Secrets...Think Daffodils...

From all that I'm seeing and hearing, bright yellow is the hot color for this spring. Pantone(a company that widely influences the fashion industry when it comes to colors and shades) recently named "mimosa" the color of 2009. It's bright, but also has some warm hues to it, so it's not too overwhelming.

Other "in" colors are ones that remind you of citrusy things. Mango, papaya, limes, get it? Now, you don't have to feel like you have to run out and get a wardrobe full of fruit, but if you see a cute new bag or top, instead of going for your usual black, brown or gray, grab the brightly colored one! Next on the list for top colors are the bright pinks and blues, so if the yellow family feels a little too ambitious, go with one of the others that you feel more confident in.

When wearing these fun pops of color, make sure you freshen it up by pairing them with denim or white. Pairing with black is a little too 80s.

You'll look adorable sporting these splashes of color this spring and summer!

Secrets...for Spring!

Today with the rain coming down, it reminds me of how ready I am for sunny warm weather. I mean, I'm all about some cute rainboots, but not so much the rain.

To get yourself ready for springtime, find a pair of old jeans that you're not wearing on an everyday basis. I feel like since I was a teenager, I have things that acclamate me to the spring. For example, pulling my flipflops out from under the bed. Painting my awful looking toenails. And, cutting off a pair of jeans and making a "new" pair of capris or shorts.

Apparently the fashion experts are taking to this quite literally this year. The in thing for this spring is to have "boyfriend jeans". Basically these are jeans that have lots of cuts and tears in them, and then are rolled up to have a cute little cuffs on the bottom. I think the best idea is to go get a pair of guys jeans (or snag a pair from your hubby or boyfriend) from Goodwill or your favorite local thrift store, and do the job yourself. Now I know some of you will not feel very confident in doing this, but seriously, you can't go wrong with slashing up a pair of $2 jeans. These are Lucky Jeans, and are each $129. I think you can do better than that!

Pair these cuties with your favorite flops or flats, and you'll be looking so sassy for spring!

Secrets...A New Year...A New You!

Last night I got to do something I love. I got to take my big sister shopping. Using her money. Picking out what she liked but what I knew looked good. And for only a couple hours, bossing her around!

I loved saying, "oohhh...yes!" or, "ummm.....no."

As I was dressing her, and creating outfits, and reviewing and designing, I thought to myself how much I love doing that. And I even piped in when I overheard someone looking at a pair of pants saying, "What would I wear with these?" They went with my suggestion, which was also extremely satisfying.

By the end of the evening using my good fashion sense and her money (under $200, if you must know), we walked out of the store having an entirely new wardrobe. A grown up wardrobe. With pants that fit, not the ones that fall off your butt. And shirts that are professional and flattering, not trendy and going to fall apart after 2 washes.

After all, she's almost 35, and is about to be a RN. She needed some help getting prepped for her nursing interviews.

I think my favorite part was being able to see how great she looked and felt at the end of the evening.

So all this to say, that as we come into a new year, go through your closet. Pull out the old, unworn, and unworthy.

Shirt Tips: a classic button down looks good on everyone - it that's too boring for you, get one with ruffles at the sleeves, or ties at the top. Here are the tops that need to go to good will...

- If it's too tight across the chest and pull the buttons apart (too small)

- If it comes up to right at your waist line, so that if you barely move and it exposes your tummy (too short)

- If it hangs down and makes you look frumpy and bunchy around your waist (it's too big)

- If it has a hideous pattern that works with nothing

Pant Tips: you want ones that are tight enough around your waist that you can move a finger around your waist easily with the pants on, but not so loose that you finger doesn't touch the fabric.

- if they are tight and make your tummy have a roll on top (otherwise known as the muffin top) (too tight)

- if they pull at the zipper or buttons and make fabric lines pulling at your crotch - (too small)

- if they hang well below your shoe line (too long)

I'm not advocating going and using your credit card and spending hundreds of dollars. However, it's never a bad idea to get rid of what doesn't fit, and have a smaller selection of clothes that DO fit and ARE flattering! You don't need a fortune to have that! I'm going to Salvation Army in a minute, and I can't wait to show you what I find!! Remember what I found last time?

