SO GOOD MOMS' NIGHT: WHAT TO WEAR

Confession: I've been taking a lot of "selfies" lately. Almost 98% of these selfies are just for me... a chance to see what I look like in my outfit... in my camera. (Cray cray, I know). The other 2% of my photos are texted to my fashion crush and style guru Robin Saperstein. Upon receiving my texts, Robin kindly indulges me with a "Yay," "NO," or "It's not my favorite," (which is code for, "you need my help.")  Well, in an effort to feel so good, Eden and I decided we'd shop her closet to find the cutest outfits for our Moms' Night for the Project Runway finale where we're serving up Yoplait Frozen Yogurt. This soooo beats taking my own photo and sucking it in for the camera. Check it out!

FALL FASHION SHOPPING AT SEARS!

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 their client. #ThisisStyle #cbias

Don’t get me wrong, I love summer and I looooove the summer wardrobe options. But Fall…? Fall is … fall is romantic. Fall is fashion. Fall is an excuse to shop. (I made that one up). But honestly, every year, I flip through the “Must Have Fall Fashion” spreads in the magazines and flag virtually every page. “I muuust have that. I neeeed that. I can’t live withouuuuut that.” I usually allow myself one or two new items (fab boots are always on the list), but this year: Mama’s on a budget… ‘Cuz mama’s getting married!

Yes! I’m engaged! So exciting. But guess what? This means, it’s time to save for the big day… OR my dream honeymoon to Greece/Bora Bora/Italy/Maldives/St. Barths. (BTW, can you just IMAGINE the fabulous outfits for that trip?! Omg!)

But I digress…

There are so many fabulous looks and trends this season and I’m on a mission to rock a few without breaking the bank.  So when I was approached by Sears for this “shoppertunity,” I had to take it!  Some of the emerging trends for Fall are lace, lots of denim (of any kind! Acid washed, printed, floral, etc.), military inspired apparel, and clothing with some edge and details like studs. 

With Fall fashion fresh on my mind, aaaaand the many boards on Pinterest reminding me just how dreamy I could get with this wedding and honeymoon, I headed to my local Sears bright and early with my Venti Bold Drip in tow, to find some affordable and fabulous Fall Fashion. (For my entire experience, check  out my album on Google Plus!) 

I have to say, there were two things that I was really impressed immediately: 1) The jean selection was out of control. Neatly organized (and merchandized), there were piles and displays of every color, every size, every shape- ev.er.y.where.  It truly was a jean scene. 2) The customer service! When I saw a cute jean vest on a manequin and asked the sales woman where I could find it, she said they were out, and without missing a beat jumped up and got it down off the mannequin. Nice!

I had fun trying out a few different styles that were out of my normal fashion zone like flannel mixed with lace, or jeans with wild prints. Ultimately, I settled on a few fantastic looks that I know will carry me throughout the season.  On top of it, I got 4 completely new head to toe outfits (7 pieces of clothing) and I spent a total of $136.13 (Saved 22.04 with my Sears Rewards card, thank you very much!) Not bad right!?

Military Jacket, Kardashian Collection, $46.99 , Cream Tank with Gold Beads, Metaphor, $12.99, Skinny Jeans, Bongo, $14.99

Black Lace Tank, Bongo, $12.99, Skinny Jeans, Bongo (same as above), Bangles, $8.99 each

Two-Pocket Cream blouse, Metaphor, 19.99, Camo Skinny Denim, $19.99, Bangles, same as above

Denim “work shirt” with studs, True Freedom, $18.99, Camo Skinny Denim, Same as above.

Paired with booties, fun bags and cross body purses, I can dress all of these looks up, down and everything in between. I felt so cute and comfortable in everything and can see myself wearing these outfits to school functions, date nights, girls nights, and of course, wedding planning.

What’s on your fall fashion must-have list? I want to hear from you!

To get the latest on affordable fall fashion, follow searsStyle on Twitter and Facebook, and be sure to check my album on Google Plus to see all the photos from my shopping experience at Sears!

