It's that time of year again...

spring!  Love the change of seasons....it is exciting to see what my yard is sprouting up (daffodils and some other pretty purple and white and pink buds that I have no clue what they are but pretty!) .  With the spring color blooming I find that my wardrobe is springing forth with color as well! 

Brights are "in" this year and I seem to gravitate towards pinks...I have been wanting a gingham shirt for quite awhile but just could not see forking out the $60-80 required for the JCrew ones.  SO, in my latest trip to the mall I popped into H&M and found a REALLY cute one for only$20.....it is very similar to the one in the set below but with a cute striped lining so that when you roll the sleeves you have the contrast in print. So cute!

Here's a set I made on Polyvore with some flower inspired accessories that I love...

Spring has Sprung by keepinmomsclassy featuring belted dresses

Product review : Bobbi Brown Palette

Every once in awhile I splurge and veer from my norm of buying drugstore/Target makeup and go for a new item from Bobbi Brown.  I have a lip palette that I wanted to replace but unfortunately is no longer available....however in my search I found this new Palette that is not only cute and tiny enough to fit in a small evening bag (great for a stocking stuffer too!) but also not too pricey ($25) for what you get.  The "Party To Go Palette" rocks!

The eye shades are perfect for that smoky eye that I like to do for evening.  In addition to the two universally flattering lip colors the "high Shimmer" lip gloss is the perfect shade for night time/holiday dressy and fits right into a slot in the Palette! Genius!

Happy Makeup Shopping!

break out the scarves and boots!

It's my favorite time of year....FALL!
Love the change of seasons from Summer to Fall and with the turning of the leaves comes the turning over of my closet from fun flats and riding boots....to layered sweaters and scarves. 
I have to say that dressing in the summer is much easier - throw on a sundress and your done!
With fall it is more complicated for me and adds a bit more prep time to coordinate all of the accessories.
I find that I have my go-to camis and tops and I change up the shoe/scarf/blazer/jacket/sweater that I pair it with.
When going to a fall fest this past weekend I would say that 85% of the women were sporting the skinny jean and boot look.  And I have to say it looks good on every body type.
Here was my look last weekend.

Leather Jacket (Esprit), Scarf (Fossil), Jeans (Levi's CurveID), Aviator Sunglasses (Francesca's), Earrings (Francesca's)

Happy Shopping and Happy Fall! :)

Shades of Coral.....and cute gingham tops!

That is what I saw when shopping with a friend this week...at nearly every store we went into!
Orange, coral, salmon....whatever you want to call it - it was EVERYWHERE!
We both managed to purchase an item (or two) in this apparently, on-trend color.
  The Set below consists of some examples of the things we saw on our shopping adventure....(pictured together here but pick ONE and wear it as a pop of color - not all together ;). I purchased the flats seen below at Talbots (for a steal!) in a similar shade of coral but mine are suede and a bit lighter than the ones pictured.

Shades of coral by keepinmomsclassy featuring talbots shoes

On to Gingham "camp" tops or blouses!  I fell in LOVE with the ones at JCREW....

but did not fall in love with the price ($72 for a cotton shirt?  No, thank you!) But the next day...what to my wandering eyes should appear (as I was clothes shopping for my boys at Old Navy) but, a very cute gingham blouse - very much the same just a bigger check....

For waaaaay less..... (on sale for $19.50!)
Sorry JCrew - I love you but...your are way overpriced in my opinion. (I am not sure what was up with the one we visited either... they did not even have a SALE rack to be found...dissapointing.)

Happy end-of-summer shopping!!

J Crew boatneck t shirt
$45 - jcrew.com

Old Navy asymmetrical top
$22 - oldnavy.gap.com

Talbots shoes
$24 - talbots.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors satchel bag
$348 - nordstrom.com

Coral jewelry
$58 - simplysoles.com

Keep those kids classy too....H&M style

Nearly time to get those kids ready for "back to school" clothing and what better place to do that than H&M?! (They have affordable and trendy looks for mom too!)

 Back to school shopping makes me want to have a girl to shop for....look at this cute coat [above] (available in sizes 12mos-8yrs) and these adorable dresses!!

I am so buying this cute preppy plaid shirt for my boys!

H&M launched a special back-to-school campaign for kids yesterday. The campaign runs until the 14th of August and enables 20% off an entire purchase from the H&M kids collection using this coupon.

See ,pve of the collection at  the H&M website!

