The Shopping Mama

Kohl’s helps you dress up for spring with deals on fashion {Giveaway}

by Laura on May 20th, 2013 | 5 Comments | For Mama, Giveaways, Mama Monday, Reviews, Style

Living in Philadelphia, I have grown used to the abrupt change in seasons when winter ends and the warm weather begins. Usually, I can just go from wearing a winter coat to needing no coat at all, but this year has been different. We’ve had more rain and just slightly chilly days than ever before, so I found myself in need of some transitional clothing, especially as my one raincoat is woefully huge on me since my recent weight loss. Needing to stay within my tight clothing budget and with little time to go to an actual brick and mortar store, I turned to Kohls.com to find a stylish, lightweight belted trench for under $100. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my $100 bought the trench plus a nice spring skirt and a cute pair of flats, since this crazy weather is definitely not conducive to my warm weather mainstay of sandals and/or flip flops. I even had a few bucks left over for my next shopping trip!

Trench – Apt.9 ($66 on sale) ; Skirt – Narcisso Rodriguez for DesigNation ($9.60 on sale); Shoes – SO Ballet Flats ($19.99 on sale)

The trench coat is both flattering and functional. A detachable hood can be removed on nice days when I just want a light coat but don’t need to shield myself from the rain. I love that it cinches at the waist, but the pleating makes it flair a bit so it doesn’t feel too form-fitting. It looks great with anything from jeans and flats to a dressy ensemble. And as a mom, I value to the two deep pockets that manage to hold cell phones, keys, snacks, and matchbox cars. Not only are the shoes my favorite color, but they mix classy tweed and corduroy without feeling like they are relegated to cold-weather wear. I love the little details of the modern pattern inside the shoe and the brown leather strip up the back. Oh, and they’re comfortable too! As a big fan of color blocking, this skirt was a must-by from the second I saw it. It adds a nice touch of variety to my collection of spring professional wear, and I’ve been in desperate need of new work skirts since my old pencil skirts are so big on me that they’re more like sacks than curve-hugging pieces. I was very happy to find these items to spice up my wardrobe as I work to build a collection that fits my changing shape without breaking the bank.

I would also like to note that Kohl’s website made the entire process incredibly easy, with quick shopping and check-out options. The site is well-organized and easily searchable for exactly the items I want, and they tend to have many sale items in stock for far longer than they last on the racks in the stores.

Spring Fashion Looks from Kohl’s

Spring Fashion from Kohl’s by theshoppingmama featuring crystal jewelry

Spring Night Out with Kohl’s by theshoppingmama featuring an apt 9

Black & White at Kohl’s by theshoppingmama featuring convertible handbags

Shop! I’ve found the in-store shopping experience to be top notch every time I visit a Kohl’s, but if you’re time is limited or you can’t find what you’re looking for at the store, Kohls.com is a great option.

We’ve got a fun giveaway to help you stock up for spring! One winner will get a $100 gift card for Kohl’s to shop online or in the store for whatever you need as the weather warms up.

Win! $100 Kohl’s Gift Card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Kohl’s for providing gift cards for a shopping experience and giveaway.

Partum Me?! Kim Kardashian, come sit over here next to me for a sec…

by Laura on May 9th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Life, Partum Me, Style

Kimberly. Kim. Kimmy. Kimmaaaaaaaaaay.

We need to talk, girl.

I’m not here to talk about your weight. I don’t care how big or how little you are, pregnant or not, because you. are. GORGEOUS. I’m a lady who carries around a few extra lbs even without a bun in the oven, but I’m a strong believer in the idea that all women can dress their shape in a way that is flattering. Before you got pregnant, you knew how to dress that beautiful body to a tee. You accentuated the waist and showed off those gams with great heels. What changed when you saw those two lines on your Clear Blue Easy? I’m all for staying fashionable even as your baby belly grows, but the outfits you’ve been sporting have been nothing short of tragic.