Call me when you're ready to go shopping!!

Secrets of a SLACK Sassy Mama...

I know I've been slack. And, no, I'm not talking about the kind you wear. I've gotten into doing this post every other Wednesday, but if you've been missing the weekly updates, let me know, and I'll get on the ball. There's something that I've been wanting to tell you to put on your Christmas list...

Sweater Dresses!

They are sooo sooo cute. I have to post this picture that my blog friend Jodie took of a senior that she was photographing, because she shows the whole reason why these are so becoming. Ok, now I just sound like my grandmother. Becoming? Stunning is a better word. Check out this beauty...

I absolutely love this photograph. And the sweater dress. And the boots. It's perfect.

All this to say...I have seen these on people who are tiny and people who are more stout. I have seen them on short and tall. They look great on everyone. Wear it casual with a pair of everyday boots, or dress them up with a pair of pumps or a pair of heeled boots.

Here's a link to some of the best priced ones I've seen. And over here at Ann Taylor, there are some that were more pricey, but some of them are on a GREAT sale. If you don't find any you like, check your favorite store. I'm sure they have them, because everyone is dying to get their hands on these comfy, cozy, and sassy dresses! So take advantage of Christmas, and ask for a sweater dress. You won't be disappointed!

Secrets of a Sassy...Hats!!

Now is the time to wear your hats! They're so cute, and they give you such a fun look. I love how hats frame your face. Not to mention that I love how you can get away with a bad hair day and still look great!

Here are some that are hot right now.

Here are some that will never be out of style.

Here are ones that are great for snow and also super cute!

So there ya have it - or there ya hat it. Whichever you'd prefer...but just like those boots, just put them on! People say all the time, "I don't look good in hats." But it's such a lie! You just have to find WHICH type of hat looks good on you. So, find one right for you, and wear it! And don't think that your grandmother or mom doesn't have one that would suit, too - go search through their old things, and find yourself a newsboy cap or vintage wool hat that will still be great today!

Secrets of a Sassy...goes vintage!

I've been a little slack on my secrets lately. And I've probably started at least 3 posts since last week, and just haven't either liked them or had the energy to finish them. But I had wanted to give a little tip for today. I love things being repurposed and reused. And I love finding unique items to spruce up a house, an outfit, whatever it is. Last week, I noticed that almost every day, I had something on that was from an antique store or a thrift store, that to someone was too old to keep around. But to me, it's vintage wonderful! So, then, what's my tip?

Put a little vintage flare into your outfits. I know this is a little more artsy than just wearing a cute pair of boots or some beaded jewelry. And I think maybe it has happened for me more out of living on a budget, than just trying to be cool, but whatever it is, now I love it.

I love seeing that our styles repeat over the years and trying to find something at a thrift store or yard sale that could pass for a cute thing found in J. Crew. Take for instance my red velvet blazer. I think I paid $1 for it 4 years ago at a yard sale, but every year I love layering it with cute fall clothes. Or, my Jackie O brown alligator pumps. They always make my feet look pretty. Or some of those houndstooth blazers that are so in style right now! I think it's really neat to be able to continue getting use out of things, even when to some, they're old and gray.

I've always wished that my mom had saved a pair of bell bottoms, just so I could see how big they really were compared to the flare pants these days. What about you? Do you have anything vintage that you wear? Besides your mom's old zipper suit? Now that, I hope those never comes back in!

"Secrets of a Sassy..."

I love pumps. Peep toe or pointy toe, I think they have to be the prettiest shoe there is. They've been around forever but still continue to hit the runway. Recently, they've made a comeback in an array of colors to "pump" up your average outfit! Choose your favorite color - mine of course would be red- and match them up with anything.

They can actually be pretty comfortable these days, too, if you get ones that are wide base and wide heel. From jeans to skirts, and everything in between, you can make yourself feel a little more dressed up, just with a pair of pumps.

