Fashion — Page 4

Do You Know the Secret to Winter Style for Busy Moms?

“What a strange power there is in clothing.” – Isaac Bashevis Singer… I’m a big fan of layered looks, and the cold weather of the winter months brings so many perfect accessories and layering options. As busy moms, we might admire the designer fashions in our favorite magazines, but they aren’t usually very realistic for our hectic lives. We need looks that are stylish & sexy – while still being sensible. I do NOT want to get sucked back into the frump mom look that I had after Abby was born and I transitioned to being a work from home mom, {so many sweat pants….} but I also need to be comfy while I alternate between work and chasing a busy toddler. And I want those comfy fashions to WORK – they should be able to mix and match easily, dress up or down, and take me from my office, to play/coffee dates with friends, and out for those rare date nights too. Did I mention that they also need to be affordable? No, I’m not dreaming – there is a whole line of fashions, available at Target, that can do all of this. Check it out…

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Posted by Meagan Paullin on October 25, 2012 Filed Under: Busy Mom Solution | No Comments

Five Wardrobe Essentials Every Modern Man Needs

“If people turn to look at you on the street, you are not well dressed, but either too stiff, too tight, or too fashionable.”
– Beau Brummel… I love this quote, especially when it comes to men’s fashions. For most guys, it’s almost uncool to be too fashionable – guys don’t want their friends making fun of a nice new shirt, a new haircut that’s too perfect, or a new accessory piece. And since most of they men I know let their wives or partners do the majority of their clothes shopping, it’s important to remember that what looks “cute” to us, might be a total deal-breaker for a guy. I used to work in retail as a personal shopper for years, and while men LOVE to get a woman’s opinion on the gear that they buy, trust me – they do NOT want to hear how “cute” the new shirt you bought them is. Ever. So, when you’re in need of affordable style that’s fashionable without being over the top trendy, a great place to start is the Merona line at Target.

These are my 5 must-have picks for fall-into-winter for men. Add in a couple of nice pairs of jeans, a few nice tee shirts, and you’ve got the perfect mix-and-match pieces that your mister can use for just about any occasion. Chino pants are a total classic, and can be dressed up with a tailored shirt and a blazer – or swap the blazer for the puffer vest and you have a whole different casual look. Here are a couple of ideas on how to mix up these pieces in new ways…

I love this – It’s mostly basic colors, with just a pop of the bright orange to give it more character. I see this as a great weekend outfit, something to wear for a day out with the family to visit the Farmer’s Market or the Pumpkin Patch. I seriously picked up several of these great basics to add to Mike’s fall wardrobe, I just love ’em. To get links to each individual piece in this outfit, check it out on Polyvore. My favorite thing about this look is that every single item is super affordable – they average out to about $20 each. And if you’ve ever worn the Merona collection yourself, you know the quality is incredible for the price.

On this one, you can again click through to my Polyvore board to get links and prices to shop each of the Merona pieces in this outfit. This is a great option for the guy who needs to dress up, but doesn’t like to get too “fancy” – You know, like most guys, lol. It pairs the Classic Chino with the Traditional Blazer – but then mixes in a plaid shirt instead of a plain dress shirt, and adds in a few rugged accessory pieces to keep it down to earth.

See how the Target Fall Collection is designed to take you through a season of stylish looks at Target.com/Merona.

Let’s Chat: What are your go-to fashion pieces when shopping for the man in your life? Leave some comments sharing your fave shopping tips….

{Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on October 18, 2012 Filed Under: Busy Mom Solution | 2 Comments

Three Ways to Wear a Blazer for Fall

“I base most of my fashion sense on what doesn’t itch.” – Gilda Radner… When I was 19, I got a job working in retail. It was a perfect fit for me – I love sales, I love talking to people all day, and I love playing with pretty clothes. I moved up over the years, moving on to manage several smaller boutiques and retail shops in the mall. One thing that I loved was working as a personal shopper – helping women put together new outfits, or even full wardrobes. {Yes, hard to believe it, when you see me today in my hoodie and leggings, working from home, lol.} A tip that I shared often is to invest in a few key classic pieces each season, the type of items that never really go out of style. One of those great basics is a blazer – whether it’s for work, a girls night out, or just a casual lunch date, a blazer totally boosts your style, and will get worn season after season, year after year. Keep reading to see three cool ways to wear it – and learn where I found a new fave this fall…

All pieces in this outfit are from the Merona collection at Target – Love it, right? I’m excited to find the plaid Blazer – the colors are subdued, so it’s not too wild. But it really brings a little bit of a funky twist to your more basic wardrobe pieces. And I love these blues, greens, and greys going into the holiday season. {Want the link to find a specific item? Just click each of the pics to check them out on Polyvore, where you’ll be able to go directly to the item you want on Target.com, easy peasy.}

This look makes me wish I had a “real” office to go to each day… Somewhere to get a little more dressed up. The color of this dress is perfect – take off the blazer, and you’re ready for holiday parties. And speaking of the blazer – how fun is the extra trim detailing on this one? Makes it a little big more polished and dressy. Add some cool Merona patterned tights and “shooties” – and you’ve got a look perfect for any event. I can totally see me wearing this at one of our local business meetings – it’s professional, but still fun and a little bit funky with the animal print accessories.

