trendy mommies

The following is a sponsored post – a free online kids clothing exchange service.

Have a pile of baby clothes that you wish you could exchange for the next size up?  There is a great web site called Baby Clothing Network,a free online trading service for kids clothing.  It’s a easy way to trade clothing fairly because it uses a trade-for credit system. No money exchanges on the site but rather if you trade a box of items you earn equivalent credits based on the value of the goods. What a great idea!   Check out my video.

There has been so much talk of what to buy for Valentine’s Day and the best gifts that I decided to write about something a little bit different for this day and talk about a trend that my 6 year just loves to do….shop your closet.

My 6 year old asked me if I was going to talk about her in my blog post and I told her I would! Especially because she made me think about this trend – shopping in your closet! 

Yes, on many occasions she shops in my closet and puts together the most adorable outfits. This past weekend she put together this outfit for me (didn’t even know I had the necklace). Both her and my 9 year old are quite the fashionistas – see other picture below.  There are so many ways to update your look this upcoming spring season with pieces you already have in your closet – think cargos with bright colors like orange or pink or gold jewelry with that black dress your own and snakeskin is big – from accessories to dresses.  Just take an inventory of what you already have and throw out what you have not worn and go from there….

Did you score any fashion finds over the holidays? The day after Christmas provided some great sales and deals. Here are a few trendy items I picked up over the holidays.

Trendymommies headed out for their first official girls night out (well, overnight stay) to Gloucester Mass and it was a blast. The City of Gloucester is beautiful and there are many fun things to do.  So if you are looking for a mom’s getaway or a trip to the beach with the kids head up to Gloucester, Mass. 

Our accommodations were wonderful. The Atlantis Oceanfront Inn was amazing. http://www.atlantisoceanfrontinn.com

Each room has an ocean view. As you lie in your bed you can hear and see the ocean waves. There is an oceanfront breakfast cafe which I hear is fabulous. I will try next time I visit (as we slept in late……what? There were no kids to wake us up!) One of my favorite beaches – Good Harbor – is a 1/4 mile away. There were great places to eat, museums to visit and nightlife.

Our trip this time was focused on shopping.  We took a trip down Main Street and were in and out of some interesting and unique stores.

• Bananas was full of fun including rows of eclectic clothing, shoes and jewelry. Vintage finds were everywhere! Rachel Zoe would have fun in this store (it is BA-Nan AS)
• GreenLife has great organic finds for mom and baby.
• The Black Swan has trinkets and jewelry and we discovered fantastic extra large fortune cookies covered in chocolate.
• Menage Galllery had beautiful handmade furniture and unique gifts  http://www.menagegallery.com
• Pisces is also a great gift shop.  They have fun glassware, treats and some clothing

So gals, next time you are planning a get-a-way for the girls head up to Gloucester, Mass for food, fun, shopping, great scenery and a peaceful atmosphere!

Besides flip flops and sunscreen what else do you need for the beach? We mommies could use a few items – simple items to make dealing with the sun and sand a bit easier.

Baby Powder – simply rub this on and sand wipes off easily from little hands and toes. No complaining the water is too cold!

Evan Facial Spray – I have used this for years and my hubby used to laugh when I would bring it on trips. Put it in the refrigerator and it’s a really nice treat for your face on a hot day. http://www.evian.com/#/en_US/56-Facial-Spray

Hair protector -Loreal’s EverPure UV protect spray is great. I love the smell and it has no sulfates in it! It has UV filters in it to protect color treated hair from the sun.

A sun hat is a must. I have quite the collection!  The web site shady lady (love that name!) has a great selection. I love the color and style of the sun dancer hat. It also has coverage in the back.

http://www.shadyladyproducts.com/product_p/615.htm

Sun Grubbies has this unique hat called the off shore water sun hat. It’s lightweight, has an adjustable neck strap so it won’t fall off when you are surfing or kayaking. Plus, it’s floatable so you won’t lose it if it does fall off.  http://www.sungrubbies.com/product_index_html/product_detail_html/OffShoreWater-Sun-Hat.htm

Coolibar offers some nice hats and if you can’t decide on a color why not get the reversible bucket hat

http://www.coolibar.com/02509w.html

80 degrees in April in New England = flips flops immediately.  I do love flip flops myself, wearing them well before summer and well into the fall.  I try to look for comfy ones for the kids. After receiving a note from the principal cautioning the use of flip flops at school I realized the search for sandals is on. Doesn’t everyone’s feet sweat in sneakers and socks when it’s 85 degrees out? My 5 year old loves her ugg sandals and my 8 year old will put on any pair of flips flops she finds so getting her to wear a pair of sandals can be tricky. Here are some sandals I have checked out and are on the wish list.  

