From the category archives:

Fashion and Shopping

Best of Back-to-School Gear {Top 10}

by Jo-Lynne on August 31, 2010

in Fashion and Shopping,Top Ten {Tuesday}

Since our kids don’t start school till next week, I’m still doing last minute BTS shopping. I thought it might be fun to put together a list of my favorite Back-to-School gear for kids and parents alike.

1. Best Back Packs: Lands End

As far as I’m concerned, these are the only backpacks to buy. I’ve had others, but they just don’t hold up. I can get two years out of a Lands End backpack, and my kids are HARD on backpacks. They come in different sizes for kids of different ages, and they’re made like tanks.

Right now many are discounted up to 50% off, so if you haven’t gotten your kids’ backpacks yet, you’re in luck! See, sometimes procrastination pays off.

2. Best Lunch Boxes for Little Kids: Crocodile Creek

These are stinkin’ adorable, especially for the preschool set. They are made well and easy to clean, and they are PVC, phthalate, and lead FREE.

3. Best Lunchboxes for Big Kids: Lands End

For the older set, I go back to my old standby, Lands End. They have several different designs and tons of cute color combinations. This year each of my older kids got to pick out a new backpack and matching lunchbox from Lands End. I found a coupon code online, and they were surprisingly affordable.

4. Best Water Bottles: Sigg

Each member of our family has one of these. We take them with us when we’re going to be out and about for the day, and of course when we go hiking. The kids take them to school with water in them every day. They come in different sizes, which is nice. The kids have smaller ones, of course.

I particularly like that type of bottle cap. It’s easy to screw on and off, it’s easy to drink from the small opening, they never leak, and there’s only one simple piece to keep track of. (And they sell replacement tops if you lose them.) The interior lining is leach-proof and BPA-free.

Crocodile Creek makes a cute one too, especially for the younger set. I just don’t like those lids quite as much as the Sigg; I think they are more likely to leak. Still, my youngest daughter has one of these. The are free of lead, BPA, and phthalates; and quite affordable at about $8 on Amazon.

5. Best Footwear: OLLY Shoes

OLLY has the best selection of quality shoes for kids I have ever seen in one place — from KEEN to Merrell to Converse to Geox. If you have one nearby, it’s definitely worth stopping in; but if not, their online store just opened for business. Lucky you!

6. Best Labels: Mabel’s Labels

Remember when we were little, and our moms had to sew labels into our coats and stuff? Well, Mabel’s Labels, besides being the cutest name ever, makes fantastic labels in every size shape and kind — new sewing required.

Their water-proof sticky labels are great for labeling water bottles, calculators, cameras, and anything else with a hard surface. Bag tags are great for labeling backpacks and lunchboxes. Shoe Labels go inside the shoes so there’s no confusion over whose are whose when the party’s over. (Am I the only one who had to look that up to make sure I had the right whose?)

Not sure what to get? They have this fabulous Back To School Combo Pack to make choosing simple.

7. Best Pencils: Newspaper Pencils

Okay, I haven’t actually used these pencils, so I can’t really say they’re the best. But I love the concept. These pencils are made from rolled up newspapers. They promise that no toxic chemicals are used, and they provide jobs for people in developing countries.

Have you tried them? What do you think?

8. For Fun: PakNaks

PakNaks are fun soft rubbery 3-D decorations for kids (and adults too!) to personalize all of their stuff. I love PakNaks. They are adorable, and a great way to jazz up that plain Lands End backpack. PakNaks also make great party favors or a little extra something to slip into birthday gifts. For 20% off, enter PAK20 at checkout.

9. Best Family Organizer: Cas Company FridgeFile

I discovered this through a post on organizing your Command Center at I’m An Organizing Junkie. I ordered it a while back, and I can’t wait to put it to use when school starts next week. I’m hoping it will help me keep track of all that paperwork that comes home with the kids throughout the school year.

UPDATE: It is out of stock at Laura’s store, but you can find it on Amazon as well.