Do you have some summer favorites that you’re just not ready to pack away yet? A blazer works as a perfect partner to bring things like strapless dresses and strappy tanks into the cooler fall weather. Add some fun colored tights paired with tall boots, and you’ll stay warm all the way through winter. This is a great way to extend your wardrobe through the changes in seasons each year. And again – all of these pieces, even the accessories, are available at Target stores across the country, or at Target.com. Which means not only are the fashions adorable, but they’re also totally affordable too.

See how the Target Fall Collection is designed to take you through a season of stylish looks at Target.com/Merona.

What is YOUR favorite way to wear a blazer?

{Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on October 3, 2012 Filed Under: Busy Mom Solution | 1 Comment

How to Style Fall’s New Pencil Skirts

“What a strange power there is in clothing.” – Isaac Bashevis Singer… You know how much I adore new fall fashions, right? It’s my favorite time of year to shop – I love the feeling of cozy sweaters and thick socks, soft new scarves and comfy tall boots. And I definitely love the new colors that fall brings – This year my favorite are pieces inspired by the colors of nature – yellow, pumpkin, and a deep plum – perfect additions to liven up your more basic work pieces, and bring a smile to your face on even the dreariest of days. Let’s start with a total must-have style for work and play this fall – The Merona Pencil Skirt, from Target.

The Merona Pencil Skirt

Universally flattering with a cut that’s long and lean – a pencil skirt is always a great pick for a work wardrobe. This great skirt from Target is just as adorable as it is affordable – at only $20, you can afford to stock up! Pick a bright pencil skirt and find just the right amount of bold by layering those solids with a fun patterned cardigan. Or create contrast with color by mixing a pencil skirt with a striped pullover sweater. And, a pencil skirt isn’t just for work days – this one has enough stretch to keep it comfy, and looks great layered with tall boots and a fun top. So versatile, you’ll wonder how you lived without it!

How to style the Pencil Skirt

Here are my picks for how to style the Merona Pencil Skirt – I’m always more comfortable in skirts than I am in pants, so going into fall and winter, that means that I wear lots of tights and boots to stay warm as the weather cools down. And I love, love, LOVE the new Merona tights from Target – thick and luxurious, and they can really complete an outfit by bringing in that unexpected pop of color. Add another complimentary accessory like a scarf or bright jewelry, and you’ve taken your basic work look from boring to BOLD! And – all of these pieces are available at Target, making them easy to shop for, and totally affordable. How much better can you get, right? And stay tuned – I’m going to be doing a shopping trip to our own local target too – to show you some totally easy ways to keep your fall style right on trend, and within your budget.

See how the Target Fall Collection is designed to take you through a season of stylish looks at Target.com/Merona.

{Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on September 17, 2012 Filed Under: Busy Mom Solution | No Comments

Fall Style Report: Pick Pumpkin!

How can you not love pumpkins in the fall? There’s pumpkin bread, new Pumpkin Spice lattes at Starbucks, The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, the Pumpkin that brings Cinderella to the ball…. Some of my fave things involve pumpkin! So, when it comes to this year’s fall style, I’m definitely digging a pumpkin inspired look. {Well, not a pumpkin SHAPE, silly – more of the color and texture….} Keep reading to see my fave new pumkin-inspired find for fall –

Fall Fashion – Pick Pumpkin!