Do you have a pair of pumps? What color is your favorite?

"Secrets of a Sassy..."

Tis the season...for plaid!

A friend of mine were talking the other day about how plaid comes back in every fall. And it's so true...the school girl plaid skirts, the cute plaid blazers, the list goes on and on. But now more than ever, plaid is taking the stage. Think I'm joking? Check out Ralph Lauren Runway...

Now, I'm not saying go overboard...but it is pretty easy to find something laying around with those big squares. Layer it with another shirt, or wear it under a open jacket, and it will definitely give a little boost of fashion. Even if it's old, you could probably find a new use, which is always fun. (i.e. tear your husband's old flannel shirt into a cute sash to wear!) Or hit the Goodwill and get an old blazer, and wear with some jeans and heels, and you're sure to get a few compliments. If it has big old shoulder pads in it, just cut them out! After all, you're only paying a couple bucks!

Secrets...My Two Secret Weapons

As my little ones are playing wildly in the background, I'm going to attempt to post a secrets. I have don't have a lot to say today. Just 4 words.

Big earrings. Big sunglasses.

Now, I know this can be controversial, but I am a strong believer of wearing big sunglasses even when it's cloudy out. And big earrings can make me feel like I just put on a pair of heels. Except on my ears. But not exactly, because they don't hurt. You know what I mean.

They dress you up a little, but not too much. They just give you a little pick up to your outfit, that says, I'm no superstar, but I have time to still look cute.

You are entitled to your opinion - sometimes, yes, if outrageously big, sometimes they can look a bit silly. Even on those hollywood moms. But for the most part, I absolutely LOVE big sunglasses and big earrings. Another great thing, is that usually you can find the glasses at the Dollar Tree!

Secrets...."New Favorite"

I went shoe shopping this week. Got a pair of new Isaac Misrahi's snakeskin flats, Apostrophe black semi-heels, gold pointy Go Max heels, and yes that is a pair of Cole Haans which retails (at a discounted price) as you can see here is $185. I wish I could find the original retail value, but oh well.

Paid $10. Not for one, not for two.....for all four pairs.

Don't ever tell me that nothing good comes out of Salvation Army. I was so excited. And I had been wanting to do a "secrets" on putting a little shimmer into your outfits, anyway. And since these pretty gold ones are my new favs, it just brought it on out of me. Not to mention, my daughters new favorites to walk around the house in. They're cuter on her than they are on me.

I think it's really fun to bring a little glam into your everyday. Not essential. Just fun. I don't do it every day. But I feel a little more fancy when I do, and it's really fun.

Because you can find gold, silver, and bronze, anywhere you look these days, it's not hard to find shoes, belts, bags, scarves, for a cheap price. Don't overdue it, and go with a silver bag, gold shoes, and big gold belt. Just little touches every now and then. Maybe a cute pair of shoes. It's nice because the metallics go with black, white, or brown. Or a big fun bag that's has a shine to it.

I also love finding vintage things and sprucing them up a bit. For example, if you were to find a pair of flats at Goodwill that feel comfy, you could always buy a can of spray paint at Wal-Mart for a dollar, and spray those babies gold. I haven't done that, but it totally is something I would do. But if it backfires, don't blame me. Hee hee.

My point is that it's fun to add a little shine into your daily life. And these babies are definitely brightening up my days!

Secrets...Not so Sassy

So how's this for a sassy mama? I woke up at 6am, and got dressed for aerobics. T-shirt, sweat pants, tennis shoes. Hair back in some hot pink polka dotted headband, that didn't even match with my gray and red t-shirt. No earrings, no cute hoodie, you get the picture.

Didn't get the chance to change all day. Much less shower. So, right before going to my sister's for dinner I threw on some jeans and flip flops just so I could look a little better. Stress the "little". But my point?

