The Shopping Mama

TOMS Partners with Charlize Theron for Limited Edition Shoe

by Kate on March 4th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Mama Monday, Shopping

We love TOMS shoes, and not just because of their simple and comfortable style. Of course, we also love that, for every purchase, TOMS donates a pair of shoes

In addition to the one for one shoe donation program, TOMS also partners with like-minded charity organizations. This season, TOMS has joined forces with Charlize Theron to create a limited edition Outreach Classics shoe. Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Program aims to keep youth in Africa safe from HIV/AIDS.

The limited edition shoe features an embroidered version of the CTAOP logo and a leather insole for cushion and comfort. The interior has a great inspirational message: “Look Within. Think Beyond. Reach Out.”

We put together a casual look with boyfriend jeans featuring the Outreach Women’s TOMS. It has us longing for spring!

CTAOP TOMS Shoes by theshoppingmama featuring stella & dot jewelry

If you have a little fashion star in your family, the shoes are also available in Tiny TOMS.

Shop! Limited edition Outreach Classic TOMS are currently available for Women in sizes 5 through 12 for $58. The Outreach Tiny TOMS Classic shoes are available in sizes tiny 2 – 8 for $34.

Moms Rock the Red Carpet at the Oscars

by Kate on February 25th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Life, Mama Monday, Style

I absolutely adore movie awards season, and not because I’m a big movie buff. Let’s be serious, I’m a mom so I don’t have a lot of opportunity to hit the cineplex to check out the latest flicks. In fact, I haven’t seen a single movie nominated for Best Picture this year. Will have to wait until they’re on DVD!

But, back to the point: I love awards season because I love seeing the glamour and glitz of Hollywood. My perspective on the red carpet has changed a bit now that I’m a mom. I never get dressed up and sort of live vicariously through the gorgeous moms who do. So, here’s a look at my favorite moms on the red carpet last night. With my very un-fashion industry commentary.

Jennifer Garner in Gucci gown, Neil Lane jewels and Roger Vivier clutch. In my mind, we are total BFFs because our kids are similar ages and, obviously, we have a lot in common. (But I say all that in a totally non-stalkerish kind of way.) I love the color of this dress and the accessories are perfection.

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty

Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta gown. What can you say other than GORGEOUS? Clearly she’s a teeny little thing, but the dress is so flattering and emphasizes her waist. This is like a mom-version of a princess dress.

Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Landov

Reese Witherspoon. This blue Valentino gown isn’t my favorite of the night, but I just love Reese. And I love that her 13 year old daughter Ava helped to pick which gown to wear.

Adele. Dude, Adele rocks it no matter what she’s wearing. She’s pretty much amazing and I love that she’s a very new mom. Granted, she almost always wears a black A-line dress, but this one from Jenny Packham is very pretty.

Charlize Theron. Short cropped haircut, only stud earrings, a simple white gown and Charlize Theron still looks stunning. No fair! I am not a big fan of this whole peplum thing, but I adore this Dior Haute Couture dress. And that bracelet from Harry Winston is beyond.

Sandra Bullock. Okay, this is another dress that I’m not crazy about, but the overall look is still gorgeous. I would like it better, I think, if the dress weren’t sheer. But, Sandra Bullock is lovely and I think Louis and Max would be great friends.

Who was your favorite mom on the Oscars red carpet?

Welcome Spring with New Bravado! Designs Orchid Pink

by Kate on February 22nd, 2013 | 5 Comments | Shopping

Bravado! Designs has released its new color for spring. The beautiful Orchid Pink is now available in the nursing mama must have Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra.

It’s still bitterly cold here, but we’re inspired by the soft spring-like Orchid Pink hue. We’ve gathered loads of pink toned accessories that are perfect for spring and summer.

Inspired by Bravado! Designs Orchid Pink by theshoppingmama featuring skimmer shoes

What do you think of the new Bravado! Designs seasonal color?

Shop! Bravado! Designs Orchid Pink Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra is now available in sizes Small through Extra Large for $49.

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

by Kate on February 14th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Fashion & Beauty, Life

We are excited to have another Mom Style Q & A to share with you. Jo-Lynne Shane writes the lifestyle blog Musings of a Housewife where she writes about everything from practical style advice for moms to gluten-free recipes. Every week we look forward to seeing Jo-Lynne’s daily mom style for inspiration and ideas to add interest in our own wardrobe.

The Shopping Mama: How do you define your style? Has your style changed with motherhood? Where do you shop for most of your clothes?

Jo-Lynne: I would say my style is comfortably classic. I definitely like to be on trend, but I’m not much of a risk taker. I wasn’t much of a fashionista before having kids and becoming a mom 13 years ago. I think I’m more stylish now than I was then, although I always loved to shop. I usually shop at Banana Republic or Nordstrom. They’re my two faves, especially because they make shopping online so easy.

Image credit: Jo-Lynne Shane

TSM: Where do you get your style inspiration? Is there a celebrity mom whose style you admire?

