Spring Fashion

Despite (or, more likely, because of) the fact that there is currently more than a foot of snow outside my window, I'm ready to start thinking about spring clothes. So what are the fashion trends that are going to be "in" this season - and more importantly, how can I work them into my modest wardrobe? I've done some research into what various fashion blogs and magazines are calling the trends for spring 2017, and I've found some great - and reasonably priced - pieces that fit with those trends. So once you get yourself dug out of that snowbank, you can go shopping for your spring wardrobe!

The Trend: Super-Bright Colors

According to the website Who What Wear, super-bright solid colors, especially shades of pink, were hot on the runway at Paris Fashion Week this year.

Where to Get It: J.C. Penney, The Gap, Macy's

The vivid purple of this gorgeous Black Label by Evan-Piccone short sleeve lace fit-and-flare dress from J.C. Penney certainly fits the bill for bright colors, and the price tag of $59.99 is much more affordable than anything on a Fashion Week runway.

This electric pink A-line layered tank dress from the Gap for $41.99 looks as comfortable as it is chic. And it's also available in "comet blue" if the pink is just a little TOO pink for your taste.

Jeans are a great part of a casual spring wardrobe, so check out these bright red Charter Club Lexington straight-leg jeans from Macy's - currently on sale for only $19.99! They're as cheerful as the first sight of a robin redbreast.

The Trend: Stripes

Elle magazine cited New York Fashion Week for their prediction of stripes being popular this spring in everything from casual wear to swimsuits to pajamas.

Where to Get It: Ann Taylor, Forever 21, Macy's

This casual striped cutout ruffle shell for $59.50 from Ann Taylor features subtle ruffles at the neck and shoulders, and is long enough to be worn tucked or untucked. Pair it with a skirt or pants, and top it with a shrug or cardigan until it's warm enough to go sleeveless.

If bold is more your style, go for these comfy rust-red and white striped palazzo pants from Forever 21 for $15.90. So light and floaty!

And since we're talking comfort, this "azalea pink" striped NY Collection mixed-print high-low top from Macy's for $40 fits right in. And it's also available in blue, "lemon zest" (a.k.a., yellow), and navy.

The Trend: Athleisure

In Style magazine is all excited about the new "athleisure" trend that is basically workout wear meant to be worn outside the gym (I've been hanging around in yoga pants for years and I've never even been inside a yoga studio; I guess I'm ahead of the curve).

Where to Get It: Target, Adidas

Casual doesn't mean unfashionable, and this French terry cold shoulder sweatshirt by Alison Andrews is cute and functional. $19.99 at Target, and also available in gray.

Although I wouldn't wear these Mossimo velour track pants from Target ($19.99) directly from the gym to a job interview, they're certainly upscale enough to wear to the grocery store, a PTO meeting, or even girls' night out at the local bar.

It's still cool enough in spring to need a light jacket, so let your track jacket double as a fashion statement. This Florido Superstar track jacket from Adidas for $70 sports a pretty white-on-blue flower motif on the front and the back.

The Trend: Feminine Florals

The Stylecaster website loved the feminine florals they spotted all over the place at New York Fashion Week. And not only floral prints, but soft ruffles and lightweight, floaty fabrics. Pretty!

Where to Get It: JC Penney, Nordstrom Rack, Ann Taylor

This Danny & Nicole sleeveless flare dress from JC Penney is $49.99 and features a pretty pink-on-white floral print. Top it with a shrug, a cardigan, or a solid-colored scarf to stretch the season a bit.

If skirts are more your style, try this three-tiered Painted Threads printed mesh maxi skirt for $26.97 at Nordstrom Rack. Top it with a solid-colored, simply-cut blouse, tank, or tee.

Ann Taylor pairs white pants with this Coral Oasis georgette split neck blouse for $59.50. The long sleeves work for the cooler temps of early spring, but the pale coral and lightweight fabric can carry it through later spring and well into the early summer months.

The Trend: Blues

Stylecaster also noted that all kinds of shades and combinations of shades of blue will be popular this spring: light, dark, greyish, greenish, solids, and prints.

Where to Get It: Macy's, Nordstrom Rack, J. Jill

This flippy navy blue MICHAEL Michael Kors lace mesh fit & flare dress from Macy's is currently on sale for $72.99. With its pretty mesh panels along the bodice and sleeves and at the hem, it's a fresh and simple spring look that works on the job or on the town.

Crop pants are another great look that can easily go from casual to dressy, and these azure JAG Jeans Echo pull-on crop pants are a beautiful shade of trendy blue that works with both. $26.97 at Nordstrom Rack.