Jeans and flip flops are one of my all time favorite outfit. I get sad when it's so cold that I can't wear my flops with my jeans. Because, even if my toenails aren't painted, and even if my jeans are all that great, I think it's still cute. My husband agrees. It's probably his favorite outfit that I could be in. T-shirt, jeans, and flip flops. (And I did grab my silver hoops, in case you were wondering.)

So, not so sassy, but I think overall, jeans and flops are always cute, youthful, and fun.

Secrets...A Coat of a Different Color

Everywhere you look these days, color is making more of an entrance to our wardrobes. Not only in cute shirts, but in accessories, too. Instead of just choosing from black, white, brown, and gray, now we have every color of the rainbow to choose our shoes, coats, jewelry, and bags. Which brings me to my secret of the week.

Choose a Coat of a Different Color!!

A few of my girlfriends gave me a great red pea coat for my birthday last year, and even if I'm wearing a t-shirt underneath, with my red coat, jeans, and hoop earrings, I feel cute. I love it. Of course I do - it's red. Look how pretty these are...

Now, let me just say, I'm not saying to go buy one and go into debt just to look more stylish. I am NEVER saying that. But, if you're in the market for a new coat, you should definitely go with a color or pattern!!

"Secrets..."

These boots were made for walking!!! I know probably most of you have a pair, so bring them out!! Wear them with skirts or dresses. Wear them with pants tucked in. Wear them with boot cut pants or jeans. JUST WEAR THEM!

Boots are probably my favorite fall shoes. You can wear them so many different ways, with so many different things! And you can usually get a good pair from anywhere from $30 - $50 and sometimes you can get them on sale where if you buy one pair, you can get the second pair for 1/2 off. Now if you're going designer, you can bet they'll be more. If you want designer, but not designer price, try somewhere like this haven and try to get a better price.

I bought a cute pair for only $25 on our anniversary trip, and am wearing them for the first time today. I'm so happy. My feet are so happy. They're cute, but they're so comfy!

Ok, so if you've never bought a pair, or its time for a new pair, here are my tidbits of advice for picking some out.

1. Choose a neutral color that would go with most things you wear (brown, tan, black, gray)

2. Spend time in the store walking, running, etc. to make sure they don't rub too much anyone place. If you can feel them a lot in one area in the store, you can bet that you'll have a blister in that same place after a day of being in them. (i.e. if you can tell they're hitting your big toe and rubbing a little bit, they'll rub a lot more later)

3. Get a height that you feel comfortable walking in. If they're so tall that you feel like you're going to be wobbly, wait and get less of a heel. A medium size (2 inch) chunky heel is the most comfortable and gives you the most variety. You don't look quite as dressy in them, but they still go well with skirts, and you're not balancing on a pin top all day. There are also a ton of flat boots, rain boots, and Hunters that look great with skirts and dress pants. So, if you use to ride, pull those old riding boots out, and shine them up!

4. Pay enough that you know they are going to be quality, but don't spend a fortune. My boots that I got are a really nice name brand of shoe, but they were just on a great sale. Originally, they were around $70 I think. But I wouldn't have paid that, just because I'm a cheapskate. But for $25 I adore them. My point...try to get a good pair...on sale. Don't just go and get the first pair you find at Payless - not that I'm knocking Payless. I just know how much I wear my boots. You want to be able to wear them all the time, and still have them look great.

5. You can't go wrong with style right now. From riding boots to pointy toe high heel boots, they're in. From cowboy to city girl, they're in. From short to high, they're in. From wide at the top to tight at the top, they're in. From slouchy to fitted on your calf, they're in.

6. Get a pair that you can wear under or over pants. Not ones that are so bunchy and wide that they make your pants bubble up when you wear them under your pants. But ones that are too tight don't allow you the option of tucking pants in.

7. Get some that are stylish and classy, but not so trendy that you won't like them next year. For instance, these are all hot off the runway, but, I don't think that they'll last more than a couple seasons.

So, go try some on, pick you a pair, and have fun kicking up your heels!

Secrets of a Sassy Mama

Ok, girls, I'm not sure how this is gonna go over...but I have some good news (I hope it's good news)...and you may have already realized this.   Especially if you're star watchers.    ANYWAY...here it is...