Let’s look at a few of them:

The sheath. I get that pregnancy pretty much makes it impossible to focus on a tight waist, but I found that when I wore tent-shaped dresses during my pregnancy, they looked like…well…tents. It’s okay to wear something body hugging when you’re preggo, K.

But not too body hugging, for goodness sake! I’m all for eschewing the term “maternity wear” and wearing fashions from the non-pregnant section of the store, but ya gotta size up to accommodate the bump. This is a beautiful dress (and shoes!) that is perfect for your figure, but it’s too tight. And yeah the shoes are hot, but how the heck do you carry around that little peanut while walking in those? Do you just schedule a good cry and a foot rub into every day?

While I’m all for comfort and ease, I do not condone pulling your look out of Grandma’s closet. This is doing no favors for your…um…assets, my dear. Plus it’s fugly. No more bejeweling your maternity clothes, k?

And then, of course, we have the mother (pun intended) of them all…

Where do I even start? The pattern? The tightness factor? (Yet again.) The disappearing arm that is actually just a hand/arm clad in a matching full length glove of some sort? The awful makeup/hair job that makes me feel like I just fell into a 4 Non Blondes video circa 1994? I’m sort of blown away by the fact that you continue to defend this look. It’s bad. Sooooo bad. There are just so many formal wear options out there for pregnant ladies these days.

Do you think it would help if I suggested some alternatives? Okay, here we go:

Instead of that black and white thingy, go for this beautiful bodycon dress in black and silver. The overall print is way better than a two color split that makes you look wider than you are. Plus it hugs your beautiful curves while giving enough belly room for your melon baby.

ASOS Bodycon Maternity Dress

Oh hey, look down there. It’s you! That’s right, one of your maternity outfits is the model for separates. Look at that perfect leather pencil skirt! And those shooooooes. Oh. Mah. Gah. And those bangs and the fur are just gangsta. You look like a woman who will pop out a baby while orchestrating a corporate takeover like it’s nothing. And everything fits and looks amazing.

Formal wear is not easy for the big bump set, but I think an actual pup tent would look better than that floral number. Here is the lady to emulate for maternity dress up. Heidi Klum has probably holds the record for most formal red carpet appearances while gestating. I love how she kept things simple, choosing easy hip-hugging silhouettes and even doing an all over pattern but in a way that was subtle. (And no god awful glove things in floral prints, thankyouverymuch.)

(I mean seriously, Heidi looks like she is literally going into labor in this picture and she’s still AMAZING.)

So Kim. I know we’re girlfriends now that we’ve had this talk and I want you to know that I dig you and your style. Don’t let the jerks out there make you feel bad about those amazing hips and that curvy booty. But give yourself a break every once in a while and wear some stuff that works for you and makes you feel good. You deserve it!

Shop Kohl’s for Mother’s Day!

by Maureen on May 7th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Fashion & Beauty, Shopping, Style

It’s The Northeast Girl back again to help you find that perfect Mother’s Day gift! While I know we all find our own ways to show our moms just how much they mean to us all year long, I still think it’s wonderful that we continue to take one specific day and make it all about them. I mean, who doesn’t love a little extra attention and pampering?! Being a mom to Ava for the past 4+ years has simply been a privilege. She’s taught me so much and my love for her is just unconditional.

(Image Credit: T.Lohse Photography)

In our house, we always make sure to include Ava in our holiday preparations and celebrations so when I went to Kohl’s this weekend to see if we could pick out the perfect gift for my mom and mother in law, I took my little sidekick right along with me. She’s pretty sure her Grandmom and her Mimi would both love either a new barbie or a hot pink watch, so while she might not be quite ready to really pick the presents, it was still fun to take her with me for the day.