10. Best Desktop Organizer: momAgenda

Hey, moms need BTS gear too! Check out this mom Agenda Home Office Edition. It sounds the same as the Desktop version I’m used to, with their signature layout with space for mom and up to 4 kids; but the Home Office Edition also gives you monthly and weekly views with monthly tabs, note pages and 2 folders for loose papers. The academic calendar runs from August 2010 through August 2011.

Or check out this Back To School Survival Kit that includes a momAgenda Desktop Day Planner, momAgenda Grocery List Pad, and momAgenda Sticky Notes. Plus if you “like” their Facebook page, you can get free shipping and free momAgenda Pockets.

What would you add to my list?

For more fun Top Ten lists, be sure to click on over to OhAmanda’s Top Ten Tuesday carnival.

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Fashion Friday: Back to School GIVEAWAY

by Jo-Lynne on August 27, 2010

in Fashion and Shopping

For many of us — those of us who are moms, that is — our own fashion quests tend to take a backseat to our kids’ at this time of year, so I thought it might be fun to do a BTS Fashion Friday post this week. Did you catch that? Back to School even has an acronym now. I KNOW.

I confess, we haven’t done much BTS shopping yet. It’s been too. dang. hot. And my kids don’t start school until September 7th. But I did stop into Gymboree a few weeks back when they were having their promotion to earn Gymbucks and picked up a first day of school outfit for each of my girls. The outfit I got for my older daughter is no longer on the site, but this is the one that R fell in love with.

Infant Girls’ Tops & Tees by Gymboree
Kids’ Clothes by Gymboree

My girls are always drawn to those hippy dippy trippy prairie skirts. The nice thing is, you don’t even need bike shorts under them to keep them modest. Some of our girls’ summer skirts are getting a LITTLE SHORT, if you know what I mean.

Another one of my other favorite places to shop for my kids’ clothes is the Gap, especially for my son. Their slim fit jeans are the only ones he can wear. While he’s perfectly content to wear jeans, he absolutely loves athletic pants. He would live in these if I let him.

Boys’ Shoes by Nike
Boys’ Tees by Gap

I also shop for kids’ clothes at Old Navy, Kohl’s, and Target, and sometimes I find things for my son at The Children’s Place. Oh! And I love the outlet malls nearby. I always hit up Carters and Osh Kosh — I’ve gotten some really cute things for the girls at Osh Kosh. But I stay far away from Justice, if I can help it. The styles are too mature and the colors are LOUD. I know our time’s coming, but I’m holding out as long as I can.

One place I’ve never considered before for kids’ BTS fashions is a wholesale club. Sure, I’ll stock up on Pampers (or I did, back in the day; no more diapers for me! Booyah!) and paper products, but I’ve always walked right by the clothes, which is unfortunate, because would you believe it, BJ’s Wholesale Club actually has an extensive selection of BTS clothes from well known retailers.

They carry brands such as Izod, Champion, Levi’s, Carter’s, and Flapdoodles. (I love Flapdoodles; usually it’s sold only in high end boutiques.) Prices are competitive, of course. For example, Champion athletic sets that retail for $29.99 sell at BJ’s for $18.99. That’s for an outfit, not just one piece. They also have IZOD 3-piece pant/shirt/sweater sets for $18.00. Compare that to $48 at a department store. And look how cute:

Likewise, Flapdoodles legging and tunic sets for girls, which you will find at boutiques for $48, sell at BJ’s for $14.99.

Aren’t those darling? Honestly, I want to run right out and get one of each for my 4-year-old.

And they also have Levi’s jeans for boys and girls — dark wash for boys and slim fits for girls are only $13.00 (compared to $28.)

Name brand fall jackets are available as well.

Incidentally, BJ’s also carries Built NY and Arctic Zone lunch bags. I’m a huge fan of Built NY products. I absolutely LOVE my Built NY laptop case; I get compliments on it everywhere I go, and it’s so functional. I’ve eyed their lunch bags many times. They are so cute, and they fold up flat when they’re empty.