High waisted pants are back in style.

Have you seen them around?    It usually takes our part of the country about 6 months to a year to catch onto new trends, so you may have or you may not have.   But they are.

I got a pair of skinny high waisted jeans last spring, and I absolutely LOVE them.    Now, you may not be into the skinny jeans, and especially if you're a more full figure, I would say, you should lean toward the flare leg pants.   But, I love how the high waisted pants aren't falling down and showing my butt every time I sit down.   I love having my stretch marks and my flabby baby belly all tucked in.     It makes me feel like I have a flat tummy again!   I wish it were true.    And even though none of us are gonna go out on the street looking like this...

at least we know that when we go get some dress pants for the fall, we can look for the cute new high waisted pants and jeans that tuck us all in!   

*Remember to not get pants that are too tight and make your hips look bigger.    You want the line to fall nicely down from your waist to your hips.   And I do think that I like the flare leg better with the high waist, than the skinny leg.   But that's just me.    I think that it lends to a more flattering look for most figures.   Ok, let me know if you've braved these beauties!

Secrets of a Sassy Mama

If someone asked me what accessory I wear the most, or what accessory could I not do without, I would definitely say... my big hoop earrings. I love my hoops. I wear them with anything. T-shirts...check. Dresses...check. Fancy pants...check. Tunics....check. Bathing suit...check. You're laughing, I know. I could go on and on.

A couple of years ago when I saw them having a come back, I got a couple pairs. Most of them on the smaller side. And over the past couple years, I've gotten a couple more pairs, and they just keep getting bigger and bigger. I love my big hoops the best, but any of them are fun. And not just circular hoops. Square ones are great, too, or oval hoops. They are so classic. And pretty. They're not overwhelming with bling, but just enough to be noticed. I feel like they are the must-have accessory.

And let me tell you - you can pull off bigger than you think. If a quarter size is what you feel comfortable with, go with that. But next time, maybe you'll get a little bit bigger. I like to get the ones that have like 3 sizes in one pack. So you can start small and get bigger as you go. Or for some outfits, you want small hoops. They're really great, too. You just can't go wrong people! You do have to warm up to the big ones, but I think they're super fun.

Is their an accessory that you can't live without? Do tell!!!

Secrets of a Sassy Mama

Ok, girls, I know you've been waiting and wondering what this week's tip would be....on the edge of your office chair, I'm sure. ;)

I can't get enough of tunics. I know, I know, kind of trendy. Kind of frumpy sometimes...and didn't i just say last time to never wear frumpy clothes. but these.....oh these are not frumpy....they are sooo great!

You might be asking right about now, "What's a tunic?" And, this is by far no fashion designer's opinion or definition, but basically, it's a long top. It can be many different styles, lengths, and fabrics, but it's longer than your average stop-at-the-waist top. Usually, a tunic comes at least a few inches below your hip line, and they can be as long as a few inches above your knees.

Ok, let me tell you all the reasons why I love these long beauties.

1. You can wear them with anything - jeans, tights, leggins (some of you disapprove, i know - keep your comments to yourselves!) heehee.

2. You can wear any shoes with them - flip flops, heels, flats, wedges, pumps, etc. etc.

3. They are usually pretty A-line and/or empire waist - meaning.... they hang loose, but not too loose, so they flatter your figure - ok, so if you've had babies, you know that your middle just isn't the same. or at least mine isn't. so, the tunic is very kind to us!! it doesn't hug your middle, but it also doesn't look like a bag giving you lots of extra cloth and space where you don't need it. and not to mention that they are very flattering to your legs!

4. You can have one, and have several different looks with it. Example... you could wear it with jeans and flip flops and look cute and casual. Or, you could wear it with heels and leggins and look like you're ready for a fun time out on the town. Or you could wear it with jeans and wedges and look sophisticated and stylish. Or you could wear it with tights and rainboots and look superfun and adorable. Or you could wear it with...do you really want me to go on? This might not be as fun for you as it is for me.

