Outfit Idea: Comfy Clothes

As I opened my eyes this morning and started to wake up, I instantly filled with dread.  I came to the realization that my body ached with every move I made, I had a dull, throbbing pain in my head, it was very painful to swallow and trying to get myself out of bed was the very last thing that I wanted to do.  I just wanted to cry... being sick with kids is no fun.

There used to be a time when I wished for the flu to strike.  Those days in high school when I hadn't studied or had a paper due then next day (and I hadn't started it yet).  Once I started working in the "real world", I happily accepted the occasional cold or flu that kept me home.  It meant that I could lie in bed all day catching up on my soaps and have a little "me" time. You knew work wasn't going anywhere and when you were feeling like yourself again, you would simply catch up.  Now that I have children, I never want to get sick again.

The only thing that comes with being sick with kids is a very long day of dragging yourself around while you try to take anything you can to dull the pain.  Nothing stops with kids.  There are no "sick" days, and the worst part is you get sick much more often with kids.  They seem to bring home something constantly!

Obviously, clothing is not the first thing you care about when feeling lousy.  But, you still have to pick yourself up, take the kids to school, ballet, art class... whatever it may be you are going to have to appear in public.  Rather than wearing your pajamas or sweats, I have got the perfect solution for you.  The maxi dress.

A maxi dress in a soft, comfortable jersey is a girl's best friend on a sick day.  It has the comfort of a nightgown, gaucho pants (do you remember those?!) or even your favorite yoga pants.  There is one exception, though... you look much more polished in a dress vs running around in yoga pants and a sweatshirt.

My dress of choice today was a T by Alexander Wang dress that I bought last spring.  I love this dress to death!  It doesn't drag on the floor, so it is easy to move around in and I can wear it with flat shoes.  The styling of the dress is simple... a basic tank dress that has a bit of an uneven hem.  It is a perfect blank slate for dressing up or down.  I am feeling a little more chilly than usual today, so I layered a white tank and a fitted crewneck cableknit sweater over it and slipped on my favorite cowboy booties.  Perfect!

I am so excited about my "under the weather" ensemble that I may need to add more pieces to closet that can be used for these types of days.  Some things I came across...

This Ella Moss dress is perfect!  I love the stripes and the versatility of the style and pattern. I must own this dress!

When I am not up to par, I usually don't feel very colorful.  On an "under the weather day" I would probably add a black, cozy cocoon cardi.  However, a bright color would look super cute as well.  Since black doesn't show up as well, here are images of both the black and white Wilfred Diderot Sweater from Aritzia.  This is a must have for those "icky" days or just to throw on at the beach. 

As far as shoes go,  I need something flat and comfortable.  A biker boot would be perfect with this look on chillier days and a cute sandal would be great as the temp rises..  Who can go wrong with the Frye Phillip Harness Bootie... love!

This might have to be my new "go to" sick day look... time to go shopping!

                                                                                                                                - Allison

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com and aritzia.com.

Get Your Shift On!

The Spring is upon us.  We technically have two more months, and a lot of winter to get through, but that doesn't stop retail.  We are nearing the end of Resort and ushering in the Spring trends, yet I can't really see myself wearing flats until at least March.  So, instead of telling me what to pack on my vacation, I would really appreciate ideas on how to wear all of these colorful pieces now!  Let's face it, we all would like to add something new to our wardrobes, but there is no need to buy something that we can't wear for at least two months.  It will be on sale by then!

As we are bombarded by the latest trends, I have tried to sort them out... color is in, but so are pastels.  Mod is back and so is the Flapper.  The Seventies are still around and we can't forget the Eighties... hello, neon!  Sequins, lace, fringe, and ruffles are popular as well as clean lines.  However, one of the biggest and most undisputed themes is a nod to femininity.  Ladylike dressing is very important this season as it was in the Fall.  A good piece of advice - when in doubt, dress like a lady.

Keeping femininity as our focus, I would like to introduce The Shift.  The shift is known for it's simple styling, higher neckline and straight or A-line shape.  In other words, it is a dress that will always have a place in your closet, and can be worn all year.  There are short shifts and longer ones for the more mature, crazy patterns, demure prints - most importantly there is something for everyone.  This season the shift is back in full force and is the perfect pick to wear now and later.  It does depend on the style, but the shift can be worn with tights and boots (or booties), a sweater, a blazer, a tee or turtleneck underneath.  It is a perfect way to add some color on a dreary day without looking like you stepped out of a spring catalog.