They also have a selection of backpacks to choose from.

Of course, BJ’s is also a great place to stock up on snacks and drinks for lunchboxes, as well as school supplies. And let’s face it, who wants to make 10 stops for BTS shopping with all their kids in tow. BJ’s is one stop shopping for all your BTS essentials, fashion and otherwise.

WIN IT: BJ’s has offered two $25 gift cards to Musings of a Housewife readers. Just leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite place to shop for BTS fashions. I’ll randomly select a winner next Friday, September 3rd. Make sure you’re following Musings of a Housewife on Facebook so you don’t miss when I announce the winner.

And for more fall fashion posts, be sure to visit Big Mama, Girlymama, Mommies With Style, Water Water Everywhere, and Centsible Life on this gorgeous late summer day!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by BJ’s Wholesale Club.

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Bloomingdale’s and Musings of a Housewife Present:

by Jo-Lynne on August 21, 2010

in Deals,Family Fun,Fashion and Shopping,Giving Back,announcements,blogger events

Now, I ask you. How entirely awesome does that sound?

A few weeks ago I was invited to partner with our local Bloomingdale’s department store on a Back to School Craft Event for moms and kids. Of course I was all over that.

The event is being held in the Children’s Department at the King of Prussia Bloomingdale’s (for you locals out there) this Thursday, August 26th, from 10 to noon. There will be arts and crafts to keep the kids occupied while the moms receive mini-makeovers and expert skin and color tips for the fall season by professional makeup artists from Laura Mercier. HOW FUN IS THAT?

I created this adorable (if I do say so myself) invitation. Take a look:

As you can see, there are two raffle prizes to be won. The first is a home makeover party by Laura Mercier. You invite a few friends over to your house, and the staff from Laura Mercier come and provide individual makeovers and tips and tricks for updating your look. The second prize is a one-year family membership to the Franklin Institute! I’m so bummed I’m not eligible to enter!

There will also be gift bags for the first 25 people to arrive, so if you’re thinking about coming, arrive early! I’ve been working hard on collecting a nice selection of gifts for the bag. Plus, this is Bloomingdale’s biggest sale of the year, so if you want to shop, there will be lots of great deals throughout the store plus the 15% off all purchases.

I know that most of you aren’t local, but I wanted to share with you all what I’m doing. If you ARE local, I hope you can stop in — even if it’s just to say hi on your lunch break! (You do NOT have to bring your kids; but of course there will be activities for them if you do.)

Fun, huh!? There is no official RSVP, but I’d love to know if I might see you there!

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Fashion Friday: How to Wear Skinny Jeans

by Jo-Lynne on August 20, 2010

in Fashion and Shopping

It took me a while to adjust to the skinny jean trend, but I’m on the bandwagon now. I wear skinny jeans all the time. I wear them with flip flops, with ballet flats, and in the winter I tuck them into my boots. I have a dark pair, a medium blue pair, and a gray pair. I haven’t yet dared to try the jegging, but a lot of my friends are wearing them and love them so I’m not going to write them off just yet.

Now, I know what you’re gonna say. A lot of people think they can’t wear skinny jeans, but it’s really all about proportion.

I’ve read varying advice recently about how to wear jeggings and skinny jeans, and I’ve decided that the answer is, it depends. Here are a few general rules of thumb, and when to break them.

1. Wear skinny jeans and jeggings with a voluminous top, fitted jacket, or a long cardigan.

As I said, it’s all about proportion, and if you’re going to go with tight pants on the bottom, you want to try and offset them with some bulk or volume on top. A tunic works great, as do baby doll tops. If those styles don’t do it for you (I’m not a huge fan of them on me) then the boyfriend cardigan that is all the rage right now looks great with skinny jeans, and it covers up the tushy area if that’s a concern of yours. Also, those wrap sweaters are great.

If your skinny jeans aren’t super skin-tight, you may not need to pay so much attention to this rule.