Jo-Lynne: I’m not a huge celeb watcher, but I would love to be Jennifer Aniston when I grow up. I love her casual, easy style. Katie Holmes is another that I admire — her style is simple and elegant with just a touch of glam. She’s definitely more my personal style.

TSM: Does your style influence how you dress your kids? What’s your favorite place to shop for them?

Jo-Lynne: I’m sure it does. I don’t like the really trendy kids clothes. I’d dress them all in Gap forever if I could. Of course, the older they get, the more input they have in their selections, but I still steer them towards classic jeans and sweaters and that type of thing.

TSM: What is worth a style splurge and what’s something we can buy for a bargain?

Jo-Lynne: I will always splurge on a fabulous handbag, especially as I get older, I think a quality bag can really make an ordinary outfit look spectacular. And designer denim is definitely worth the splurge. Designer jeans fit SO much better and hold up much longer. My favorites for fit are Joe’s and 7 for All Mankind, although I end up buying Paige a lot. While I like a nice pair of shoes, I also think they’re a good place to save a few bucks and get for a bargain. No one is getting too close to your shoes, and they’re also a great way to experiment with new trends. You can find great trendy styles at Payless and Target for a fraction of the cost of department store brands, and it’s hard to tell the difference from a distance.

TSM: What’s one must-have fashion piece for the spring?

Jo-Lynne: Just one??? That’s tough! I’ll go with emerald green. That’s the big color for spring this year, and it’s a great color that compliments just about everything. I recommend a bag or a pair of shoes.

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Keep up with Jo-Lynne and her fashionable musings on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Friday 5: #GoRed

by Kate on February 1st, 2013 | 5 Comments | Friday Five, Life

Today is National Wear Red Day. For the 10th year in a row, America is going red to stand together against heart disease – the number one killer of women in the U.S. We’ve rounded up some great Go Red links from around the web.

1. See the Momtrends recap of a bash at Macy’s to kick off Go Red month with Star Jones.

2. Audrey of Mom Generations shares 5 Easy Ways to Wear Red.

3. Eating Well lists 5 Red Foods for Health.

4. Follow GoRedForWomen on Twitter.

5. And, I love all the red goodness at LOFT.

Mom Style Q &A: Jill Seiman from Glamamom

by Kate on January 30th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Fashion & Beauty, Life, New Year New Mama

Jill Seiman’s blog, Glamamom, offers a peek into the lifestyle of a stylish mom raising two boys in New York City. With a professional background at leading beauty and fashion companies it’s no wonder Glamamom is a resource for the latest in fashionable living for moms. We’re honored to have Jill share some fashion knowledge in our Mom Style Q & A series.

The Shopping Mama: How do you define your style? Has your style changed with motherhood? Where do you shop for most of your clothes?

Jill Seiman: I like to think of my style as classic with a twist. I generally wear a mix of high end and low end pieces. High end for timeless silhouettes that will be in heavy rotation like blazers, trousers, and overcoats mixed with trendier stuff from Zara, H&M, Old Navy, Kohl’s, Forever 21, J. Crew & Madewell. I order frequently from Gilt Groupe because they carry a lot of designers I love like DVF, Alice + Olivia, and Walter. It’s just easier to shop from home and the return policy is great. I’m also a fan of boutiques like Yamak, Otte, Intermix, Scoop, and Searle for more personalized service and attention.

My daytime style has definitely changed since becoming a mom. I used to work in an office so I dressed up every day. Now, I’m constantly on the go and have to consider what’s on the agenda. Flats, which used to be an exception, are pretty much the norm. I’m also nursing which is very limiting style-wise.

TSM: Where do you get your style inspiration? Is there a celebrity mom you admire?

JS: I’m very much inspired by New York City, where I live. All I have to do is step out the door and there’s unique personal style in every direction. But fashion blogs are my biggest source of inspiration because it’s real women on a budget showing you how to shop your own closet. My favorites are My Style Pill, This Time Tomorrow, and Brooklyn Blonde.

{Photo credit: HollywoodPhotoFinish.com}

TSM: Does your style influence how you dress your kids? What’s your favorite place to shop for them?

JS: Yes and no. I have two boys and while I want them to look cute, above all I want them to be comfortable. I don’t think I put my older guy in jeans till he was a year old. Tried and true babyGap is the best value and quality in my opinion. For more unique stuff I like Zara Kids and Manhattan boutiques like Lucky Wang and My Little Sunshine.

TSM: What is worth a style splurge and what’s something we can buy for a bargain?

JS: I splurge on bags and coats. I get the most mileage out of them and they’re statement pieces. Also, a good pair of premium, dark wash jeans. Save on costume jewelry and any “must-have” items/styles/colors of the moment.

TSM: What’s one must have fashion piece for the spring?

JS: It’s a little early to say but based on runway trends, I think mid-length skirts are really feminine and wearable for moms. I’m in the market for one in a colored leather. And what do you know, flats are IN! Even Victoria Beckham is wearing them :) Go for a cap-toe or smoking slipper.

