Before

Before I became a "real" mother of a toddler I said that my child will not be wearing "character" clothing, which includes the "light-up" shoes. Now that I am a mother, what is so wrong about light up shoes? These shoes are pretty hot! Jimmy Choo Light-Up Platform Sandals $2,495

So are those light up "character" shoes all that bad?

Etsy

When I have (or don't have) a minute I like to browse through some of the stores on Esty. I either find great items at great prices or inspirational ideas.

Loving this beauty*:



Or maybe this pretty little number*:

*from Makethisyourown

Closet clean-out

Oprah has cleaned her closet with the help of O's Creative Director, Adam Glassman and is auctioning the items off on eBay. Not all of us wear the same size so we can't all buy, but it will be fun to look, covet or laugh about.

Tips from Adam Glassman:
Rule 1: If you haven't worn something for over two years, get rid of it. "Even if it's pricey," Adam says. "Give it to a friend who will make good use of it. Sell it, donate it, put it on eBay."

Rule 2: If it doesn't fit you anymore, get rid of it. "Hang it up on the door and call it closet art if you want that for inspiration," he says. "But truthfully, by the time someone gets back into a size, it may be out of style."

Rule 3: Don't fantasy dress. If an item fits the lifestyle you want but not the lifestyle you live, get rid of it.

Rule 4: Everything in your closet should promote joy, beauty and usefulness. "You should feel pretty in it, and you should be comfortable in it," Adam says. "And it should be really practical."

Rule 5: If something brings up a bad memory or has a negative energy around it, purge it. You'll never want to wear something that reminds you of a bad time, but donate it and hope somebody else can enjoy it.

Rule 6: Get rid of duplicates. If you have a ton a of things that look the same, streamline.

Mixing

A trend this spring is mixing patterns...

Will you be wearing this trend when Spring has Sprung?

The easiest way to wear this trend is to:

wear a patterned scarf with a striped shirt and a simple jean

-or-

wear the same print in different colors (i.e. same pattern but blue for shirt and green for skirt)

-or-

wear different prints but in the same color family (i.e. floral shirt and herringbone skirt both in nude)

DNKY

Stocking Up

Now is a great time pick up some winter clothes for next year. Check out the outlets, department stores and websites for highly discounted winter items. Many stores have an additional % off sales items + free shipping. Some examples:
1. Winter Coat
Get a great colored coat in a classic style the coat will wear out and not the style.
J.Crew Stadium Cloth Friday Coat $229 Banana Republic Classic Wool-blend coat $164.99 Calvin Klein Trapeze Coat $88.90; Nordstrom
2. Scarves
When you buy at a discounted price, you have the opportunity to buy more than one. Each scarf will give your coat a new look.
B.P. Fringe Wrap $8.90; Nordstrom
3. Boots
Try an equestrian boot. They are comfortable and easy to tuck your skinnies into.
Naturalizer Riding Boot $99.90; Nordstrom Victoria Secret Devon Convertible Boot $129

The In on the Out

Owned by Net-a-Porter, this online outlet, The Outnet.com offers awesome designers at KILLER prices.

Take a look at this great coat by Chloe...

it is over HALF off original price.

I also love this dress from Paul & Joe.

It is at the top of my "wants" list. It would be a great staple to any wardrobe.

Q&A

Q: Is it ever okay to wear nylons/tights with peep toe heels? I just bought some gray suede peep toe heels that I love and wonder if I'll have to show my white legs all winter.

A: Yes, Hosiery is HOT this season! There are a couple of key things to keep this look chic and stylish:
1. Dark colored hosiery such as black, brown, purple, grey, etc. are easiest to work with.
2. Toe seam must be at the tip of your toe or hiding under your foot. NO reinforced toes!
3. If you are a novice to this trend you might want to start with like colors, i.e. black tights (could be a patterned one) with black or grey shoes – stay away from pastel shoes. Make the trend fun with texture, shape, and height.

4. Style of shoe: chunky high heeled versions as well as sling backs, mary jane platforms & sandals with thick straps (all open toed).
5. This trend can be worn with skirts, pants, dresses. If you opt the pant route, knee highs are a great option. Think of this trend the same way you would leggings.

p.s. your shoes are perfect for this trend; enjoy not worrying about shaving and the “white” legs.

Examples:
1: kate spade dress $395
3: Printed patent leather T-straps, Emilio Pucci, $775. Crocodile and velvet sandals, Bottega Veneta, $1,050. Wide-strap patent leather platforms, Sergio Rossi, $780. Chunky lizard high-heels, Halston, $1,795. All hose, DKNY, $18 to $31.
5: kate spade tights $28

Best time to buy:

After extensive research and personal experience, I have found the best time to buy:


January: boots, cocktail dresses, hats, scarves, European designer lines, housewares
February/March: winter sweaters, resort clothes, designer items
April: spring gear, tights, socks, sheets
May: bathing suits, beach gear
June: sunglasses, handbags
July/August: sheets, bedding, summer gear (i.e. shorts, flip flops, tank tops, short sleeved shirts, skirts, sandals), winter coats
September: denim (of anykind), designer items
October: rain gear (trench coats), women's suits, winter pants, fall clothes
November/December: leather gloves, cashmere scarves, tableware



Notice that most of the items are at the beginning or end of a season. Stores will push items right after arriving or if they have lingered in the store for longer than 4 weeks. To get the best price you almost always shop in the off season or end of season, but you run the risk of not having your size or the color.

research through personal experience, msn.com, budget fashionista, smart money.com , city chic by nina willdorf

Back to Plaid

This trend takes me back to middle school days with a twist. There are plenty of great plaid shirts out there right now (perfect to keep you a little warmer this fall). Add a great pair of distressed gray skinny's, booties and bangles to hit the streets with.
1. Wal-mart $12.00
2. Forever 21 $19.90
3. Urban Outfitters $39.00

I am loving (IaL)

You might know it by a different name (i.e. funnel or neck wrap and circle scarf) but it is basically a long circle scarf that you wrap around your neck a couple of times. If it is windy, rainy or snowing you can take a portion and use it to cover your head. Coming in all types of fabrics and widths I am sure that you will find one to suit your wallet and style.


YaYa Aflalo Infinite Scarf in Dew Stripe $99

DKNY Stripe Infinity Scarf $95


LA Made Infinity Funnel Scarf $30

DKNY Cotton Wool Infinity Scarf $95

Brochu Walker Cashmere Neck Wrap $165

I am going knit one myself. If you decide to do the same, let me know how it works out (I would love to post some pictures). It should be easy and straight forward.