Some shifts that I have my eye on right now...

This Animal Print Shift is one of many available at Topshop.  I liked the animal print because it is a little more exciting.  It is the perfect wear to work with a blazer or out at night with some sexy heels and a great belt.  The definition of an easy shift that is very versatile.

I can't help it, but this Sachin + Babi dress makes me think of Working Girl.  I keep thinking of the Eighties and power suits... Anywho, I love the dress!  I think this is fab for all ages.  It would look great with a pop of color layered underneath or some fun shoes.  Add a belt for a different look.  So many options with this dress.

You can never go wrong with DVF, and this is a great example.  The Diane Hanky Shift Dress makes a statement on it's own, but would look great with color too.  I don't think I would belt it, but is the perfect canvas for fun jewelry and shoes.

I love Tibi!  I can't really afford Tibi, but I like to dream.  With a nod to mod, this Tibi Shift Dress is a great wear now wear later piece.  Enough said.

What would a post be without a little J.Crew?  This J.Crew shift is fun, colorful and would look great on everyone.  I think it would look just as cute with snow boots as it would with wedges.

And now for the dress that I will definitely never own, but love... Derek Lam's Colorblock Shift.  I love how the colorblocking is used to give a flapper feel to the dress. If I owned this, I would have to wear it once a week.  I am totally serious.  And, I believe that I could go at least six weeks without wearing the same way twice.  It is amazing how versatile the shift can be!

Make sure a shift is one of your new purchases this season.  You won't regret it!

                                          - Allison

*Photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com, shopbop.com, topshop.com.

Must Have Wedge

While working on a Resort piece for NMdaily, I found myself wondering over to Shopbop just to browse for a minute at the new resort looks.  Somehow I started looking at wedges (my latest obsession).  But, instead of looking at booties, I started looking at sandals.  Makes sense, right?  Winter just started yesterday after all.

Well, wouldn't you know that I found the most amazing pair of wedges!  The best part is that they are gorgeous and affordable... love!  Anyway, I had to share...

Boutique 9 Linya T Strap Wedge Sandals

                                                                                                  - Allison

Party Perfect Obsessions

On this very dreary day (i.e. cold & rainy), I have not wanted to do anything except stay warm and cozy while avoiding any and all household related matters.  Procrastination led me to start daydreaming about a super cool ensemble that I would wear to a very chic holiday party that I have not been invited to quite yet...  and the rest is history.

My look would start with this gorgeous Halston Heritage faux fur jacket... can you say yummy?!  

I have decided that I must own this Rory Beca romper... so cool yet basic... a great piece to play with.

Oh, and these Stella McCartney teal velvet pumps are to die for!

I must not forget these Nicole Romano oversized stud earrings... the perfect blend classic and edgy.

This Cornelia Webb folded cuff is perfect.  Adds some interest, but won't steal the show.

Alexis Bittar's white quartz ring is the perfect finishing touch!

Now that I have my outfit, I just need a party... or some fab event would work too.  Any suggestions?!

                                  - Allison

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com, neimanmarcus.com, maxandchloe.com, intermixonline.com.

Birthday Party Bonanza

Saturday afternoon I was hanging out at the bowling alley for niece's birthday party. It was a great party and everyone had fun, but isn't it funny how many of your weekends are filled with children's birthday parties? Even if you don't have kids, you probably know a handful of people with kids or you have nieces and nephews... so you understand the birthday party shuffle. Once the weather gets warm, the invitations start rolling in. Before you know it, the weekends are booked... birthday parties, bbq's, sporting events... you name it. Lots of activities and nothing to wear, right?!

It seems to be trickier dressing at this time of the year because you are just out more. You still have your "weekday uniform" but that won't fly on the weekends and you can't wear skinny jeans and boots all summer, so what are you to do? The best thing to do is find several key pieces that can be mixed and matched with things that you already own.