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Keep up with Jill on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Mom Style Q & A: Nicole Feliciano of MomTrends

by Kate on January 23rd, 2013 | 5 Comments | Fashion & Beauty, Life, New Year New Mama

nicole feliciano momtrends Nicole Feliciano is a trendsetter on and offline and we’re excited she’s back again this year to share her style know-how. (Read her totally on the mark advice from 2011 and 2012.) As the founder and editor of MomTrends, she works to provide the scoop to help moms live a stylish life by sharing all that’s trendy and cool for families.

The Shopping Mama: How do you define your style? Has your style changed with motherhood? Where do you shop for most of your clothes?

Nicole Feliciano: Downtown mom. This means I still wiggle into my leather pants and slip on 3″ Jimmy Choo heels on occasion, but I’m more likely to mix a trendy sweater from a small boutique with skinny jeans and ballet flats. Motherhood has demanded that none of my clothing be too precious. 99% of my wardrobe can be laundered at home (who has time or money for dry cleaning?). I definitely wear jeans more often now than when I was an executive at Ralph Lauren. Thanks to my home office, I’m able to be very involved with my two girls. Most of my outfits look as appropriate for a school function as they do for a meeting with fashion executives. I’m really excited about the fashion videos I’m producing with Driver Digital for YouTube. If you don’t subscribe to Momtrends on YouTube you should (click here)! I’m on a mission to make fashion fun again for moms. All of our style had to shift a little after the kids. But that doesn’t mean we can’t look great.

rent-the-runway-revie

Don’t hate me, but about 75% of my clothing comes from press samples, fashion posts and sponsorships. I’ve been working on a lot of amazing content for Momtrends involving fashion tutorials. Check out this post on how to accessorize a little black dress. I get to work with a ton of amazing brands. That means I have constant inflow of new outfits. I really have to manage my small amount of closet space. A lot of cast-offs go to my favorite charity thrift store–Housing Works.

I rarely shop as a hobby or to pass the time. When I’m in a store it’s usually work related and I rarely take the time peruse when I am focusing on a video or feature. As for the remaining 25% I have a few favorite small Brooklyn boutiques: Nos, Tango and Zoe where I find a lot of special pieces. And finally, I shop when I travel.

TSM: Where do you get your style inspiration? Is there a celebrity mom you admire?

Nicole: I get inspired every time I do school drop off. The DUMBO Brooklyn moms really know how to work an outfit. I also love seeing what all the young, NYC PR girls are wearing. They have the time to scope out the hottest fashion news. I am an admitted Pinterest junky, too. If you have a shoe style board, I’ve probably checked it out. (Did I mention that I really like shoes!)

cabi-create-a-career-from-your-style Gwyneth is probably my biggest style inspiration. She looks amazing after two kids. And she admits it’s hard work to stay that insanely good-looking. I’d hate her if she offered, “Oh I occasionally hike when I’m not scarfing down burgers.” This celeb mom owns up to the hard work it takes to be fabulous. And I love keeping an eye on what Katie Holmes is wearing. She’s NYC based and really mixes labels and looks. I like her quirky/classy style.

TSM: Does your style influence how you dress your kids? What’s your favorite place to shop for them?

Nicole: Ah, the girls. I’ve pretty much given up on picking outfits for them in the morning. Here’s what I do: I select colorful, whimsical prints for them, add some basics and hope for the best. Right now my eldest is channeling Downtown Julie Brown (apologies to anyone to young to have watched MTV in the 80s). Side ponytail, layers of bracelets, miniskirts and leggings. Nothing matched, everything kind of goes together. My littler one is working through a dress obsession and will throw an all-out tantrum if jeans are suggested. I will say I influence them to take pride in their appearance and to infuse every outfit with a personal style. And now I’ve created mini fashionistas with big opinions. The older one has even started joining me at some fashion shows like this one at Ralph Lauren.

I get a lot of the basics for them at Children’s Place. They also carry amazing trendy pieces at CP. I know the new head designer there and he’s doing amazing things. I also shop ETSY for personalized pieces (my girls names are pretty unique). There are a ton of small trunk shows here in Brooklyn too. I try to make it to a few every season for brands like Matilda Jane and Ode. And when I can get to Europe, I go to IKKs and Charabia–two of my favorite brands for girls.

TSM: What is worth a style splurge and what’s something we can buy for a bargain?

Nicole: Don’t ever feel guilty for spending $100 or more on denim. I wear jeans 3-4 times a week and this amount of wear quickly justifies the cost. Statement necklaces are also worth stretching the budget. A new necklace can liven up an old suit or ho-hum shift dress. I’m a huge Stella & Dot fan. I like the concept of shopping parties. I think they are fun and social. (TSM: Me, too! I’m having a party this weekend!) Head to TJMaxx or Marshalls when you are looking for tops to pair with jeans or layer under a suit. I always find amazing prints at off-price stores. And my other favorite style bargain is Avon. I’m a big fan of the ANEW skincare line and it’s a fraction of the cost of department store brands.

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