The Diaper Bag, Not just for Babies Anymore

Last week I got some big news. This little known Social Media Specialist, fashion and Disney Blogger got a job working for the website of a major network in NYC. Being the fashion obsessed girl that I am, my first thought was, “how can I commute in comfort and style?” Right now, I go to and from work with two-three bags depending on the day.  Since, I will be traveling by bus and/or train that simply won’t do. While browsing the Vera Bradley website and with a little advice from Mom I found my solution, The Baby Bag.

I know what you’re thinking, but let me let Vera describe this bag to you, “Our latest Baby Bag has a total of 11 pockets inside and out, including a full zippered back, and holds everything from bottles to extra clothes. We’ve added a special clip for disappearing pacifiers and lined the interior for easy cleaning. Also includes a 26″ x 14″ terry-covered changing pad with coordinating trim.” Where a Mom sees 11 pockets and a zipper back for bottles, pacifiers, and toys; I see a place for my cell phone, iPod, Kindle, pens, and a travel mug/ water bottle. Enough room for extra baby clothes and diapers works perfectly for gym clothes and a notebook. It’s also lined so I can carry my lunch without worrying that it will ruin my expensive bag. Not to mention you can wash it.

Oh and there’s that changing pad for dirty diapers. Since the bag costs around $100 I wanted to make sure I was getting my money’s worth. I have come up with 3 alternative uses for the changing pad.

1. Keep it in the bag as an extra piece of lining or a divider between your lunch and other important items.
2. If you eat at your desk and you’re a little messy like me, use it as a place mat.
3. I currently use mine as a bath mat. It’s a decent size and absorbent. When you aren’t using it throw it over the side of the tub and hide it with a shower curtain. It’s completely washable as well.

Sometimes we working girls need to be a little resourceful to be both successful and fabulous.

Teaching Effortless Style

Last night, I went to see The Lucky One for the second time to accompany my friend Lauren, who could not attend Friday’s girls night.  (My Review: The book is better and nothing like the film, but seeing yummy Zach Efron again was worth the $9. All in all, as a girl I enjoyed it.)I was going to miss Fashion Star, which is my usual Wednesday Post. I needed to use the film to come up with a great post for today. Throughout both viewings of the film I admired the character Beth’s wardrobe; lightly colored, flowy cotton blouses, a really cute jacket, boots, and sandals. My favorite part was the delicate gold heart necklace she wore in each scene. The clothes were so simple she seemed effortless. The character is a substitute teacher asked to take the position of a teacher on maternity leave. During that scene I looked to my left and realized Lauren has the exact same job. And, that is when the inspiration bell started to ring again.

Teachers are always on their feet and always have an audience. To get through their day they should dress comfortable and sensible without giving up their style. I believe Beth in The Lucky One Portrays that perfectly. Dayna Pink did a fantastic job picking out looks for the film. With a little help from the Gap, I believe I came up with a whimsical spring outfit for my teacher friend.

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Smocked blouson top $49.95

Broken-in straight khakis $49.95

1969 favorite denim jacket $79.95

Beaded T-strap sandals $39.95

East West Tote $39.00–$52.00

Lauren is a very pretty girl with a tomboy personality. She is fun and loud. I didn’t want an outfit that would out shine her great personality. I kept it very simple with bottoms and a top with a basic jacket over it. I wanted to use light, feminine fabrics and simple color to show how lovely she is without being overly girly. Spring trend alert: pastel pants are all the rage! Pick them up for casual outtings or a day in the office. I also added the Vera Bradley bag (practical for papers) and colorful sandals for a ladylike, softer side.

Taking a Cue from 90210

As a working girl in a casual office I often wonder what I would wear to work this time of year if I had to get dressed up. The weather is fickle in the springtime, going from warm to cold from rain to shine. Take this morning for example, it was cold and rainy when I left the house in navy blue polka dot wellies and a bright red raincoat. Boy, do I look stupid now that the sun is shining! I’m getting sick of the same old jeans and boring tops. I try to blend in when I long to standout. I want an excuse to dress like the girls on my favorite TV shows.

