitchen sink when you’re out and about with the kids. The convertible collection from timi & leslie features faux leather, lots of pockets for organizing and the stylish look that defies diaper bag-dom.

Kate Spade Thermos ($35): A morning fix of java may not be the most inherently stylish thing thing you do all day, so dress it up with some Kate Spade. We love this Thermos brand travel mug. And, hey, it’s an affordable way to give a very chic designer.

kate spade thermos

Happy Shopping!