Tops with Skinny Jeans

Some ideas for tops to wear with skinny jeans.

Tanks by Silence & Noise
Cardigans by Banana Republic

TIP: If you’re shy about wearing a skinny jean or jegging, opt for a straight leg jean. They give you the slimmer silhouette without the dreaded ice cream cone effect. This is a great way to break into the trend without going whole-hog. Although that’s probably not the best choice of expression. *giggle*

2. Wear skinny jeans with boots.

Virtually everyone agrees that skinny jeans look great tucked into boots. The added bulk of the boot on the bottom provides balance so that even girls with junk in the trunk can pull off the skinny jean with boots. It took me a while to find boots that worked for me. I am rather, er, top heavy, with wide hips and skinny legs, so I feel best in boots that are a little more bulky.

But what do you do when it’s too warm to wear boots?

I read one article that said to always wear skinnies with ballet flats or boots and to leave the heels for the super models. But the same night that I read this article, I was with a friend who can pull off skinny jeans with heels like nobody’s business. She was wearing them with a pair of high-heeled slides and looked adorable. Her secret? She’s about 5’2″ and is very well proportioned. She almost always wears heels because she wants the added height, and they actually help her achieve the proper proportion with the skinny jeans.

The next day I saw another article that said to only wear skinny jeans with heels, that wearing them with flats makes one look stumpy. But I take umbrage with that blanket statement. With my giraffe legs, I look much better when I pair skinny jeans with flats.

So what’s a girl to do?

It really depends on your body type.

If you’re short, or you have short legs for your frame, heels may work just fine. Since I’m leggy, I’m much more comfortable wearing my skinny jeans with flats or tucked into knee-high boots. I generally save my heels for my boot cut jeans. That said, it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, and if I suddenly decide to start wearing skinny jeans with heels, I will plead the fifth.

I think when it comes to heels vs. flats, you have to ask yourself two questions: What do I feel most comfortable in? and What looks best on ME? (Not the super model in the magazine or your 21-year-old neighbor next door.)

3. Go for a dark wash. Fit is key, but dark colors generally are more slimming than light colors. Again, all these rules fly out the window if you are young and thin and perfectly proportioned. (Lucky you! Of course, we all kind of hate you.) But for most of us, a skinny jean will look best in a dark, consistent wash.

Dark Wash Jeans

Skinny Denim at Macy’s
Plus Jeans at Torrid

4. Ultimately, wear what you like and feel good in. If that’s a boot-cut jean, then so be it. Give yourself permission to opt out of any trend that doesn’t work for you. You can be stylish and modern without being trendy. In fact, I highly recommend it.

How about you? Are skinny jeans a do or a don’t? If they’re a do, how do you make them work for you?

Big Mama’s on a blogging break, but you can find more Fashion Friday at Girlymama, Mommies with Style, and Water Water Everywhere.

And while I’m being a bad influence, here are some great shopping deals for your perusal.

Get 25% off select Nine West Fall styles + Free Shipping! Discounts reflected at checkout. Ends 9/20/10.

Get 25% off any Old Navy purchase. Enter code ONFALL at checkout. Offer ends 8/20/10 at 11:59 pm ET.

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Fashion Friday

by Jo-Lynne on August 12, 2010

in Fashion and Shopping

Somehow it’s Friday again, and you know what that means… it’s time to talk fashion. I had considered taking a break from Fashion Friday for the rest of the summer, but suddenly there are all these things I want to show you. I feel a list coming on. Just pretend I planned it all along.

*clears throat*

Allow me to present…

My Top 5 Favorite Summer 2010 Fashion Finds:

(Did you fall for it? Yeah, me neither.)

1. Miraclejeans. Yep, you read that right. When I was at BlogHer at the Getting Gorgeous event, I discovered Miraclejeans — jeans they claim make you look 10 pounds thinner instantly.