If you prefer prints to solids, J. Jill's $39.99 fringe-trimmed print skirt in blue lotus pattern is a great choice. Wear with a solid color top - coordinating or contrasting - to avoid looking too "busy."

The Trend: Off the Shoulder

Last year was all about "cold shoulders" - paired cutouts over each shoulder. But Glamour magazine points out that this spring will be all about single-shoulder looks.

Where to Get It: Nordstrom Rack, Express, Dillard's

This soft pink Go Couture one-shoulder ruffle tee from Nordstrom Rack ($39.97) makes a statement without being too avant garde. It's slightly fitted and the ruffle is not overly full, for a classic yet edgy look.

This metallic small stripe tie sleeve one shoulder blouse from Express for $59.90 is even edgier. One shoulder is completely exposed while the other peeps out, but the blouse itself is loose and almost demure. A really fun spring fashion statement.

Pairing the one-shoulder trend with the bright color trend, this GB ruffle one shoulder sheath dress for $59.00 at Dillard's is a double fashion win. The long ruffle crosses the shoulder and cascades down the arm like a loose cap sleeve, and the hem flares just a tiny bit to create a soft, feminine line.


And if you could care less about fashion trends and just want to find some spring clothes that are flattering, comfortable, and reasonably priced, here are some of my favorite looks for this spring.

 

 

All three of these pieces are from Kohl's. I love the flowers on these Jennifer Lopez embroidered skinny ankle jeans for $39.99. The light wash of the denim, as well as the shorter length, says spring to me. Pair it with the matching Jennifer Lopez embroidered lace popover top for $64, and if it's too cool to go sleeveless, toss on this soft pink AB Studio open front cardigan for $36.

 

 

This relaxed look is from JC Penney. The loose lavender a.n.a. 3/4 sleeve solid peasant top has flared bell sleeves and a lace yoke, making it both flattering and comfortable - and affordable, at only $19.99 on sale. It's also available in navy and turquoise. A loose blouse should be paired with a more tailored or fitted bottom, so wear it with these slim-fitting St. John's Bay capris in white, for $24.99. Finish off the look with some eye-catching sandals or flip flops, like these Arizona Aruba flat sandals for $19.99.

 

 

This outfit from Macy's works at the office or for dinner out or for church on Sunday. I love the pleated neckline detail, the flared A-lined skirt, and the mid-calf length of the Maison Jules printed midi dress for $79.50. I'd set it off with a narrow white belt, like this MICHAEL Michael Kors aster stud hip station for $20.30, and top it off with this fabulously huge Nine West packable floral sun hat for $34.50.


Oh, did I mention that spring starts this coming Monday? You'd better get shopping!!

Anything You Can Buy, I Can Buy Cheaper

I fell down the Pinterest wormhole this morning. It's been a while since I looked back over some of my boards, so I started browsing some old pins, including a board I have called "Stuff I'll Buy When I Finally Write That Best Seller". And I started thinking, "I wonder if I could find a nice, inexpensive (or at least, less expensive) version of some of these items?" So I put on my Bargain Hunting pants (they're fabulous and I got them on sale, of course) and started shopping. Here's what I found!

Jimmy Choo Swarovski Crystal-Covered Suede Sandals: $638 at Saks Fifth Avenue

These sandals are, sadly, no longer available, but according to the site linked above, they were previously available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $638 - which, considering that many similar Jimmy Choo styles I found cost as much as $2,000+, is something of a bargain. What I love about these shoes are the graceful curlicues of the straps and the restrained crystal detailing, particularly along the stiletto heel and the ankle strap. So what is the closest affordable version?

This Fioni Lumiere strappy heel is only $35 at Payless Shoes. It features a similar silhouette, with a tall, tapered heel, peep toes, gracefully arched straps up to the ankle, and a glittery crystal finish all over. It's no Jimmy Choo, but it'll still make you feel like a movie star.

Movado Museum Watch - $495 at Movado.com

I love the simplicity of this watch: a basic black face with a single silver dot in the twelve o'clock position, silver hands, and a plain black leather band.

This similar Seiko diamond-accent watch from JC Penney is still slightly pricy at $206, but significantly less than half the price of the Movado. It has a plain black face with a single diamond chip at twelve o'clock, gold hands and a thin gold band at the edge of the face, and a textured black leather band.