• A few years back I bought the most adorable teva sandals and now since my 5 year old has inherited them she refuses to wear them. I think they are cute and comfy but sometimes my kids think otherwise. Love the Girl’s Tirra this season. The tanza boys are pretty rugged.  http://www.teva.com/productslist.aspx?g=k&categoryid=50

• Every year I check out the echo line of sandals – another comfy choice and a bit more sparkly for those who have little girls who are drawn to shine and sparkle. My daughter tried on her sandals from a few years back and was so sad they did not fit. Love the ecco pearl girl sandal and the duke sandal for boys are dark enough to hide the dirt. http://www.eccousa.com/shoes/kids/

• Sport sandals are comfy and convenient as some you can get wet and even run in them without spraining a little ankle. From Stride Rite the pretty pink Eve sandal is water friendly and fast drying. For Boys, the Sperry Top-Sider Lagoon is very functional. Stride Rite calls this their sneaker/sandal hybrid. It  has a hook-and-loop closure, a recycled rubber outsole for traction and a leather and neoprene upper to keep feet dry. http://www.striderite.com/jump.jsp?itemID=0&itemType=HOME_PAGE

Why is it so hard to find shoes for my girls? I really like to get them leather shoes/sneakers for back to school. They each have one pair of gym sneakers (laced), one pair of casual sneakers (velcro), ballet flats and now am on the search for black mary janes that are comfortable to wear but more like a casual sneaker. Most of them are not leather. I want them to be comfortable and not have sweaty feet. I just have not found the ideal pair yet. Especially this season with all their clothes they chose for back to school are black I would love them to have a simple black pair. If anyone has ideas and/or suggestion I would love to hear them! I am now on zappos.com and there are a ton of kids shoes to choose from, so wish me luck!

We all know how fun shopping can be! Recently I was in Newburyport, Mass – a lovely little coastal community where they had their Yankee Homecoming. There were old-fashioned sidewalk sales with great buys. But even if they don’t have a sidewalk sale going on the shops are very quaint. If you can’t make it there don’t worry – a couple of my favorites have online shopping!

My favorite was Pink Hears Blue Soles. They have great shoes and accessories for little ones including a huge selection of Lelli Kelly footwear and accessories. The shop owner was a great salesperson and I of course walked away with t-shirts, rainjackets, boots and a pencil kit holder for the girls! http://www.pinkheartsbluesoles.com

My next favorite is Box and Bow. They have everything from bags, bridal items, baby items and a great selection of jewelry! http://www.boxandbowgifts.com

My last stop was Ballotin Chocolates. They have THE BEST CHOCOLATES! What else can I say? Check them out

http://www.ballotinchocolates.com

Good Monday morning – the countdown is on…for Halloween that is!  (how many of you were scrambling to find high school musical costume that would fit the little ones!
Well the good news is if you are like me and waited to the last minute you can probably find some costumes on sale (if there are still any left! it is next Wednesday after all).

Pottery Barn always has very cute outfits for the younger crowd.

Lillian Vernon also has some great deals on costumes and decor (get your stuff for next year now).

Your local craft store will have some great patterns if you are good at sewing and or course Marshalls and TJ Maxx have a great supply of costumes. A friend suggested to buy the Disney Store costumes after Halloween for next year or for dress up – now that’s smart.

I think I overdress sometimes. Well, I Iike fashion and since I have been working from a home office for the last 5 years anytime I have an outside meeting, networking event, school meeting, I love to dress up.  If my husband says it’s hideous I know it’s fashionable!  Case in point, I bought a black satin blouse with balloon sleeves and pleated front.  I loved it. As I headed out the door to a networking event he said WHAT are you wearing???

When I met my friend prior to the event she said where did you get that blouse? I have to get it! (she went out and bought the same one the next day)  We of course went shopping prior to the event and wouldn’t you know at least three people complemented me on my shirt!  (each time I got a huge chuckle)
 
So my advice is wear what you like and what you feel comfortable in no matter how fancy or hideous others may think it is! 

For my fashion forward friends here are some cool must have’s for this season:
 
The blouse – jewel tones are in – especially deep rich tones like purple or as the fashionistas say plum, amethest and aubergine.
 
The Shoe – anything patent leather  – check out these ones from Coach or Cole Haan. Or heck – just head to the Marshall shoe department where there are rows and rows to choose from!.
 
The color Cobalt – that bright blue color I just picked up a sweater from my new favorite store Canada based Jacob.
 
The tough trend – Studs. Here is one that is tough for some – studs – but it does make a nice addition to heels, bags and dresses
 
The accessory – Anything belted – a dress, coat, skirt. So wear what  you like and forget about what anyone says!