Find a store new you!

Classy.....Koozie!

In a slight departure from wearable fashion I have found an item that can boost your "classiness" when you are drinking your beer/soda/canned summer beverages! 

 
My friend gifted us this cute hot-pink Lilly Pulitzer Koozie while we were away on our girls weekend.  LOVE it!  Not only is it cute and classy but also portable - it flattens out so you can put it in your purse!  I carried mine with me all weekend in my clutch bag.
I love summer! :)

Thanks BFF's!!!

 (pictured above from left to right....Spring - BFF and Koozie gifter, Kim - BFF, Me!)

Can you pull off this look....?

Jorts (jean/denim shorts)......
Recently on Facebook there have been questions amongst "friends" whether grown men/women can/should be sporting jorts.  I have two sons and they had several pairs of jorts as babies.  Elastic waist, soft material, goes with any top.....  Like jeans, in the summer the jort was an easy go-to.  When boys get older though, it becomes less-cute and more....shall we say "out".  In other words....I'm pretty sure grown men should not be sporting the jort. 

Not even a celebrity male can pull off this look.

(That's hottie Mark Wahlberg....looking much less than hot.)

So I did some research to see if I could find some "classy" examples of jorts-wearing men.

Although these guys are pretty cute.....still not pulling it off..

Funny though! (Wouldn't a "Jorts party" be a riot!?!)

Closest thing to "classy" jean short for men are these chambray shorts from JCrew.

 (although my husband, for reasons I will refrain from mentioning, would not ever wear these either)

On to the ladies.....can you pull them off??

My answer is.....yes....BUT it depends on the fit, wash and length.

Some ladies can sport these ultra short ones (I wish I could). 

 But you have to have the legs/tush to do it right. 

In other words if you have cellulite and flab, skip the skimpy ones.

A more figure-friendly pair like these bemuda's from Old Navy may be better for someone who is over 35 and doesn't have model-perfect legs/body.

Another option is something in a "trouser" style and darker wash (from GAP shown below on top) or a chambray lighter material (also from the GAP shown below on bottom) that you can pair with some cute leg-lengthing wedges can be more age-appropriate and a classy alternative.

Or if you are really not wanting to show much leg...go for these cute cropped jeans...I like to call japri's! (I love the sash for a belt and would't these be cute with espadrilles and a white T?

Happy Summer!  Happy Jorts Shopping!

Coming soon....

I have been away from my blog for way too long (in a nutshell we are moving this summer so have been preoccupied with that).....my next post will be something around the topic of


JORTS!!!!
(for those who aren't aware - that's jeans/denim shorts)

Stay tuned

"Affordable luxury".....

In an effort to promote moms looking hot as well as promote a local friends' business I am featuring "Stella and Dot" today!!  I am helping to host an upcoming party where I will bring fashion advice to the table in addition to Sue's jewelry styling.  It's going to be so much fun!  If you haven't heard of Stella and Dot jewelry check out their site and become a fan of their facebook page. There is an interview link on their facebook page by the founder and CEO, Jessican Herrin (who describe's their jewelry as "affordable luxury").  Very inspiring!! Oh and enter their sweepstakes!
Here are a few ideas of how to take a simple black flowy tank, jeans and heels and add different pieces of jewelry for a day or night out  Cute huh!?

New looks from your old closet...

since making my Lenten promise to not buy anything for myself I have to say I have done really well and not bought a THING.

 Because the weather is getting warmer here *thank you God!* I have been able to pull "old" things from my closet and make them new by pairing them up in new ways.  One of the things I like to do the day before I am going somewhere is to "style" an outfit on the hanger and put it out with all the accessories that I will wear with it.  This does take some time, however, I have found that I am much less rushed after I put the kids to bed and I can spend some time mixing and matching things then rather than in the morning when I am rushing to get out the door.  Sometimes I even have two options because the weather here can be so unpredictable and also I may just end up being more in the mood for one look over another.

Yesterday I rocked my skinny Levi's with a turqoise tank from Eddie Bauer, Steve Madden flats and a locket from Charlotte Russe (thanks "T" for the recommendation on that store!)