Vintage black velvet and satin Valentino gown - $5,000-$15,000 at Neiman Marcus

Julia Roberts wore a similar stunning vintage black velvet and satin Valentino gown to the 2001 Oscars. The front is a slender velvet column with a y-shaped line of white satin down the front and a black mesh inset, and the back features a flared train accented with black and white beaded stripes cascading down from a large white satin bow. I'm just guessing at the pricetag on this one; most of Neiman Marcus' Valentino collection runs from between five and fifteen thousand dollars, although some are upwards of thirty grand.

Not surprisingly, it's not easy to find a gown similar to the vintage Valentino that's not simply another vintage Valentino. However, this gown, a cool $173 from JJ's House, is a long black column descending into a train at the back, and the front features a black mesh yoke with rhinestone trim. You might not look like a Julia Roberts level movie star, but you'll look like a movie star.

Harry Winston Holly Wreath Diamond Choker - About $1M at auction from Christie's

Even the rich and famous often borrow Harry Winston diamonds rather than buying them, that's how pricey they are. So even if I do write that best-seller, I probably won't be picking up this gorgeous choker. But maybe I can find a pretty cubic zirconia or glass version that has a similar pattern.

The pattern of these gems is noticeably simpler, but still a similar style. For only $35 from Etsy, I'm willing to go for a bit simpler.

Mink Coat - $6,597 from Macy's Fur Vault

There's nothing that says luxury quite like a genuine mink coat. The feel, the color, the warmth...it appeals to every sense. But if the real thing is out of your budget, what's a reasonable substitute?

This beautiful full-length faux fur coat from Burlington Coat Factory is only $109, but it still provides wonderful luxury with its soft, thick fur. Details include contrasting trim on the collar, cuffs, and hood. And no minks were harmed in the making!

Karmann Ghia Convertible - $17,500 on the Collector Car Network

There really is no reasonable  - and affordable - equivalent to this sweet little Karmann Ghia convertible. So until I can afford the real thing, I guess I'll just tuck this one into my purse and dream:

Whatever Happened to Common Sense?

I just stumbled across an online article entitled, “10 things moms do at Target” with the subtitle, “Just admit it, you do too.” I should have known from the poor grammar and punctuation that it was not exactly Pulitzer-winning material. But I was somewhat appalled at the lack of common sense, and frankly, I was offended by the assumption that all mothers of small children behave this way. Here are the 10 points made by the author, along with my comments. (The original article is here: http://living.msn.com/family-parenting/mom-to-mom-blog-post/?post=8ac654a0-e72b-4b1c-81c6-b5a3ff9b1db6?icid=blogmsnliv)

10. Circle the lot 4 times looking for a better parking spot. Feel misplaced sense of pride when finding a spot 2 spaces closer than the one you spied when you arrived 12 minutes ago.

Whatever happened to walking? Sure, if it’s pouring out or if I’m carrying one little one while holding the hand of the other, I might do one circle of the lot looking for a closer spot, but I guarantee you that I’ve never driven around a parking lot for 12 minutes looking for a “better” space. To paraphrase ZZ Top: “I’ve got legs; I know how to use them.”

9. Upon entrance, make a beeline directly to the in-store Starbucks. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Instead, *spend* $200 buying a tall latte for yourself and a milk box and bag of Cheddar Bunnies for the kidlette.

You really can’t manage to shop at Target without buying an overpriced coffee and expensive snacks for your kid as soon as you arrive? How about having your coffee and feeding your kid at home before you leave? How about teaching your kid that s/he can survive a 20-minute shopping trip without needing a snack? How about surviving for 20 minutes yourself without a cup of coffee? I’m a big fan of coffee, but if I ever get to the point where I can’t survive for 20 minutes without my fix, someone please stage an intervention.

8. Head to clothing section. Consider a cute peplum top in slimming black, while kid complains in cart about how long it's taking to get to the toy section. Put peplum top into cart and hope it achieves its purpose in your wardrobe: to stylishly camouflage belly flab.

Here’s a simple solution: teach your child that not every trip is about playing with the toys. Here’s a great way to do it: Tell your child that stopping at the toy department will only happen if s/he is polite and well-behaved during the rest of the trip. Yeah, there will be a few tantrums while s/he catches on to the idea, but trust me, it won’t take too many trips with no visit to the toys before his or her behavior improves. Oh, and sometimes? Don’t stop at the toy department at all. Kids need to understand how to behave even when there isn’t a reward at the end.

7. Set latte down in cart while contemplating new workout gear that will be worn for sitting on the couch. Sigh when kid spills latte with leg. Search for paper towels to no avail. 'Mop' up latte with Old Navy receipt found in handbag.