Everyone at the event got to try them on and bring a pair home, because Vera and Audrey are awesome like that. I admit, I was skeptical at first. I’m pretty picky about my denim. But when I got them home and tried them on again, I was pleasantly surprised with the look and feel. In fact, I wore my new Skinny Minnies all day yesterday. They are THAT comfortable. As for that 10 pounds… check out my review on Chic Critique for the full scoop (AND A GIVEAWAY.)

Also, if you’re into the jeggings (jean leggings) trend this summer, they have those too.

2. Swim Shorts. I mentioned these a few weeks ago, and I went ahead and ordered them! I got plain brown because they go with the floral tankini top I already own.

I like the swim skirt, as a rule, for modesty’s sake, but if they are at all too long or too flowy, I start to feel like Granny Clampett.

Swim shorts are the perfect solution. They are modest and comfortable and sporty and flattering. I’m sold. I may order another pair or two while swimwear is on sale. Actually, I’m sure I won’t, and then I’ll be kicking myself next spring. Just you wait.

3. Wedge Sandals. I’m such a fan of the wedge sandal. Wedges are much easier to walk in than heels, and a strappy sandal stays on my foot without digging into my ankles and giving me blisters like pumps are prone to do. (The blisters on my ankles after wearing those red patent leather pumps at BlogHer were fit for a horror movie. In fact, they’re still raw.)

Unfortunately, I lost my go-to pair of gold wedge sandals earlier this summer, so before BlogHer, I spent several days looking for the perfect replacement pair. I never did find exactly what I was looking for, until yesterday, of course. The Nine West Getby in light brown is EXACTLY what I had in mind, and I ordered them on the spot, as they only had one pair left in my size.

I can’t wait for them to come in; I hope I like them as much as I think I will. Nine West shoes usually fit my foot like they were made for me, so I’m optimistic.

4. Pencil Skirts. I’ve long known pencil skirts are my most flattering style, but they’ve been hard to find for a while. I’m so glad they’re making a comeback. I ordered this Bettona Pencil Skirt from Athleta when I ordered the swim shorts, and I get positive comments every time I wear it. Mostly people just want to touch it because it looks like denim but it wears like a sweatsuit.

I LOVE IT. It’s so comfy and cute, and it holds its shape even after a long day of travel. It’s even moisture-wicking and breathable. I ordered it in black, but I’m tempted to order another in brown, especially at that price.

5. Snakeskin. Evidently, snakeskin is the new black because when I was shopping before BlogHer, there were snakeskin shoes EV-ER-Y-WHERE. I actually bought this pair when they were 70% off at Bloomingdales. I’m not a fan of the bow on the ankle, but otherwise, I adore them.

If money grew on trees, I’d wear a different pair of snakeskin every day. I just signed up with ShopStyle, and I’ve been having fun making a spread. Indulge me for a minute, will you? I mean, SERIOUSLY. How fun is this?

Lauren Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Lauren Ralph Lauren

Wedges by Coach
Sandals by Lauren Ralph Lauren

What’s your favorite trend of the summer? Do share!

And for the love of all that’s aesthetically pleasing, I cannot seem to get a space between my ShopStyle spread and that paragraph below it, and I didn’t get much sleep last night so I’m not going to spend the next hour trying to figure it out. It will just have to stand as is.

Word on the street is that Big Mama is back to hosting Fashion Friday, so make sure you click on over and check out her words of fashion wisdom. And for even more fashion tawk, Sarah and Melissa have Fashion Friday posts up today.

Get 25% off BananaRepublic.com orders of $125 or more. Enter BRFORYOU at checkout. Offer starts 8/14/10 and ends 8/22/10.

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Fashion Friday BlogHer Style

by Jo-Lynne on July 31, 2010

in Fashion and Shopping

I have avoided talking too much about the upcoming BlogHer conference, because for the 99% of you who won’t be there, I realize the last thing you care to hear about is all the BlogHer preparations. And frankly, there haven’t really been any BlogHer preparations around here as yet. Which means that I have A LOT to do to be ready to go on Thursday.

