Trendy Thursday: Top Fall Trends

The trends this fall are so fabulous and so easy to implement into your everyday wardrobe. There are a few ones that are out there (fur and second-skin leather, anyone?) But by adding just a few inexpensive pieces this fall, you’ll be right in style!

1. Denim: This fall, its all about the classics. Trouser jeans (which EVERYONE should have in their closet) and flare jeans (which are looking more feminine and less hippie these days and are great for balancing out curves) are back in a big way. And one of this season’s hottest trends is the jegging. I may or may not have three pairs. Ahem.
My favorite pair is from Miraclebody:

These jeans not only are made of cotton and spandex fibers to help give your backside a boost while shaping and slimming your thighs, but it has a hidden tummy control panel reduces belly bumps and flattens the tummy to give you ultimate control while keeping you comfy. They are fabulous.

2. Boots: Again, we’re seeing classics like riding boots along with some new trends like ankle boots and lace up boots. Personally, I hated the ankle boot at first. But now… I think I may need to get something like this:

I love the gathering detail on the side. And these would be so cute with a skirt or dress and one of the season’s other hot trends: tights!

3. Metallics: All over the place this season. And with metallics, for heavens sake, do not go out and go all 80s (not in a good way) with a super shiny puffy gold jacket. Stick to shoes
and purses:

This beauty by Renee DuMarr is one of my more recent purchases and this baby is HUGE. I love it. I can fit everything I need for a day out with the three kidlets, snacks, diapers, the works. Its like a totally huge mom-bag disguised as an awesome purse. I get compliments on it every time I wear it and people are always asking me where I got it!

4. Jewel Tones: Just gorgeous. Go nuts with this one. I mean, can you really go wrong?

5. Long Skirts: Kiss the mini goodbye. And thanks the Good Lord while you’re doing it! Longer skirts are all the rage this season, so enjoy! I love them…

so elegant, so ladylike…

LOVE!

I’ll share some more fall trends next week! What are your favorite trends for fall that you’ve seen?

Melissa talks style every day on her fashion/beauty blog, b*Stylish, and family fun on her personal blog, Girlymama.

Trendy Thursday: Rumpled to Runway

This past week, I had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Rumpled to Runway fashion event sponsored by Electrolux benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund in New York City. I was so excited (and a little nervous!) to have been invited to strut my stuff on the runway to support this terrific cause!

Ten fashion bloggers were given the challenge to dress in white and accessorize with teal (the official color of Ovarian Cancer Awareness). We had consultations with stylists to really get our look perfect (which was such a relief, because I could NOT decide what top to wear!)

I wore my favorite boot-cut white jeans that I picked up at the LOFT outlet in the beginning of the summer that have proven to be one of my best purchases! I have worn them constantly all summer.

Then I was totally torn over two tops….

Option 1:

This cute embellished tank from Old Navy. I LOVE the neckline – it really showcases my necklace. And I think this cut is great for me. I could even add a belt. Hummm… And it has ruffles. (You know how I love ruffles!) Its sold out on the website, so I can’t link to it. Sorry!

Option 2:

This is the High Tide Tee from Anthropologie. Very feminine and ruffley. (and Girly 😉 This one was my husband’s favorite – and the stylist picked it too! She said that being on the runway, you need a bit more oomph! So I went with this one!

If you’d like to see the show, which went terrific because I didn’t trip even one single time despite the 5 inch heel on the Manolo Blahnik Metallic Leather Slingback Sandals they gave me to wear (drool), you can watch it at Kelly Confidential! It was a fabulous experience – getting my hair and makeup done for hours and wearing designer shoes and real jewelry is certainly not my typical Wednesday, but it was super fun to play glamorous for the day!

Melissa can be found blogging fashion and style on b*Stylish and talking family on her personal blog, Girlymama.

Disclosure: My participation in the ‘Rumpled to Runway’ Campaign was sponsored by Electrolux who provided me with a $150 stipend to style my look as well as travel arrangements to and accommodations in New York to participate.