I just adore this color lately… And pumpkin is way more versatile than you might think. You can wear it with black or brown. It works with other neutrals as a pop of brightness, and contrasts great with other colors, like a bright teal, navy blue, forest green, and looks great with so many fall prints. Love it. Here are some of my faves:

Philosophy: Get this Homemade Pumpkin Pie scented product to bring a yummy fall baking scent with you all day long. This is a multi-tasker – it’s a shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath all in one!
Bracelet: I totally love this sun catcher crystal bracelet from Oka Jewelry – so pretty, and it’s a steal at only $19.99. Comes in a rainbow of other colors too!
Ring: This pretty bright-orange pumpkin ring is available on Etsy – perfect from Halloween all the way through fall to Thanksgiving.
Hair Accessories: How fun is this pumpkin patch-inspired Harvest Hair Crown, also available on Etsy? This could work with everything from a hoodie and boots to a pretty fall dress.
Shoes: Oh, how I need to learn to walk in heels again… These Pumpkin Suede pumps from Chinese Laundry are perfect for this time of year! Pair them with thick tights and a solid grey knee length dress – then toss on a printed scarf with a hint of pumpkin color in it to match!
Purse: Last but DEFINITELY not least – Check out my absolute favorite new find for fall… The Nicole Double Shoulder Bag in Pumpkin from Emilie M. Affordable and so fun – Perfect way to add a little bit of fall to your wardrobe.

I got this pretty new Emilie M. bag a few weeks ago, and at first, I wasn’t totally sure about this color. I had ordered it in pumpkin because I want to bring a new fall color into my wardrobe this year – and I’ve never really worn this shade. {I pretty much wear all black, all the time. Sometimes I mix it up with some dark grey…} But it arrived, and I thought – Man, why did I get brave? What will I wear this with?? But I wanted to shake up my usual same-old a bit, so I loaded it with my daily “mom gear” – ad committed to giving it a try. I am SO glad that I did – seriously, I have gotten more compliments on this than any other purse that I’ve had in years. And this color seriously matches EVERYTHING.

Rockin’ the Pumpkin Purse for Fall

Love this, right? I thought that it might look too “Halloween-y” with a black dress, but it totally works. It’s not a bright orange – this shade seriously works as almost a neutral. It also looks amazing with a pair of jeans, chunky cream-colored sweater, and tall brown boots. Well – Like I mentioned, it works perfect with everything. For real, ladies.

Want to check out the new fall purse line-up at Emilie M. too? Use coupon code SPEAKUP at check out on www.emiliemshop.com to receive $10 off your first purchase!!

For more great mom-friendly fashions, check out my Momma Loves Fashion board on Pinterest!

{Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post on behalf of SheSpeaks/Emilie M. I received a complimentary purse of my choice for this campaign – but only the best products make it onto this site. I love this brand, and think you will too!}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on September 10, 2012 Filed Under: Busy Mom Solution, Shopping, Deals and Coupon Codes | 4 Comments

Hey fashionistas – I’m giving one lucky lady a Coach bag!

Hey fashionistas – Are you ready to win a Coach bag?? ….This Giveaway is Sponsored by Social Media Drive and Saving and More, and is Hosted by Thrifty Wifey , Good Deal Divas, Bay Area Mommy, & Sweet Pea Savings! I’m super excited for the chance to join in with these great ladies – to bring you a super fab prize….

Enter to win a Coach Tote

I’m hoping to get back to more regular posting next week… The summer months with my nephews here all day, in addition to my little girl who just started showing me what people mean by Terrible Two’s – well, it was a lot more challenging than I expected. Then I got sick. Then there was the whirlwind of BlogHer – and the travel disaster that followed. Then I got home… And I’m sick again, with Whooping Cough. Craziness. So – since I haven’t had the oomph to keep up with sharing great posts with you guys – I’ve found some super awesome giveaways to bring you to kind of make up for it, and ask ya to stick with me :) … And this is one of my faves! I mean, who doesn’t love a Coach bag, right?

Simple rules and info

The prize that one lucky winner will take home – a Coach Kyra White Tote {F19712} – a $248 value. Sweet, I know. This giveaway starts Thursday 8/30 at 8pm EST, and Ends Thursday 9/6 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be emailed – but the winner’s name will also be on the RC starting Thursday 9/7 – so you can check to see it if you’re feelin’ lucky! Use the easy peasy Rafflecopter form below to enter to win… Do as few, or as many, entries as you like – the more you complete, the more chances that you’ll have to win this totally awesome bag for fall!

Have fun & Good luck!