My dream ensemble would have to be wide, flowy tuxedo pants, a sheet blouse, a cardigan sweater, and wedges. It’s practical for work, cute and trendy, as well as, comfortable for the ever changing spring weather. When creating this outfit in my head I couldn’t take full credit because I stole the look from 90210’s Naomi Clarke.

Each item comes from the ever fashionable and affordable Forever 21. Did I mention each item is under $30? Well…they are!

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Essentials Button Cardigan, $13 (I have one of these and I’m going back for more colors. Great quality for a cheap price and you can wear it over anything)
Polka Dot Shirt, $18 (Please wear something other than a bra underneath this haha)
Wide Leg Tuxedo Pants, $28
Buckled Wedge Platforms, $27 (Depending on where you work you might want to swap these out for basic heels, but I love the wedge with these pants)
Top Handle Cross Bag, $27
Skinny-Tri Buckle Belt, $5.80

One of my favorite ways to get inspired is by unwinding each night after work with one of my favorite shows. That’s where I got the idea for this outfit. It’s a great way to relax and discover something new, such as, clothing, home décor, a dream job, a relatable story line to help you in your life, etc. It also acts as a great escape from a stressful day. So tune into 90210 tonight at 8:00 on the CW and get motivated.

Green Glam and Earthy Couture

In honor of Earth Day (which was yesterday), I wanted to look at some apparel companies who are doing their part to help the Earth’s future while keeping us fabulous.

H&M recently went eco-friendly with their conscious collection made of entirely sustainable materials. The collection is the retailer’s first attempt at red carpet looks and elegant evening gowns. Celebrities like Michelle Williams and Viola Davis have been seen in some of these pieces. The clothing is made out of recycled polyester and cotton hemp. The collection ranges from $19.99-$299.

On to another eco-friendly company; Toms!  Now, most of us already know the story behind these giving shoes, but here’s a recap. With every pair of Toms you buy they will donate a pair to a needy child in one of 20 countries throughout the world. Toms are a sustainable shoe and some are 100% Vegan helping to keep our world smiling. Not only do they give back to the people they give back to the place they live.

Last, but definitely not least is Vaute Couture (pronounced like vote) a vegan company with a store located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The name is play on Haute Couture, but the H is replaced with a V for vegan. The company believes animals are our friends and we can still dress great and feel great without involving them in the process. The clothing is 100% recyclable material and cruelty free. The company specializes in beautiful coats, but has branched out a little. This is my ploy to shop locally; another way to do our part. http://www.vautecouture.com/index.htm

This is our world and we have to live in it and our children have to live in it and so on. You love fashion? So, shop for at least one eco-friendly item and look fashionable while taking care of our planet. Even you can make the slightest difference. All it takes is one person to do one little thing. Happy Earth Day!

Friday Favorite: Do the Kelly Ripa

This week’s Friday Favorite comes from an image of Kelly Ripa at the TV Land Awards. I couldn’t resist picking this look due to the electric royal blue color, adorable black bow, and basic black pumps. Wedding and prom season are here giving me the perfect excuse to cheaply recreate it for you. Here are two different options to help you achieve this look.

Modcloth Dresses:
AS you Lake it Dress: $54.99
In your Own Bright Dress: $69.00

Vince Camuto, Black Faux Patent LAeather Studded Bow Buckle Skinny Belt, $28
Forever 21, Basic Black Pump, $16.80

**Today I launched my Disney Blog: Discount Disney. Please give it a read: discountdisney.wordpress.com**

The Comfort Zone

On last night’s episode of Fashion Star the designers were asked to step out of their comfort zone and design something they never have before. In doing so, Orly (who did not a get a buy) and last night’s winner Luciana Scarabello helped to keep us in our comfort zone.

Both women designed light weight cropped jackets (Orly’s went from long to short her usual trend) perfect for this time of year. For most people when they head to work in the morning it starts out at 40 degrees and gradually gets warmer as the day goes on. That makes it very difficult to pick out what to wear. Not to mention the ever changing office temperature going from hot to cold to hot again. A cute cropped jacket just happens to be a wonderful solution for this time of years fickle temperatures.