PINTEREST MAKES ME PINE

Not so long ago, I whined about how Pinterest made me feel pathetic. I declared that the fashionistas, posing with their perfectly tilted heads, and baubled-out wrists made me feel ridiculously uncool and uncoordinated. I decided that the travel pins only made my wanderlust get worse and the reality of my current finances more clear. Finally, I determined that I’d never have time to be as crafty as I wish I could be and that, with my busy schedule, DIY projects were a distant dream.

Guess what? I’ve soooooo changed my tune.

That’s right. Pinterest is my new best friend and my newest full time obsession. Forget Facebook stalking. That’s so 2012.

These days, I’m all about stalking other people's visions, visuals, and very cool sh*t. From fabulous fashion and must have Spring/Summer style, to recipes that I’m sure I can find the time to make, and to inspiring DIY projects and parties that I’m trying to find an excuse to have, I cannot REPIN fast enough!

Here are some of the boards, ideas, and pinners that I’m pining for:

 Perfectly Styled

Who knew that the reality show OC would turn out designers with actual taste and fabulous style? Right now, I’m totally digging the boards from Lauren Conrad. I’m also, of course, obsessed with the boards from my girl Robin Saperstein, who has a knack for gorgeous accessories and keeps a close eye on fashion iconslike Olivia Palermo. 

Perfectly Fed

You know what, I’m discovering that the oven and me actually get along quite well and thanks to a few trusty recipes, I can move past my mostly-meatloaf-meals and try other delicious dishes. I’ve been making a ton of recipes from Skinny Taste... Her recipes are healthy and light and seriously easy.  I’m even going to try some of the mother’s day recipes from Martha Stewart Living.  Turns out, her ideas are not all that un-doable for every day moms. Well… they're aaaalmost undoable, because, um, I don’t have my own lavender or cucumber garden, BUT the new me is willing to give it a try... especially since Trader Joe's packages that sh*t up and gets it ready to go!

Perfectly Partied

Over the next few weeks and months, I’m going to be hosting a bunch various parties and events. I’ll be sharing details of these as I roll them out, but let me just say in the meantime, a) I’m now wishing I could be an event/wedding planner and b) my inner DIY/Craft Goddess-ness is chomping at the bit to come out and play. Pinners  like my darling friend Eden Passante of Sugar and Charm, inspire me daily. Also digging Young House Love, Savings Mania,  oh and, of course, the queen of DIY herself… Martha-I-can-do-everything-Stewart.

Basically, this season, as the self-acclaimed “not so queen of it all,” I'm challenging myself to wearing, making and DOING everything I love... Or at least trying to do all of that. Next time, we’ll discuss the travel boards. That requires a whole different story… and budget. 

Who are your favorite pinners and boards to follow? 

HOW TO GET JESSICA ALBA'S LOOK... AND BOOK!

Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for The Honest Company

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to sit down and have a full-on girl chat with the lovely actress Jessica Alba at her book launch party for The Honest Life, hosted by TheMOMS (my fave NY girls). In her book, Jessica shares personal and relatable stories, covering topics essential to motherhood: Food (how to eat seasonally and healthfully without feeling like everything needs to be home/organically grown), Cleaning (how to clean and decorate your home with healthy, non-toxic products), Beauty tips (Um, she's gorgeous... so I'm pretty sure she has this category down pat) and Style...

In my opinion, Jessica Alba is one of the best dressed celebrities (and certainly moms) in Hollywood. Her style looks effortless but always put together and on trend. When we met, I asked her what her secret was- what was a number one staple that every woman/mom should invest in: "A perfectly fitted and well-tailored blazer." Jessica believes that investing in timeless basics like a blazer, or well fitted jeans, you can create a lasting foundation for any wardrobe and any size body. "Find a tailor- even your dry cleaner- and make sure your clothes fit properly. If it fits, it will look fab!"

Well, my friend and celebrity stylist Robin Saperstein joined me for a Lifetime Moms video to show how any mom can  recreate a Jessica Alba look that works with our busy lifestyles. Check it out!

@jessicaalba

@honest

#TheHonestLife

SPRING TRAINING... MINUS THE TRAINING.

Ah, it's March and that means Spring is in the air... Actually, here in Los Angeles, Spring was in the air in December and pretty much all through January...  and I'm pretty sure I spotted Summer one weekend in February.... So forget the air part. It's just March. And that means a lot of things...