Trendy Thursday: Eat Pray Love

As you probably heard, Eat Pray Love came out this past week, looks inspired by the movie are popping up everywhere! I love it!! The easy, classic style of Italy, the bright, bold colors of India, the exotic patterns from Indonesia… there’s so much to love!
World Market has some AMAZING jewelry in their Eat Pray Love shop and its all reallyaffordable! I am loving these Beaded Stretch Bracelets. What a fabulous way to add some fun and color to just about anything from a little dress to a tshirt and jeans. And how cute is thisBucket Hat with Grosgrain Ribbon??

Mid-length Skirts by Athleta
Sandals by Mossimo

The Shifting buttons skirt from Anthropologie with this Unveiled Tank (and of course some adorable shoes!) is so precious. Doesn’t this just scream strolling through Italy? Or for a more conservative boho look, just pair your favorite casual skirt (like this Organic Cotton Skirt from Athleta) with a sleeveless top and add some sparkly sandals and a scarf.

Love this Lucy Loves Charlie tunic and white skinny jeans! SO cute! I love the soft colors and the shape of the top.

Or this ADORABLE tunic! Little bolder, little more boho chic. LOVING the belt. Its a little short for a dress, but it would be super cute with jeggings!
Are you as excited about the movie as I am? Planning on seeing it?

Melissa is Fashion Columnist for Philly Burb Moms. She talks fashion at bStylish, and talks family at Girlymama.

We’ll be on the NBC 10 local evening news tonight!

We are so excited to be featured on the NBC 10 evening news tonight in a story with Tracy Davidson about deals on Back-to-School essentials. We are estimating that we will be on in the 5:30pm half-hour so keep your eyes (and DVR’s!) peeled!

This is a LIVE segment, so please pray for me to be calm and clear and collected. Editing my flubs is not an option tonight 🙂

When we found out that we would be on NBC 10 for this story, I had a small panic attack about what to wear on TV (as I am sure many of us would). I mean, its broadcast to the entire region …. a girl’s gotta look put together, right!?!?

So, when you need to look stylish yet comfortable, where do you turn? You turn to none other than our very own Fashion Columnist, Melissa from bStylish and Girlymama.com. As you’ve seen in her Trendy Thursday posts here, Melissa has a great eye for fashion while also focusing on affordability. I knew that I wanted to wear something that was already in my closet, but wasn’t sure what the best pieces to choose would be. So, Melissa came over yesterday afternoon to do a styling meeting.

After some review of my wardrobe, we settled on a great combination. I’ll be wearing this great teal sweater with rose detail over a white tank along with some *slimming* (cough, cough) black slacks and pumps. Melissa really liked the sweater because of its color pop and I really like it because I feel comfortable in it (and I scored it for $12.99 at Marshalls!).

Here’s a preview of the outfit that you’ll be seeing me in a little later this afternoon when I meet Tracy Davidson. For all things fashion … please keep reading Melissa’s Trendy Thursday column here and follow along with her fabulous fashion commentary at bStylish and on GirlyMama.com

And, come back and see us soon for lots of fun back to school tips and tricks that we’ll be posting!

~Shannon

Trendy Thursday with Chesco Mom Melissa: Don’t forget about your hair!!!

Confession: I put so much thought into my outfits. And so little into my hair. The last time I had my hair cut was August. 2009.
Yes. I do not bother with my hair. It kind-of just hangs there. And I decided to do something about it. I poured over the lastest issue of InStyle Hair and chose a cut.  This Sunday, I called and made an appointment on the way to church and right after church was over, I headed over and chopped about 12 inches off my hair.

GULP.
Here is basically how long it was:

Here it is now:

Just a tad shorter in the back, wouldn’t you say? (Sorry for the terrible self portrait.)
And you know what? I love it!!I love having a “style” instead of just “hair!” I can’t believe I’ve been neglecting this aspect of my personal style for so long!! I’m a new woman!

Melissa also talks family and fashion on her personal blog, Girlymama.

Help me Fight the Frump: Saying goodbye to my sweatpants!

For the last 5 years now, since my oldest daughter has been born, I’ve adopted a new dress code to go along with my new role as a Stay at Home Mom. It is certainly practical, this sweatpants-and-jeans wardrobe of mine, but words like chic, cute, and put-together don’t often describe the way I am dressed on a daily basis.