Scarabello’s  jacket is full of intricate details from the fabric choice to the pointed hem, and the braided chain trim. You can purchase an affordable cropped jacket pretty much anywhere, but if you love this one it sells at Macy’s for $99, not too bad for a versatile piece of clothing. You will get your money’s worth wearing it up or down.

-Wear it over a dress for an evening out.

-Wear it with a skirt and blouse for work.

Wear it over jeans and a plain T-shirt for every day wear.

If $99 is a little out of your price range check out these alternatives:

Sandy Cropped Jacket from G by Guess (amazon.com), $50

Rounded Hem Jacket Forever 21, $28

Shrunken Leather Jacket From the Gap, $298 (This is my bad, when I first saw it I though it said $29, but it’s still fun to look at)

So grab a cropped jacket in the morning, take it off in the warm afternoon sun, and put it back on for your journey home. You’ll be comfortably adorable.

Get the Look: Summer Music Festival

Over the weekend many celebrities stepped out for weekend one of Coachella. They looked comfortable and at ease in their summer, hippy inspired looks. For those of you who don’t know, Coachella is a three day annual arts and music festival in California.

Now that the warmer months are here (it’s 9am as I write this in my notebook and it’s already almost 70 degrees) we too need some awesome outdoor concert clothes. For an event like this think short shorts, flowy tanks and tops, sundresses, sunglasses, and a light jacket or cardigan for when it gets dark. Remember to include one or two summer trends to the mix, like bright colors or an animal print. Don’t forget funky sandals and a really cute hat. It’s easy and affordable with help from American Eagle. We don’t need designer duds to achieve the same look.  Each item is under $50.

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American Eagle Outfitters Ae Peace Cutout Crop Tank, $25

American Eagle Outfitters Ae Soft & Light Cardigan, $40

American Eagle Outfitters Ae Printed Empire Waist Dress, $40

American Eagle Outfitters Ae Dark Denim Hipster Shortie, $37

AEO Cutout Lace-Up Sandal, $34.50

American Eagle Outfitters Aeo Whipstitched Satchel, $30

View the whole thing on my Polyvore: http://www.polyvore.com/get_look_summer_music_festivals/set?id=47348364

 Let’s do summer concerts in style.  I know I will come the end of May at the Great GoogaMooga. So get dressed and get down!

Is this False a Advertisment?

Towards the end of last week I wrote about my experience with the Suave Keratin 30 Day Smoothing Kit. It didn’t turn out all that bad for me, but I was not thrilled with the results. I chalked it up to a cheap over the counter product and that I got my money’s worth. The ends of my hair seemed fried so I went to my hairdresser Eva for a trim this weekend. That is where the truth about this product came out…

There are several irregularities with this product compared to the real thing:

• You cannot use it if you recently dyed your hair and you cannot dye your hair for at least a week after using it.
  • For a real Keratin treatment this does not apply. In actuality, they recommend you color your hair and get the treatment in the same day. The Keratin preserves the color and helps it to last longer.
• The product only lasts 30 days, but you cannot do it again for 90 days.
  • A real Keratin treatment will last longer and once the time period is over you can get it done again right away.
• THE SMELL! This product smells like a strong perm (because it might actually be one).
  • This is not how a real treatment smells. Throughout the process you must keep combing your hair to keep it straight. I bet if you used rollers you would end up with curly hair.

Now on to the horror stories:

I was one of the lucky ones, but Eva’s other client was not. She had blond highlights which mixed with this product caused extreme damage and breakage. She’s had to have several deep conditioning treatments to help save her hair. There are several bad reviews on amazon.com, as well, but none compares to this one:

This image is just an example and is not related to the Suave Product.

“I read all of the warnings on the side and thought–huh. That sounds scary. But–and this is the important part–as NONE OF THE WARNINGS APPLIED TO ME–I opened the package. I then read the inside instructions, which are a bit overwhelming. But, again, it didn’t seem like anything I couldn’t do, so I followed the directions to the letter–including the part about ‘sweeping your hair up and back’ so as to ‘maintain body at the crown’.