Yet another reason to drink your coffee at home. Spillable liquids do not belong in stores, for this exact reason. If you simply must have coffee in the store, prepare to buy any items that it gets spilled on without complaint. You have a child; you know this will inevitably happen. A good way to teach your child about the consequences of his or her behavior is to gracefully accept the consequences of your own – and to change your behavior so it doesn’t happen again.

6. Arrive at toy section. Child wants 3 new Hot Wheels trucks. Enter into lengthy in-aisle discussion with child about how they need to appreciate the things they have and enjoy what they already own. Revel in glory from respected glances via other Hot Wheels Aisle Moms clearly struggling with same issue. Settle on one new truck for child, feel accomplished and await Good Mom Award or sash of some stripe.

            “Just say ‘No’.” Enough said.

5. Feel very frugal buying dog food on sale, even though it's only $.15 cheaper than normal. Put another bag into cart. Contemplate emailing TLC to be featured on Extreme Couponers because obviously this is talent, people.

Good for you for saving money. But don’t hurt your arm patting yourself on the back about it, okay?

4. Find food section. Add the following: fruit chews, potato chips, Cheez-its, granola bars, peanut butter, frozen waffles, giant bag of mandarin oranges. Every. Time.

Finally, ONE reasonable item on this list. I might not personally be picking up potato chips every trip to the store, but on the whole, this is a halfway decent snack list. Fruit, protein, grains. You could certainly do worse.

3. Browse housewares section for no apparent reason. Realize you really need an owl candle. And a citrus scented home fragrance diffuser. And that white lacquered tray.

If this is how your shopping works, I guess it’s a good thing you saved 30 cents on dog food. You might want to work a little harder on that. And on a little something called “impulse control.” It’s also a good way to teach your kid how to say, “I really like that, but I think I’ll wait a bit and decide how important it is to me and whether it’s worth the price.” If you grab everything you like and throw it into your cart, no wonder your kid expects to come home from every shopping trip with a new toy.

2. Look at contents of cart. Experience momentary guilt about home décor purchases. Remove peplum shirt and set next to stackable crates. Consider buying a stackable crate.

            See #3 above regarding “impulse control.”

1. Check out at the register. Feel simultaneously proud and horrified that you're spending $148. Realize your kid is still holding the Hot Wheels truck. Make that $152.

            See #3 and #6, above.

 Does my response sound a bit annoyed and cynical? Yeah, it probably does. But it really frustrates me when people complain at how difficult it is to shop with their children. Sure, it’s difficult to shop with kids. But it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you’re making it, as long as you use some common sense and work hard on teaching your kids good behavior, good manners, and patience.

 Harumph.

June 26 Photo: Where You Shop

Going shopping with two little ones is a challenge, so I tend to limit my shopping these days to only that shopping which is absolutely necessary – in other words, Costco, the grocery store, and an occasional CVS run. The main difficulty in shopping with two small children is that your average shopping cart was not designed for a tall almost-toddler and an even taller preschooler who has exceeded the printed weight limit on the cart for nearly a year now. Even the Costco carts, which are designed for two children, are a little too small and a lot too close together for my two. (Remember fighting with your sibling in the back seat of your huge 1970s station wagon? Yeah, imagine that scenario in a Smart Car and you’ll have the general idea.) But we need to eat, so at least once a week or so I brace myself, bundle them into the car, and brave the wild world of the grocery store.

My daughter gets to ride in the cart. She spends most of her time kicking off her shoes, licking the handle of the cart, and twisting herself around to flirt with other shoppers. My son gets to “help” push the cart. He spends most of his time holding the cart back when I’m trying to push it, pushing it when I’m trying to stop it, and grabbing random items off the shelf and slipping them into the cart when I’m not looking. (Fortunately, he has yet to learn to drop things in the cart gently so the telltale clunk usually warns me to check my cart contents.)

There are an awful lot of benefits to going shopping with my kids, though. Because of them, people often strike up conversations with me: grandmotherly types who tell me about their grandchildren, fellow moms who ask questions or give advice about whatever phase my kids are in, store employees who offer them cheese or cookies or a chance to pet a lobster. But my favorite part of shopping with my kids is just watching people’s reactions to them. Many times I see a fellow shopper coming down the aisle toward me looking tired or grumpy or frustrated, but when they see my daughter grinning at them or singing happily to herself, or hear my son’s running commentary about the various foods he likes to eat, they break out a smile themselves, and as they pass by I see their step become a bit lighter, their posture become a bit straighter, their whole attitude become a bit cheerier.

Where I shop. It’s also where I sometimes get to make the world a slightly happier place for people, even if only for a moment. And that’s something you can’t buy no matter where you shop.