Shopping Kohl’s for Mother’s Day

I went to a Kohl’s that was only a few miles from my home and I think no matter which store you stop in to this week, they have got you covered! There are plenty of displays and pre-picked ideas ready and waiting to help make your decision easier! Kohl’s has a department for just about anything you’re looking for to try and show mom see how much you appreciate her. Does your mom like jewelry? They’ve got something for every budget and most, if not all of it, is on super sale. Does your mom like to stay fit? They have an activewear section and athletic shoes at door busting prices. Does your mom love having the perfect loungewear ready and waiting for her after a long day? (This would be me…). Well, Kohl’s has everything you need from pajamas, slippers, and comfy lounge clothes. Let’s see, does your mom like to keep up with the trends all while keeping an eye on her budget? Well, Kohl’s has some high profile designers with some great lines at great prices already in stores ready for you to check out. They also have bags, accessories, make up, perfume, jewelry boxes…and the list goes on! I’ll also show you some of my top pics for things in the home and kitchen department. Kohl’s was stocked full of something for everyone!

Below I’m going to share with you my picks to help you navigate your way through Kohl’s this week when searching for that perfect gift! While I was walking through the store, I also noticed that a lot of their gift options are already pre-packaged so nicely and have so much appeal even before you wrap them. Which reminds me, Kohl’s also has a gift bag, wrapping paper, and card section in store! They also have item scanners in most departments where you can price check your items to double check everything you chose. There was plenty of staff on hand to answer an questions I had and give me any advice or extra help if I needed it.

Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas from Kohl’s

So sit back, and take a look down below and see all the great things that caught my eye while I was in Kohl’s this weekend! This, my friends, is only the tip of the iceberg and there’s plenty more out there for you to see. I hope you enjoy my top picks and let us know what you pick up when you’re there! The deals on these top brand names are just too good to pass up!

Have a great week and thanks for checking in with me again!

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(Items listed from top to bottom, left to right)

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Shop! It’s not to late to shop for Mother’s Day! Visit your local Kohl’s to shop for these and other great gift ideas.

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We are delighted to include Kohl’s in the Mother’s Day Gifts Galore giveaways. Enter the Every Day Extraordinary giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Kohl’s gift card.

7 Shoes We Love from Naturalizer

by Kate on May 6th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Fashion & Beauty, Shopping, Style

There’s nothing like a new pair of shoes to brighten your wardrobe. Despite what you may think, you don’t have to sacrifice for fashion. And, frankly, the day-to-day life of a busy mom simply doesn’t allow for cramped toes, straps digging into your heels or painful balls of your feet. Luckily, Naturalizer has been creating comfortable and stylish shoes for women for more than 80 years!

We’ve checked out the new styles for spring and summer at Naturalizer to find our best bets for real life.

7 Shoes We Love

Click through for a closer look at our favorites.

Peeta Sandal

Upton Flat

Norton Wedge

Alka Sandal

Dhani Dressy Sandal

Hanover Boat Shoe

Naya Hillary Flat

Peeta, Brown Leather/Multi (reg. $89, sale $69.99). Versatile dress sandals that go from day to evening with ease.
Upton Flat, Black & White (reg. $69, sale $59.99). Shoes are an easy way to hop on this season’s hot black and white trend.
Norton Wedge, Red (reg. $75, sale $59.99). A wedge is a must have for summer and we love the bright red color of this pair.
Alka Sandal, Platina (reg. $60, sale $49.99). Add a little metallic bling to basic sandals.
Dhani Sandals, Brandy Tan Leather (reg. $89, sale $79.99). Crisscross straps add some fun, flair and fashion to these dress sandals.
Hanover Boat Shoe, Turquoise (reg. $75, sale $59.99). A modern and comfortable twist on a summer classic boat shoe.
Naya Hillary, Mustard Yellow ($125). These bold shoes prove flats don’t have to be boring.

And, for good measure, here’s a bag we adore for summer. How fun is this?

Leoda Straw Handbag, Orange (reg. $39, sale $31.20)

Shop! Naturalizer shoes are available online at Naturalizer.com. If you want to try on and enjoy the shoes in person, check the Store Locator to find a location near you.

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We are delighted to include Naturalizer in our Mother’s Day Gifts Galore Giveaways. Enter the Mom’s Night Out Giveaway for a chance to win a Pair of Shoes.

Thanks to Naturalizer for providing the sample and giveaway prize.