For starters, for the past couple of years, every March I seem to make it my mission to cleanse. I want to clean house. To clean body. To clean mind. Without fail though, having just spent the two months prior to March making excuses, mentally, as to why postponing all my "cleansing" resolutions is probably better in the long run, the LONG RUN actually catches up with me and I find myself high tailing it into "time to get your sh*t together" mode come March 1st.

So here we are. And hey, so far, so good.

Here's the current state of affairs:

1. Body

I did actually cleanse. Kind of. 

Thanks to an extremely popular juice company that offers individual juices, or 3 or 5 day kits, I signed up for a 5 day cleanse. By the end of day two though, I must admit, I was beyond ravenous and couldn't stop thinking about hummus. Go figure, hummus, of all things. Not one to talk myself off ledges, I caved in and cut up a cucumber (how bad can a cucumber be), and dipped it (okay, COVERED IT) in hummus. Craving satisfied.... Next day, however, I had to be on set for a project I was working on with Lifetime Moms and realized I had only taken two juices (out of 6) with me for an entire day. One of the models on set suggested I just drink lemon and hot water for the rest of the day and/or see if the caterer could just blend my food... so it would be kind of like juice/fluids. Um.... I'm gonna let you sit with that one and give you the opportunity to imagine how much that did NOT happen and how much I was seen grazing at the craft services table for the rest of the day.

2. Mind

It turns out, "poop talk" can help with literacy.

A month or two ago, I was in sort of a disciplinary standoff situation with Jonah. He was constantly silly, constantly using bathroom language, and even talking back. I had to figure out a way to get back to the consequence basics and figure out what I could take away that was his Kryptonite. (Turns out, not much phases him).

However, one day, I got a report from his teacher that he had been talking back. Apparently, he remarked that what they were going to be doing was "stupid." I died. Read the whole story here. 

Things have calmed down since then and his behavior has shaped up. Not sure if it's my new-found resolve, or a miraculous maturity development for him,  OR the fact that he had been begging to get hot lunches at school and I told him that if I get a week straight of a perfect report, I'd let him get it. So... The good news: We're in the 2nd week of hot lunch land and therefore, mornings are now a breeze for me. The bad news: They serve f**king ice cream. I'm telling myself the organic part makes it better. But I digress...

He was recently given a few books from the Captain Underpants series and when I first read one to him, and he nearly choked laughing so hard, I thought.... Hmm. Maybe not the right book for a kid that has a hard time holding back the fart, poop, pee talk. At dinner. 

But... last night, he begged me to do a mad libs type section of one of the books and I thought of an idea. 1) If he takes this silly talk outside of this dedicated silly talk time, he loses UNO (our favorite family activity), electronics, TV, and all of these books. At the same time. For one week. 2) He needs to sound out the words and try to read to ME.

Turns out POOP is a wonderful word to teach early language development and reading skills. He nailed it.

3.  House

I stopped caring about having an organized closet.  I blame this on the long episodes of Downton Abbey. There's more important things to focus on...

It's hard to believe that exactly 2 years ago, I met Robin Saperstein of High Heel in a Haystack, she helped me with a Wardrobe Overhaul, then sent me on my way with a ton of outfit options (from my own closet!)  Since then, I've updated my wardrobe cautiously and done my best to keep my closet tidy. But hey, life gets busy and Matthew Crowley and Lady Mary get married and the whole thing goes to poop. (See #2). So, it was time to call on my girl and have her come over and remind me why certain jeans should be left in 2011.

In about 3.5 hours, I had a completely new and organized closet, and could see what I was workin' with. (Before and after pic above).  According to Robin, I'm actually all set for Spring ... AND we even shopped my closet and reinvented some clothing. Why say goodbye to my very first and favorite JBrand jeans with the big gaping holes in the knees, which I've already had patched to create a semi distressed look, when I can have them repatched and destressed AGAIN?! Additionally, Robin recommended I take a cute purple dress from JCrew and have the it shortened, and the trim brought up to give it a fresh and current look. Not bad for a total of $36 bucks right? ("Before" pics taken at the Tailor's. Dress pinned. Forgive the "selfies.").