1. skinny white jeans (ankle length is best)
     - picture Jackie O in her cropped white jeans and a black tee. These jeans can be paired with tanks,  
       tunics, sequin tee's, you name it. They are the basis of your summer wardrobe and they can be worn
       during the day or at night.

2. sundress (can be maxi or something longer and a little loose - think flowing & comfortable)
     - a dress is so easy in the summer. Throw it on and you are ready to go... wherever. It is also looks
       great layered under a jacket or sweater or is even better on a hot day. Definitely a go-to piece on the
       weekends.

3. striped tee
     - just as classic as the white jeans. You must have some sort of representation of the sailor stripe in
       your wardrobe. This shirt is perfect when a little loose and can be worn with pretty much anything,
       including patterns...

4. fitted jacket or blazer
     - this is taking the place your leather jacket. You need something that you can throw on over a dress,
       or with a tee and jeans that will add a bit of edge to your outfit.

5. chunky knit cardigan
     - this is the kind of sweater that you could throw on over a dress, with your shorts or your striped
       shirt, even a swimsuit at the end of a fabulous beach day. It is heavy enough to keep you warm on a
       cool summer evening, but not too bulky.

6. colorful shorts
     - a cute pair of dressier, colorful shorts are a must have!  Dress them up or down, and they are much
       more functional and modern than a little skirt.... especially when playing with the little ones.

7. wedge sandals
     - these are perfect for the days you want to dress up a bit, but it is still a daytime function. Chances
       are you will be chasing after kids, so you don't want to break an ankle, but you don't want to
       wear flip flops again...

8. wide belt
     - something neutral, ligheter weight (jute)...on the more casual side. Use it on a skirt, dress, tunic...
       give your outfit some shape and more summery feel.

9. boat shoe or skimmer
     - not everyday will be sunny and warm. Days (like today) can be cooler and rainy. A cute pair of
       kicks that are not open toe are perfect for those less desirable afternoons.

10. aviators
     - a classic. Always in style and they look good on everyone - also has a cool & casual vibe.

Enjoy those weekends you are prepared to face those events with a lot of style!

Do you have a summer essential that you can't live without?  Let me know... we should add to the list!

                                      - Allison

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com, jcrew.com, madewell.com, gap.com, piperlime.com, endless.com

Spring Awakening

Joy!  It is spring!  The sun is trying to break through the clouds (I see a hint of blue sky) and it is going to be warm (sort of, does 50 degrees count?).  Anyway, I love the first signs of spring... 

I always associate spring with new beginnings.  So, why not try out a trend that I haven't done much with until now... shorts!  However, I don't actually own any cute, dressy shorts - yet.  This is what I would wear if I had it in my closet right now...

And, I would top it off with a belted cargo jacket....

Perfect!  I must go and add this to my closet  - stat!  

                                   - Allison

*Photos courtesy of manywallpapers.com, rottentomatoes.com, decideforyourself.wordpress.com, madewell.com, shopbop.com, jcrew.com

Definitely not for everyone...

Alright, so let’s talk about the new trend of sweatshirt dressing... hmmm...  Well, it can be very cute and fresh, IF worn the right way.  Otherwise, you are going to look like the frumpy housewife that we all dread becoming one day!

First & most importantly, you must wear pieces that are fitted or at least body-skimming... modern cuts only!  You are not allowed to step out in a pair of old sweatpants & booties, or your favorite old sweatshirt paired with a pair of dressy shorts.  However, if you purchase a new sweatshirt dress with lace (a` la D&G dress above) or maybe a slim cut dress (the Vince dress below) that you could dress up with a belt or jewelry, you will be the talk of the town.  

Beware of a hoody (to the right) or a pair sweatpants (bottom right).  Believe me, they are just not going to translate well to the real world... ie. playing with fire!  So if you dare, stick to a “sweatshirt” like the one from J.Crew (pictured below), or a “sweatdress”.  Then, you dress it up with statement jewelry and fabulous shoes!  

I personally love my J.Crew sweatshirt!  I wear it with my pearls or belted over a cute skirt... so fun! Just think feminine and you should be just fine.

                                      Allison

*photos courtesy of shopbop.com, jcrew.com, bergdorfgoodman.com & madewell.com