Ming Wang Spring & Summer Style

by Kate on May 6th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Fashion & Beauty, Shopping, Style

The Ming Wang spring 2013 collection is full of colorful pieces and black basics. We’ve scooped a couple of our favorite pieces and put together great looks for spring and summer. We

We love this Three Quarter Length Sleeve Dress and it is so versatile. Pair it with sandals and a big floppy hat for travel or heels and statement jewelry for a big night out. And the color is so dreamy.

Ming Wang Three Quarters Dress Nectarine by theshoppingmama featuring square sunglasses

The Embellished Split Neck Tunic has us craving a beach vacation. We’ve styled it with shiny metallics and great color for spring and summer.

Ming Wang Tunic by theshoppingmama featuring coach handbags

Of course, we also styled the classic Sleeveless Black Dress three different ways in our awesome Mom’s Night Out giveaway.

Shop! Visit Ming Wang online to see the spring collection and browse and buy at Nordstrom.com.

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We are delighted to include Ming Wang in our Mother’s Day Gifts Galore Giveaways. Enter the Mom’s Night Out Giveaway for a chance to win a Sleeveless Knit Dress.

Thanks to Ming Wang for providing the sample and giveaway prize.

The Northeast Girl

by Maureen on April 26th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Fashion & Beauty, Life, Style

Hi, all! It’s The Northeast Girl here hopping on over to The Shopping Mama to talk fashion with you on this long awaited and much appreciated Friday! My name is Maureen and like Kate, my husband is a pilot in the United States Air Force where he’s currently stationed with the USAF Thunderbird Squadron for the next two years. We have recently moved from North Carolina to Nevada and we live in right in Las Vegas. My husband, Curt, and I also have a 4 year old girl who is just larger than life. When we’re not chasing Curt’s career around the globe from one jet to the next, I’m either staying at home with our daughter or teaching Elementary School. I have a degree in education and have taught mostly Kindergarten over the past few years. You can read a little bit more about my family and I over at my blog if you’d like, and I sure hope that you do!

Let me just start by saying that I was just thrilled when Kate asked me if I would like to be a contributor to her blog where I can share my classic style combined with a take on current trends and how I put it all together. While there are so many fashion blogs already out there for everyone to follow, I’d like to think that when readers come by my page they notice that my goal is to always be relatable. As much as we all wish it were, the world isn’t a runway. While it appears very glamorous to strut around in high end fashion attire, it’s just not realistic.

I do admit, I can spend hours reading other fashion blogs as the inspiration out there is just endless. I also know that when these sparks of inspiration send me out to buy clothes, shoes, bags, etc., that these things also need to translate into my everyday life and not just a pretty post on my page. I shop pretty much everywhere, which my husband just loves, but gravitate towards shops like J.Crew, Banana Republic, Gap, Piperlime, and Loft. I’ve recently discovered Anthropologie and love it for their all their unique pieces! At these stores, I can always find items that can be worn to work, to the park, on girls night, and even date night! Plus, I love that these companies always have a good promotion on the horizon which is the best way to spread my shopping budget as far as possible! This girl never pays full price!

At the end of the day, I’m a busy mom who wants to take care of her family and look great while doing it. I don’t want to lose myself in a world of yoga pants and old college t-shirts when it’s just as easy and comfortable to pull together great outfits each and every day!

For my first outfit post at The Shopping Mama, I chose to show you all what my favorite “go-to” outfit is in the spring time. While it’s really starting to warm up here in Las Vegas, we do still have our cooler mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly evenings. In order to always feel comfortable when I’m out all day, I love to layer! Underneath my navy cardigan it’s short sleeve v-neck tee that is about as versatile as a basic tee is ever going to get. I wear them with skirts, shorts, jeans, pants…you name it, it will work! I simply love these boots and any chance I get where I can throw them on before I have to store them for fall, I’ll do it! As for my white jeans, from a girl who is such a rule follower, “no white jeans before Memorial Day” is one I tossed out a long time ago. Finally, if you haven’t introduced the color navy into your wardrobe as the official “black” for spring and summer, don’t wait any longer! It honestly goes with everything. Everything!