All in all, Spring is off to a good start. I'm heading to Seattle this weekend with P on behalf of the 2 Days in Seattle Campaign (SO excited) and next week, the story featuring that mysterious trip I took in November will be featured in Ladies Home Journal. Did I mention Tina Fey is on the cover? Feeling pretty lucky right now. Forget New Year's resolutions. I love March.

eBAY: SPRING CLEANING!

Spring is here... So 'tis time to purge some of mama's wardrobe and make some extra cashola so I can pay for the cute striped maxi that I haaaaaaaad to have. (It's important to be current, isn't it?) So, as they say, "out with the old, in with the new." I considered having a garage sale but with eBay at my finger tips and a knack on selling, I figured it was worth a shot to list some things in my closet that I think are cute for Spring, (see below) and in perfect condition- some even NEW WITH TAGS, that just aren't fitting me right anymore. With visions of myself on a beach in an adorable new tunic and hat, I'm super motivated to sell now. Also, we're actually moving next month so I need all the extra $ I can get. Next month, I'm going to try my hand at listing furniture and major household items like... a TV. Gulp. Wish me luck!

Things I'm currently selling:

-JCrew Drawstring Dress

-French Connection Gray & White Striped Blazer

-Navy Green & Navy Striped Bikini

This is a sponsored/ paid post.

MIRRORS MEAN NOTHING ANYMORE

I don't know when it happened but these days, I cannot look into a mirror to see what I look like. It's like I see the reflection, but I don't really see it.... So what do I do? I take a picture. (Before you really start to call me ca-razy, know that I only do this when I'm trying to decide on an outfit for something really important.... As if that makes any sense or is any better). do actually like my body (most days) and feel good about myself (a lot). So I'm not sure this is about some deep seeded disorder or insecurity.... I'm wondering if digital technology is to blame and everything visual is now computerized that maybe real life is blurry now too...? Who knows. Anyway, I wrote a post on Lifetimemoms.com about this.... I think it's something a lot of women can relate to. If not, then you can just enjoy and laugh at some of the examples below which exemplify said issue.

Anyone else do the same thing?

Oh... and do you like these dresses?? ;-)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: ACCESSORIES ARE KEY!

Star Wars tee and bangles? It works!

THE NEW, OLD ME- PART 2

I have a new theory. After my wardrobe overhaul, I realized my clothes had more of a personality than I thought. It occurred to me today as I went to put on a newly styled outfit, that my clothes had voices and lives a la Toy Story... I had this vision that every time I opened the closet door, my oldest and most pilled sweater prayed for me to put it on.... My old jeans, slumped over some hanger, knowing their days were numbered and I was just keeping them around for sentimental purposes, probably muttered "F you" under it's breath as I pushed them aside for my skinny jeans... A pair of gold wedges, that maybe got worn ONCE, shot out their best sparkle in hopes I'd see their value. Alas, they were as cheesy as I thought they might be when I bought them (anyway).

Which brings me to...

The New, Old Me- Part 2: THE LOOKS

Okay, so after 4 plus hours at my house with Robin Saperstein, the stylist who I might slightly be Single White Femaling, we set a date to hit the stores. OH, and did we hit it hard....

When Robin shops for/ with clients, she's on a mission. After looking through my wardrobe she had a clear idea of what I needed and what would work well with my body. Our goal was to find clothes that I could wear from day to night... clothes that could be worn on a play date, dinner date and even on camera. I let Robin pull everything and anything...

Stationed in a massive dressing room, and wearing my nude ("charming") underwear and much-in-need of a wash (trash) nude bra, the trying on began.... Oh, there were plenty of automatic NO's. Like this ...

I like to call this look "Whore-y Chic." I think my cracked out look really seals the deal doesn't it?