Now that Sarah and I are doing more with our blogs and with our consulting business, it is becoming more necessary for me to have a few go-to “work outfits” to supplement my flip-flops and t-shirts. In addition, I am attending an industry conference in NYC this week, BlogHer, and I want to put my best foot forward. Thankfully, our good friend and resident fashion contributor, Melissa from Girlymama coordinated a night out at the Paoli Ann Taylor Loft store so we could shop their awesome selection without the kids running around by our sides.


I found lots of great pieces at The Loft, but I think that my favorite find was this adorable Maxi dress paired with this moss green cardigan. And, the best part, was that I scored the dress for $29.99! And, while we are talking about great cardigans, I also picked up this one in Iron Grey. I think it will work with so many different looks!


The one piece that I was surprised about was this Tango Red ruffle tank. I was sort of on the fence about this purchase, but figured I could always bring it home and try it out and return it if needed. I decided to throw it on with a pair of jeans last Saturday night for a date with my husband, and got the BEST reaction from him. It’s definitely a keeper now!


And, because GirlyMama is so awesome, she also found some great companies and products to share with us in our event gift bags like these Kendra Scott Dangle Earrings, this adorable black Hannah Clutch (it isn’t even available to the public yet), a $25 gift card to ShopatHome.com, and the Kymaro Rechargable Hair Straightener (won’t this be nice for rainy day events in NYC)!


I want to thank Melissa for helping me get a good foundation started for an update chic wardrobe, but how do I maintain it and add to it? Where do you shop when you are looking for affordable, high-quality and chic clothing and accessories? Help this struggling Mama out!


Disclosure: I received a $20 Gift Card to The Loft as well as a 20% off coupon code, as well as the products listed (and a few others) in a gift bag. I was not paid for this post and, as always, all opinions expressed are mine.

Trendy Thursday: Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize!

Everyone is talking on Twitter these days about what to wear to the BlogHer conference, what to wear for summer weddings, what to wear on vacation… you know the drill. Everyone is sharing sales and coupon codes… but if you don’t want to buy all new clothes, you can update and dress up the clothes you already have with accessories!

How about taking a simple sheath dress like this darling Foil Finish Sheath from LOFT and add something special, like this stunning Twist Necklace from Murano.

How fabulous would a simple little black dress be with a killer statement necklace from theMurano Glass Pendant Collection? I can just see myself rocking this Arianna Round Pendantwith my v-neck LBD!! I love it – classic yet modern. Dressy, but casual.

Even a super casual t-shirt dress can be kicked up a notch with awesome earrings. TheseMurano Glass Earrings are all so gorgeous. There’s a great variety of really versatile pieces. Look at the Catena Earring!!

What are your favorite ways to accessorize?
Melissa also talks family and fashion on her personal blog, Girlymama.

Trendy Thursday: Loving and Not Loving

I managed to run across a few gems this week despite the craziness of this past week. Because I’m always on the lookout for cute stuff. It’s a dirty job, but someone needs to do it 😉


1. I love this body wrap from GapBody.

Doesn’t this just scream “lazy mornings curled up in a chair with a hot cup of coffee and a good book”?
2. I’m also loving this printed pack everywhere dress by Athleta.

Its made of this Featherweight Stretch fabric, so you can roll it up and stick in a gym bag or beach bag and it will be ready to wear! AMAZING! LOVE this whole collection!
3. I am most definitly not loving these stirrup leggings.

Oh no. No no no no NO. And these are at the GAP of all places!!
4. I’m really loving this Rosette Detail Wrap Top by Charlotte Russe.

And I’m really, REALLY loving the $22 price tag!
5. I am totally and completely in LOVE with this Chiffon Tier Top by Yummie Tummie and think that I must have one.

Don’t you love it?? I have the Yummie Tummie original tank and I LOVE it. It is an absolute wardrobe staple for me and is by far the most comfortable shapewear I’ve ever tried!

Melissa talks family and fashion at her personal blog Girlymama.

Trendy Thursday: A Few Cute Tops

Local PA girl Jen asked me for some suggestions for tops that are affordable, cute and modest. Aren’t we all looking for a few of those, right? Personally, I have three go-to places when I need some cute and inexpensive clothe:

1. Target
Is there anyone who doesn’t love the Target?

Merona is a sure bet for more modestly cut clothes. I love Mossimo as well, but they are geared more towards juniors so they tend to fit tighter and be designed for people who have not, for example, had three babies. Ahem.
I love this Lucy Sleeveless Top by Merona. And look at the adorable detailing on the Artist Tee? (Ooo – it comes in Plum, too! And brown! I love the brown! And they’re all only $15!)
SIDEBAR: If your belly is a problem area, then relaxed front teesand runching and pintucking are your friends. Embrace them with open arms. They let you have a less-fitted look without looking like you’re wearing maternity clothes.