As I keep my eyes peeled for the latest and greatest at all our favorite shops, I hope you stop in and see me here at The Shopping Mama and over at my own blog, The Northeast Girl, as often as you can! I will do my very best to keep you up to date on sales you can’t miss and the new arrivals that are sure to sell out! Save your sweats for the gym, ladies! I’m very excited to start and share with you my ideas on how easy it is to be a fun and fashionable Mama!

(Details for my look below!)

Cardigan / Jeans / Tee / Loeffler Randall Boots, similar / LV Bag, similar (with a crossbody strap!) / Kate Spade Sunglasses, similar

Mom’s Night Out {Mother’s Day Gifts Galore Giveaway}

by Kate on April 24th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Fashion & Beauty, Giveaways, Style

A mom’s work is never done, which is why it’s extremely important you give yourself some time off in the form of a night out. Whatever the occasion, we think you make the most of it and go all out in style. Unfortunately, a babysitter is not included in this giveaway. But we promise we’ve got everything else you’ll need for a mom’s night out covered: a gorgeous dress, jewelry, shoes and makeup.

1. Ming Wang Sleeveless Knit Dress (Nordstrom, $170). A little black dress is an essential in every woman’s wardrobe and this Ming Wang version is timeless, chic and easy to wear. The simplicity means it’s extraordinarily versatile so it’s perfectly in style for any night out.

2. $100 Nashelle Gift Card. Nashelle jewelry is made from recycled metals and natural gemstones right in the USA. The jewelry collection has everything from large statement pieces to dainty jewels to delight. We love the extensive Mother’s Day Collection with sentimental pieces that can be personalized with names and birthstones and, like most Nashelle jewelry, is available in gold, brass or silver.

3. KmS Mineral Makeup Get Up & Glow Kit (KmSMineralEssentials.com, $45). Moms need makeup that will go from school drop off to soccer practice to dinner and, if we’re lucky, a night out. KmS is formulated with mild and gentle ingredients so it’s safe for use on sensitive skin, yet still provides the coverage you need and expect from mineral makeup. This 6 piece kit includes Luminizer, Well Rested Eye Brightener and Concealer, Bronzer, All Over Face Color in Warm Glow, and Baby Buki Brush with faux croc snap case.

4. Pair of Naturalizer Shoes (Naturalizer.com, $40 – $160). Listen, we’ve all sacrificed comfort in the name of fashion, but Naturalizer is out to prove that great shoes don’t have to be uncomfortable. Naturalizer has mom’s wardrobe essentials covered from sandals for summer to pumps for work to fun wedges with flair. And did we mention five essential features to ensure comfort? Yes, please.

The Little Black Dress: 3 Ways

We’ve put together 3 looks featuring our Mom’s Night Out Giveaway fashion sponsors: Ming Wang, Naturalizer and Nashelle.

Ming Wang LBD Date Night by theshoppingmama featuring real leather handbags

LBD Girls Night Out by theshoppingmama featuring knit dresses

LBD Formal & Fun by theshoppingmama featuring french connection

Win! A Mom’s Night Out Prize Package!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to our amazing sponsors for providing samples and giveaway prizes. Please allow 4 – 6 weeks for prize fulfillment. Giveaway ends May 15, 2013. US residents only.

6 Chic Cosmetic Cases

by Kate on March 11th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Mama Monday, On the Go

If you’re anything like me, your diaper bag is not your own. I mean, it’s yours, you carry it day after day. But, it is full of their things with precious little space for your things. Well, mamas, we’ve rounded up 6 chic cosmetic cases so you can reclaim some space in your bag. A great makeup bag helps keep you organized, protects your makeup and allows quick and easy access to your things without digging around. Can you imagine going right to your tinted lip balm without first encountering a pacifier, calcified raisin, 10 crumbled goldfish and an unidentified substance?

We’re got six great cosmetic case options, all perfect for moms on the go.