Fortunately, my friend Melissa came to the rescue last Friday night and organized an event at the LOFT where a small group of local bloggers gathered to shop for the conference. We had a blast.

I scored an adorable jacket in opal gray (for fall, NOT for BlogHer, as it’s likely to be 95 degrees in NYC next weekend) and this fun sparkly T in wild berry (you can see me modeling it in Sarah’s video) that’s for just about anything. It should look great with jeans, either dressy or casual. I also picked up a top on the clearance rack that I wore out of the store and over to my new favorite restaurant, Seasons 52, where we enjoyed a delectable late dinner.

Oh. And I got these gorgeous earrings to wear them with the purple sparkly top.

In addition to the shopping spree (disclosure: we each received a gift card for $20 and a 20% off coupon to use that night, plus fashion consultations with their fabulous sales staff), Melissa rounded up some fabulous gift bags for us. My favorite items were, hands down, the Ellington HandBag, and these earrings from Kendra Scott.

I expect both of those items to make their debut at BlogHer next week. Then, among other things, there was the $25 gift card to ShopatHome.com and this fabulous body shaper from Kymaro.

But back to BlogHer Style.

As far as BlogHer Style is concerned, I’m struggling a bit with the current trends. You see, it’s like this. I do not do ruffles. I do not do muted colors. I do not do jersey, and I do not do thin, see-through shirts. And if you live under a rock or haven’t been shopping lately, this season’s trends are all about the thin, ruffly tops in muted colors and jersey knit dresses.

So.

This basically leaves me with my existing wardrobe to shop from — a fact for which my husband is supremely grateful.

I’ve never been to BlogHer, but I’ve been to several blogging conferences, and I know the key is be comfortable, be yourself, but definitely put some effort into your wardrobe. There are cameras EVERYWHERE.

The thing about BlogHer that is more stressful than other conferences I’ve attended is the plethora of parties. I have no clue how to dress for the various evening events I’m going to; I’m assuming some are dressier than others. So yesterday, I laid out all of my potential party outfits and played a little game of dress-up.

I was pleased to discover a couple of silky and sparkly tops in the back of my closet that I’d forgotten about, as well as a dress that I bought last summer and never wore. SCORE! And I think this is JUST the occasion to dust off my famous red patent leather shoes.

I guess it comes back to what they always tell you: Wear what you know you feel good in, put a little bit of effort into it, but don’t stress too much. And most of all, have fun! That’s exactly what I plan to do.

Big thanks to Melissa for organizing the BlogHer Style event, the LOFT in Paoli for opening their dressing rooms, and all of the companies who supplied our generous gift bags: Kendra Scott Jewelry, Ellington Handbags, Barista Bath and Body, Starbucks, ShopatHome.com, AquaNet, and Kymaro.

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KEEN Shoes on Weekend Deals at 6pm.com

July 24, 2010

No, this is not a deal blog, but I just thought you might wanna know… KEEN shoes are up to 60% off this weekend at 6pm.com. I’m ordering these for my daughter. They’ll be perfect for preschool this fall.

2 comments Keep reading

Fashion Friday: Fun Summer Stuff

June 25, 2010

Is this really still the first week of summer? I feel like I’ve lived a month this week. I really wanted to do a fashion hauling video, but I’m taking it easy today. Here are some random things that I think are really cute. I love this Burnout Mix Dress. I’d so wear it to [...]

15 comments Keep reading

Keens at 6pm.com

June 19, 2010

This weekend 6pm.com is featuring Keens as one of their weekend deals. Seriously, how cute are these? And what about these? They’re the same style as the ones I recently got, except without the back strap. For kids: A lot of their stock is more wintry, but buying off-season is a great way to save [...]

0 comments Keep reading

Fashion Friday

June 18, 2010

Christina writes: I’m flying to California next month for a summit and will need an outfit that can go from all day airport to drinks and appetizers that night. I don’t think I’ll have time to change before the reception – so I need something that is cute, comfortable, snazzy enough for nighttime, and will [...]