I now have a giant bald spot around my part–on the front of my head, where my bangs should be.” –T.Arnold http://www.amazon.com/review/R2G33LBA90KA8H/ref=cm_cr_dp?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005SPESLY&nodeID=3760911&store=beauty

This product is dangerous and according to several hairdressers, “NOT A KERATIN TREATMENT.” It’s false advertising!  I heard that if you are unhappy you may call Suave for your money back, but I would also call Suave and demand they remove this from the market before other women make the same mistakes.

Friday Favorite: Espadrilles

The must have summer footwear are espadrilles; due in part to the fact that they are extremely versatile. They can come flat or they can come in a heel for a little comfortable height for us “fun sized” girls. The braided rope around the soul is what makes them an espadrille. They come in tons of colors, shapes, sizes, patterns, and you can wear them with any outfit. Pair them with shorts, swimwear, dresses, skirts, wide legged trousers, skinnies, or cropped pants. I have put together several looks to help you pick out the best espadrilles for you and how to wear them. All looks are affordable and accessible.

**Remember, summer is all about looking cute and effortless. Throw something comfortable on and go for a more natural makeup look.**

Espadrille look number one comes from Forever 21. It features the Canvas Striped Espadrille Flat ($16.80). It’s paired with a sleeveless and sheer blouse and a light weight cropped pant to keep you cool. This would be my summer errand running look, going to the mall or food shopping. All items are from Forever 21.

This look comes from Old Navy and it a great day ensemble. It features the Canvas-Strap Mid-Wedge ($25). It’s awesome for a picnic or BBQ with the cute patterned shorts and basic V-neck T-shirt with beachy bag. All items are from Old Navy.

Now let’s head over to Sunday brunch, a graduation party, the winery, or a nice dinner out. Blue and yellow are my favorite color blocking combination for the warmer months and with these Target pieces it’s easy and cheap to achieve. It features the Women’s Xhilaration Teresa Espadrille ($29.99). All items are from Target.

This final look comes from American Eagle. It’s a nice casual dinner outfit, but for me it’s a night with friends at Eddies. Eddies is a cute pub in my town that has huge windows that allow in the sweet summer breeze. It’s the perfect place to grab a beer and split a yummy appetizer with friends. This outfit works well in this setting because it says, “I look good without really trying.”

Thanks for attending Espadrilles 101. You now know how to make this summer trend work for you for any occasion. You’re homework assignment: Add a pair to your wardrobe this weekend. It doesn’t take a lot of money for this summer item.

Forever 21 has got What you Need!

There are basic articles of clothing every woman should have in their closet; such as, a trench coat, tank tops for layering, a couple of cardigans, simple skirts, blouses, etc. Investing in all of these pieces can get a little expensive at times, but thanks to Forever 21 these items are more accessible than ever.

I’m not 100% sure of the launch date, but about a month or so ago Forever 21 released their Essentials Collection. It’s full of wardrobe staples at truly affordable prices. The items start at $6.80 and I believe go up to about $24.80.

• Tanks
• Simple Belted Shorts
• Circle Skirts,
• Chevron Tops
• Blouses
• Basic Shirt Dresses
• Long/Short Sleeve tops in different colors, shapes, and sizes.
• Woven Skirts
• Cardigans
• Woven Capris

I kept looking at these items online, but was wary to make a purchase. Forever 21 clothes are always on trend at an affordable price, but that can sometimes make these fun clothes appear cheap. It’s one of those stores I like to call “buy and bye” (buy it now, toss it later). You pick up the latest trend for next to nothing, then throw it out next season, and pick up the newest trend without the guilt.  However, some items last longer than others depending on what you buy. That’s really not the case with this collection. Yes, some items appear cheaper than others, but the rest looks and feels like quality stuff. My rule of “buy and bye” will apply with some, but not all of these items. I absolutely love the blue pin striped blouse and linen mini skirt I bought. Both items together cost $22 and are perfect for a day outing or summer time in the work place. It all depends on the accessories you use to add your own flare to these simple items.

You shouldn’t always skimp on staple items because it’s nice when they are timeless and can last a long time. But, the Essentials Collection is perfect for those of us who need to shop on a budget. Recent college grads can pick up some items to add a professional look to their wardrobe, while still saving to pay off those loans. Plus with the money you save you can buy some new accessories to create all sorts of looks with your new classic wardrobe. Mix and match to remain fresh and versatile.