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 Skiing Inspires...

Well, it seems very fitting that I am writing about my trip to Stowe, VT as the snow falls heavily outside.  I went to Stowe last week thinking that this would be the last time that I saw snow, but I was wrong!  However, since we were on the verge of spring skiing last week, my post today is perfect for this crazy cold one day, warm the next weather we have to endure for the next few weeks.

As I have written about before, I have been out of the skiing loop for several years.  Now that my daughters are old enough to start skiing (yay!!!), I am ready to jump back in, but what do I wear?  I was excited to go to Stowe just to check out the latest in skiing gear and apres ski dressing.

So what did I learn?  As with all clothing, the most important thing is the fit.  It doesn't really matter what color combo you choose, just make sure your jackets and pants are as fitted as they can be.  It is nice that North Face, Spyder, etc have gotten wise to the fact that we don't want to look like giant Michelin men out on the slopes.  It isn't too hard now to find slim fitting ski clothes at any price point.  However, skiing is still expensive.  It is definitely an investment.

The next most important thing for the warmer weather... great looking wellies.  The boot of choice in Stowe at this time of year is the rubber rain boot.  Just like today, you might be walking in snow one minute, rain the next and later there will be lots of mud.

Also, important, a great pair of sunnies.  These are essential as you sit outside enjoying a frosty beverage after a hard day of skiing.  It really depends on your own personal style, but I think the best kind to wear in ski country are something dark and more athletic looking... a great pair of dark metal aviators would be perfect!  But then again, a fabulous pair of black Chanel shades are a classic and will always look good.

To complete your apres ski look, pull your hair back in a pony, add some lipstick, wear some warm leggings underneath your ski pants to wear with your wellies and you will be all set!  

Even if you aren't hitting the slopes any time soon, take these tips and apply to the weather right now!

                                 - Allison

*Photos courtesy of nytimes.com, spyder.com, hunter-boot.com & saksfifthave.com