5. Most of them are pretty kid friendly. I realized a few years ago that being a mommy meant I needed clothes that were durable and EASY to care for. Most tunics are cotton (not all) and are easy to get clean. Also, they're not so nice that you feel scared to wear them around your kids. It doesn't matter if they get snot or marker on it, because it's not your silk shirt. But it's still a fun thing to wear around, and not feel like you're in the same outfit every day.

6. They're pretty cheap for all you get out of them. Places like Ross and Marshalls always have a lot of them, and so usually you can find them on the clearance racks. And they're not out of style.

7. They layer really well. Summer tunics will be on sale at most places, and even though they may be lighter material, or short sleeve, you can put a shirt under them, or a cute jacket over them, and still get the look - for less!

It's raining raining raining, and right about now, I'm wishing I had gotten those cute rainboots that were on SALE at Target last week!!! They sure would be cute with my tunic I'm gonna wear tomorrow! Oh, well, my flats will have to do.

Secrets of a Sassy Mama: "Back to School" Shopping

I always get excited about clothes in the Fall. Growing up, my parents would let me go "back to school clothes shopping", and I couldn't wait to see how much I could get with my allowed budget. It was always so fun to see new styles, and to be able to pick out new items. Even then, I loved putting outfits together. It must have stuck, because at the end of every summer, I start wondering about all the new Fall styles. What will they be and will they be cute on me? So, for this week's tip, I figured I would give a few pieces of advice with your own "back to school" shopping.

1. Don't wear frumpy clothes to try to hide your "problem" areas. I don't care how big you are - baggy, frumpy clothes are not flattering. Never. They make you look bigger than you are, and don't highlight any of your features. They just hide you...and if I can be so bold....they make you want to hide. Remember that YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that you can be confident about who you are. You don't have to be a size 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 - whatever that "perfect" size for you would be - to be cute. You are! So don't HIDE! (Now, I'm the first to put on a sweatshirt at home and snuggle up, so don't take this out of context! I'm talking about when you're wanting to look cute!)

2. Don't get clothes that are too tight, just to fit into a size __ (you fill in the blank)! Just get what fits the best. Not clothes that squeeze you so much that your belly makes a "muffin top" (as my sis likes to say) or that your button down is almost popping the buttons off! Get things that will hold you in, but not that say, "I'm still trying to fit into those jeans I wore when I was 20." Just go get a pair that look great on you now! Our bodies change, and they're supposed to!

3. Keep your basics. You can have your regular jeans, if you don't like the skinny ones, you don't have to wear them! You can have your favorite sweaters and shirts that you look forward to wearing every Fall. It's ok to keep your style the same. But, what makes your wardrobe a little more fun are the little pops you put with it. Maybe it's a pair of cute flats from Target (which by the way are on sale right now). Or some big earrings to dangle. Or maybe some "I've got great boots" boots to wear with a skirt - just make sure you can walk in them. Try to challenge yourself with finding a little flare to add into your day. Just a little. It's really fun...just wait and see!

4. My stepmom always used to say to me, "If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it." Now I realize, sometimes with bodies changing, and going through fashion trends, you are going to keep things a little longer. Or just for sentimental reasons. But I do think she had a valid point. If there are things that you just pass by, season after season, and you really don't ever "choose" to put on your body, than just give them away. I love going through my closet every season and making a big pile of clothes to go to Goodwill. It feels so freeing to make space, and get rid of clutter! plus, you're making room for that new tunic you've had your eye on!

5. Go by the clearance rack at places like Kohls, Target, or Old Navy and I bet you you can find a cute something(s) to add into your mix. Clothes stores always get new seasons of clothes in before that season. So, you might find a couple new shirts that are Fall friendly, but not at the $$$ price of the brand new ones there. But that are still recent.

Ok, I'm not going to go on any longer. For one reason, I haven't done the dishes or the laundry. But for another, I want to see the last night of these cutie pies having fun.