Here is a similar look I set up on Polyvore (different brands/items all except for the Levi's and the locket)

Friday at the Salon by keepinmomsclassy featuring a drape front cardigan

All Saints drape front cardigan, $165

Threads 4 Thought top, $38

Levi's skinny ankle jeans, $70

Melie Bianco turquoise handbag, $79

Charlotte Russe - Butterfly Watch Pendant Necklace, $8.50

Might as well face it I'm addicted to....

buying clothes....makeup....shoes...etc.
So during this time of Lent I am challenging myself to not buy anything new for myself.
It's not going to be easy - I am tempted every day.
But I know I can do it.
I am actually excited about how many outfits I can recreate with what I already have in my closet!!!

A lot of the trends and looks that are "in" right now I already own, it's just a matter of pulling it out and putting it together....

Like a colorful trench for spring! (I have green and yellow).... And/or cute denim or cotton jacket to thow on for chilly spring mornings....Some darling flats are a must for spring when it is too cold (where I live) for sandals but you are done with the boots...And don't forget the SCARF!!

Spring Beginnings by keepinmomsclassy featuring a trench coat

Star by Julien Macdonald trench coat, 70 GBP
American Eagle Outfitters denim jacket, $50
Printed scarve, 17 EUR
Restricted Animated Ballet Flats, $43

 

Spring is coming, spring is coming...

We have had a few warmer days here in northern VA and it is making me anxious to start wearing pretty sundresses again.  Speaking of sundresses - I ordered my first dress from Anthropologie and it arrived yesterday. I LOVE IT!  I don't have a pic of me wearing it but it is this one:

It has such a different whimsical pattern on it.  Perfect for an upcoming baby shower I may be attending or for Easter.  The neckline is so different than anything I had ever seen - almost like origami or something. Really neat.  And I also purchased this necklace:

The ribbon threaded throughout is the same exact color as the sash on the dress. I had not even bought it to intentionally go with the dress but it is a really great match.  The large chain adds a nice juxtaposition from the sweetness of the dress.
Can't wait to wear my new springtime purchases!!!!

Store/Site Faves...

In preparation for an upcoming clothing consultation I have done some research and compiled an updated list of stores/websites that I enjoy:

Anthropologie - love their quirky and sweet sundresses (see one above) and their funky, chunky jewelry

BODEN - they have classic clothes but in FUN colors - especially for spring!  Enjoy 15% off and free shipping and returns.

LEVI's - as you know I am enjoying their new curvy jeans - great fit - highly recommend for those with a bootay!

MACY's INC brand - I have loved International Concepts brand at Macy's for a long time. It is timeless, yet trendy all at the same time.

Target - I know this was on my "old" list but I am so in love with the new designer label items that are coming up in March.  I am going to scoop up one of the Rodarte dresses as soon as they come out!

H&M - so affordable - nuff said!

Endless.com - SHOES &  BAGS....free overnight shipping!  free returns!!

Lulu's - REALLY affordable - have to admit I have not actually BOUGHT anything yet from this site however I have seen several of their items featured in other blogs and I am excited to try out some of their fashions.

Loft - this continues to be a favorite store of mine - classic apparel but more casual than Ann Taylor.  Having petite sizing is a biggie too!)

White House Black Market - It's not just black and white! Love their accessories!

Old Navy - the quality can be hit or miss here but I have found some great tanks and T's here that will last a season and some of my cutest scarves are ON and so affordable! Check out their new "Sail Away" styles.  So cute and classic!

Forever 21-trendy accessories for CHEAP

6pm.com - just found this one courtesy of People StyleWatch magazine - check out their overstock bargains on designer fashions!!!

Pier One - great affordable accessories.....necklace (similar one below) I wore on NYE was from here for only $10!!

Hits!

Here are a few clothing reviews from some recent purchases....

I received my LEVI's BOLD curve skinny jeans the other day! What fast service!  They are a great fit.  Definitely hug the curves.  ("Bold" was the way to go.)  I am not completely sold on the wash....they have very prominent lighter lines around the hip area (as seen in pic)... however, this creates a kind of a "rock n roll" distressed vibe so I'm going to go with it! Planning on wearing them out (2 birthday parties!!) tomorrow night with my black riding boots. 

I purchased two sale items (free shipping too) from Banana Republic that also arrived in a very timely manner. I really needed some new wool dress pants to wear to church. The ones I had were completely worn out and pilling up (not great quality to begin with?) so I found these from Banana Republic.  (Unfortunately there are only a few sizes left in this pant but if you can find yours I highly recommend them!!)