2. Kohl’s.

Kohl’s is not your mama’s store anymore. They have several VERY cute lines of clothes and when you shop the sales and get an additional 15-30% off with your Kohls charge, you can make a killing. Plus, their stuff tends to run a little more modestly cut than Old Navy.

This Sonoma embellished tank is completely adorable and is on sale for only $10. I love this braided neckline tee (also $10) andthis scroll shirred top (ALSO $10) would look fabulous with my long brown skirt. If you were looking to buy me something.

For something a little dressier, I’m in LOVE with this Dana Buchman Embroidered Tunic:

Can you just see this with a pair of slim white capris? SWOON! I’d need to see if it was a coral-shade of orange before buying it for me, but if you can pull of orange – go for it! For me! PLEASE!

3. Old Navy

Old Navy is hot or cold for me. Either I walk in and love everything or I can’t find anything I like. Am I the only one like that? This spring, I’ve liked quite a bit of what they have to offer. (Last summer? Notsomuch.)

I have this Ruched V-Neck T-shirt in about 3 colors and I love it! Its a little low cut, but I wear a cami under it. For a similar look that’s not as low cut, try this Flutter-Sleeve Tee. I love theseTwisted-Neck T-shirts – such a cute touch at the neckline – and these Lightweight Embroidered Keyhole tops are casual but could easily be dressed up for church or a date night!

This Gathered Scoopneck Top could be dressed up or down easily as well and it looks like its almost a tunic, if you like that length.

A couple other places to look for cute tops:

• If you’re fairly small and can pull of clothes technically for juniors, try Go Jane or Forever 21. They have loads of stuff for under $20. H&M has great stuff as well, but tends to run small and tight, so proceed with caution.
• Try Lands End’s online outlet store. You can score KILLER deals if you hit it right.
• Outlets, Outlets, Outlets! I try to hit the Gap Outlet, LOFT Outlet and Banana Republic Outlet. I also love the Coach outlet, but this post is supposed to be about inexpensive things – even on sale Coach isn’t cheap!
• Check the clearance racks at your favorite stores and watch the sales. I’ve made a killing on the clearance racks with additional 30-50% off sales going on!!

Where are your favorite place to catch great deals on cute clothes?

Melissa also talks family and fashion on her personal blog, Girlymama.

Trendy Thursday: White Hot!

Well, its after Memorial Day! Are you ready to break out your white? (You don’t really follow that old rule, do you? Please say you don’t!) I love wearing white – its so col and crisp. In interest of full disclosure, I must also share that my white clothes often doesn’t stay white very long, so I make sure I have lots of Oxyclean on hand before wearing them.
Last week, I sat through church with a perfect footprint on the bum of my white pants, courtesy of my 2-year-old. Classy, no?

The White Top: A white denim jacket is a crisp twist on a classic look. And white tops lend so many options!

I love loose, flowy tunics or lightweight tops. But a nicely tailored button down shirt is classic too. White t-shirts do NOT have to be boring. Look for interesting cuts, small embellishments, and even little bits of color.

The White Skirt: So versatile and cute too.

You could go classic and preppy, like this one from Shade. Cute and flirty, like this one from Loft. Or even fun and sporty, like this denim skirt from Loft. And for a more casual look, don’t be afraid to try white shorts!

The White Pant: I love the look of white pants. Having small kids and having a superhuman talent for spilling things myself, they rarely stay white so its not a look I often pull off.

But when I do, I have two staples that have been in my closet for years. A pair of white capri pants and a pair of loose, white trouser pants. I love the new white denim – I’d love a pair of white jeans! I love my current white pants, but they always look wrinkled and it drives me crazy.

The White Dress:

This wrap shirt dress from Shabby Apple is super cute, but I love this white eyelet dress even more!! But this Linen beaded beach dress from Banana Republic is darling!!! And white works great for a casual beach coverup as well.

Melissa talks family fun and fashion on her personal blog, Girlymama.