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Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 30, 2012 Filed Under: Giveaways | 26 Comments

Style Tips to Makeover Your Man – #MaLoUnderwear

“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” – Coco Chanel… So, I love my mister. After almost 8 years together, I know his fabs, and his flaws. I accept ’em all, I love him no matter what… but that doesn’t mean that I don’t give him “encouragement” for changes once in awhile, lol. And one of those BIG encouragements come in the wardrobe department. When I met Mike, he was a pretty trendy guy. He was always really well put together, never one of those guys that needed a chick to tell him what matched. {I’ve known a LOT of those types of guys.} But, he’s suffered from the same problem I have over the past couple of years – as we both work from home, and it’s easy to get into a habit of sweats, tees, and other sloppy stuff. That’s ok – it’s comfy, it’s easy to chase a toddler in – but it’s not very stylish. And with a few big events on the horizon, I needed to upgrade us both to some new styles. If you have a mister in need of a mini-makeover, keep reading for a little inspiration…

“All it takes are a few simple outfits. And ther’s one secret – The Simpler The Better.” – CARY GRANT

This is what I’m working with now – All Carhartt shirts, all the time. Ok, he might mix it up once in awhile with a racing shirt from one of his events. But mostly it’s a Carhartt shirt in some shade of blue or gray. Matched with jeans or sweats. And since he works on race cars so often, most of these shirts are pretty beat up. I mean, it’s not horrible – I am a fan of Carhartt. But it’s not exactly the type of thing for dinner dates or a night out, you know?

“Delete the negative; accentuate the positive!” – Donna Karan

We headed to one of my fave stores to shop for Mike’s updates – Target. {See my shopping trip details on Google+.} I love Target fashion – a good mix of basics and trends, at super affordable prices. I picked up a couple of new summer dresses for myself, some cutie patootie shorts outfits for Abby, then we headed back to the Menswear section to get shopping for Mike. He HATES shopping, so I knew this was going to be a bit of a challenge…

MaLo Underwear for Men from Mario Lopez – Now at Target

You can’t build something great without the right foundation, right? So new undies and tee’s were at the top of my list! I’m sure that many of you ladies have men with closets like my Mister’s – the oldest, dingiest, most worn out undershirts, and boxers from 10 years ago. Seriously, why is it so hard for them to buy new ones?? Luckily there was a big selection of the gear I came looking for – the new MaLo line from Mario Lopez. {Remember him? Saved by the Bell, and Dancing with the Stars?} He is just the most adorable guy, and a great example of good style. So we picked up a pack of these for Mike – and he was actually excited to get them. Score!

“The well-dressed man is he whose clothes you never notice.” – William Somerset Maugham

This is the outfit I picked out for Mike… He gave me a big ol’ “HECK no!” when I asked if he’d model his new gear for a pic to share. He hates pictures! But – here’s one of the outfits he agreed to – simple, still comfy, but much upgraded from his usual look. Here are a few of my style tips for guys:

Flat front: Mike’s shorts are a clean flat-front khaki. Always get flat-front – please, oh please, do NOT get pleated pants or shorts. They add a ton of bulk, are not flattering, and make you look like an old college professor. Not a trendy look, guys.
Layered: A layered look is always a good choice. In the summer it’s too hot for a lot of layers – but a cotton button up over a tee is perfect. In fall, you could add a hoodie or jacket too.
Mix it up: When layering, don’t always grab the basic white tee. Try a bright pop of color for fun – or even just a new neutral, like grey or beige. There are some really great choices from MaLo too – in super soft fabrics!
Keep it updated: Anything with stains, holes, or underwear that are over 10 years – it needs to go, guys. I know – it’s a shirt from your high school football days and it still fits {kinda} and you just can’t bear to part with it! Take a pic, put it in a scrapbook, and move on.

Even the most style challenged guy can handle some simple updates, like new undies and tees, and a shirt or two with a collar. And make sure to check out the MaLo Underwear section at your local Target, to pick up some great new gear for your mister while your updating his look.

Makeover Your Man!

Use these style tips, the great new line from Mario Lopez, {see more on Twitter with the #MaLoUnderwear tag, or follow Mario Lopez} and the affordable gear at Target to give your man a mini-makeover too. You can make it a total one-stop-shop experience too – you can pick up razors and shave essentials, new hair products, shoes and other dude accessories like a new wallet or watch, and even a new cologne. Then grab a cute dress and heels for yourself, and plan that much-needed night out. You deserve it!

MaLo is a Much Better Sight on Laundry Day!

Now, even though I still have to wash and fold a million old Carhartt shirts that are so stained you can barely even tell that hey have been washed, {seriously, so bad…} – at least there are new underwear and basic tees that are clean, non-stained, and hole free. And that’s a start, right? {I’m thinking that this Christmas, the magical closet fairy is going to come in on Christmas Eve and replace all those old ripped up tees with brand new Carhartt gear. He can’t get too mad about me throwing them out if I replace them, right? And maybe I can even sneak in a couple more shirts with collars…. }

Look for the new #MaLoUnderwear line at Target today!

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and MaLo#CBias #SocialFabric. All photos, opinions, and overuse of exclamation marks is 100% my own. We loved this new line from Mario Lopez, and I know you will too.