My favorite things about these are the material...the color is so pretty and the weight of these is rich and thick unlike some of my other wool pants. They are great quality.  My MOST favorite part is the fit.  They have two buttons at the sides so that you can adjust the waist. If you have a problem like I always do where the waist is always gaping in the back this allows you to adjust to the smaller buttons and you don't have to have them tailored!  What a savings!!! YAY!


Also purchased these "Pretty ruffle" booties in smoke. 

I had been searching for some like these to go with a wool skirt from JCrew and these are perfect!
Also they look great with the new wool pants.  I think they will look cute to wear out at night with skinny jeans too.  Although they are a higher heel the tiny platform and on the front makes them bearable....really!!!
So cute!!!

Can't wait to wear my new purchases!! :)


Happy Shopping all!

Can't get enough.......blue jeans!

There are several things in my life/makeup bag/wardrobe that I cannot get enough of.   Kisses from my husband and sons (life),  lip gloss and mascaras (makeupbag) and purses, scarves, jewerly, SHOES and blue jeans (wardrobe).  This post will focus on the BLUE JEANS.  I have so many pairs that I cannot even count them although really I have been living in about 3 of the dark wash skinny jeans this winter as they look so great tucked into my black or brown riding boots.  They even look cute on warmer days with flats.  I still pull out some bootcuts every now and then though.  I have some Calvin Kliens from Costco that I LOVE that I wear every now and then.  In summer I pull out the cropped pair that I found from Eddie Bauer that fit just right.... 

It seems I am always searching for the perfect pair that is going to make me look and feel skinny. (aren't we all)  I really love the Forever Skinny jeans from GAP.  (ooooo, right now they are on SALE but only left in 00). As with most GAP jeans/pants they come in lengths so if you are petite or tall you can order the right length for you.  Unfortunately it looks from their website as if they are changing this over to the "Always Skinny" jean - which I have not tried on so not sure of the fit there.  I have trouble because my waist is a lot smaller than my hips so I have to look for jeans for "curvy" women.  Fortunately, these days lots of brands are now making jeans just for this body type!!! Eddie Bauer, Loft, Banana Republic, etc.  One brand of jeans I am anxious to try is the Levi's Curve.....they have levels of curve  - from slight to demi to bold (that's me!).  I am ordering these (pictured above) and will let you know how they measure up!

40 and Fabulous!!

Hello Blog-world....it's been way too long!
Have had many fashion opportunities to blog about and not the time to do it. Going to try my best to get back into it in 2011.

As you can see from my title I turned the BIG FOUR - OOH yesterday! and none too happy about it. BUT I am slowly but surely getting used to the idea of being an "older" woman. It's all relative you know. ;)

I wanted to share a fun outfit I wore Christmas Eve. I bought this dress last year and wore it NYE sanz the fun feathery-sparkly broach. I found the broach at White House Black Market (no long available) and bought it thinking it MIGHT match my Banana Replublic (here is a link to a simlar dress) dress from 2009...and low and behold it was a PERFECT match. TOTALLY makes the outfit in my opinion. I paired it with my new favorite black sueded and patent leather Madden Girl peeped toed pumps (boy that's a long description!) and sheer black hose....Here you have it!
I felt FAB!  (that's my mom sporting an equally fabulous frock!)

A Few of my Favorite things...

I love the movie "The Sound of Music" and seeing as my kids love Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins I think I just may have to introduce them to the Sound of Music today.  I know they will love that song!  Anyway...

was just perusing the Piperlime site I came across several nifty, gifty items which in turn inspired me to make a polyvore (love that site too!) set of favorite fall accessories! 
As an aside - I love this Hive and Honey brand sold on Piperlime....cute and affordable accessories!!! And gotta have the "welly sock"...or rainboot sock. I have some rainboots I bought from Target and those cozy sweatery socks would be great in them (great gift too!). As you know I am a "scarf girl" and I have been eyeing these new "infinity" scarves they are showing now....just a circle of fabric with no ends to drip into your soup bowl.....GENIOUS! And....I think I fur vest counts as an accessory, right? ;) Happy Shopping!

favorite fall accessories by keepinmomsclassy featuring kate spade jewelry

Jack by BB Dakota Janika Vest, $69
Hunter Welly Sock, $40
Kate Spade Large Bow Ring, $75
Tinley Road Infinity Lurex Scarf, $29
Stylized Heart, Wall Words and Decals by Trading Phrases, $20
Fossil Stella Tortoise Glitz | Piperlime, $95
Hive and Honey Wrap Bracelet and Necklace | Piperlime, $34