Once we had our final faves, (we went to two stores- Niemans & JCrew), keeping in mind with our budget, we purchased our must-have/ LOVES. And then..... Back at my house, ROBIN DID HER MAGIC. Using my new clothes and many of my old clothes, Robin shopped my wardrobe and put together THE LOOKS. Here are some of my favorites:

A From-Day-to-Night look:

DAY

Blouse, Joie (new), Shorts, JCrew (new), Shoes, Steve Madden (old), Necklace, JCrew (new)

NIGHT

Cardigan, Lily McNeal (old), Shorts, JCrew (new), Wedges, Stuart Weitzman (new), Jewelry, JCrew (new)

Great looks for Everyday (Play date, running errands, movies, etc)....

LEFT: Sweater, JCrew (new), Necklace, Forever 21 (old), Bracelets, JCrew (new), Jeans, J Brand (old), Shows, Dolce Vita (old)

MIDDLE: Tee Shirt, Anat B. (new), Scarf, Banana Republic (new), Cargo pants, JCrew (new), Shoes, Steve Madden (old)

RIGHT: Cardigan, JCrew (new), Tee Shirt, JCrew (old), Necklace, JCrew (new), Jeans, J Brand (old), Shoes, Sam Edelman (old)

And finally, a couple NEW Looks repurposing only OLD clothes:

LEFT: Cardigan, Forever 21, Tank, Anthropologie, Jeans, Flying Monkey (Anat B.), Wedges, Steve Madden

RIGHT: Jacket, JCrew, Striped Tee, Gap, Jeans, Flying Monkey (Anat B.), Wedges, Steve Madden

Clearly, there were a few "toys" that got to stay. The ripped JBrand skinnies, my brown wedges... They're my Woody and Buzzes... Pieces that I'll grow old with.... Or at the very least, grow out of....

Stay tuned for the final installment to this process, my closet! Thanks to Robin of High Heel in a Haystack and Rebecca of Love Live Small, you'll be inspired to Design Cycle too!

A NEW, OLD ME - PART 1

The day Robin Saperstein of High Heel in a Haystack contacted me about doing a Fashion Makeover, I was convinced we were having a kharmic, psychic fashion connection. Here I was, having just shot a video on how Appearances matter when it comes to Manners and how my American Apparel pullover and Lululemon yoga pants could take my son to preschool on their own if need be-- and an LA based, celebrity stylist and former designer contacts me about working together...?! Well, to quote Lady Bananas: I. DIE.

The deal was Robin was going to come over and give me a Wardrobe Overhaul. Together, we would examine my wardrobe from top to bottom. We would remove pieces that no longer worked, and discover how I can wear existing items in new ways. Based on my lifestyle and individual needs, we'd discuss what items I'd need to purchase to complete my wardrobe. After that (4 hour session!) we'd pick a day to go shopping (2 hours!). Talk about getting off on the right "heel!"

Okay, so Robin and I talk. What I'll need: 1) To leave my closet the way it is. Clothes hanging on wire hangers, stained shirts in drawers inside out (ie. as is), jewelry everywhere, shoes everywhere. 2) NEW hangers. Robin suggested I purchase the Real Simple Slimline Hangers- they hold even the silkiest of tops and look fabulous in a closet. (I ordered the white). She also suggested I have trash bags standing by so that I could bag old stuff to donate or sell. 3) Wear a Nude bra (and charming underwear - I added this), as we will try EVERYTHING on. DONE.

So last week, Robin showed up and honestly, it kind of was love at first site. Of course her style was ADORE but she also came with a wardrobe rolling rack which would be used to organize and determine what stays, goes, and needs some serious consideration. She meant business!

Joining us, was my dear friend Rebecca Orlov of Loving Living Small, who was covering the Overhaul from the design perspective-- Obviously, an overhaul means brand new closet, new space, new style and new inspiration! The minute we started, I could feel the new, old me dying to come out!!!

And now... The overhaul.... OY. Where do I begin. We started with my drawers and with the exception of my underwear and bras, went through everything and determined what could get tossed and what would stay. As you can imagine, there were many a "house pant" that got bagged....

Speaking of pants... UM. Let's take a moment to tip my 40 to a slew of jeans that have seen it all. From my first pair of 7 for All Mankind Jeans...

Yah, apparently the no-pocket thing was cool 9 years ago....

....To my first (and only) pair of True Religion Jeans...

Ladies, when pockets are pulling, your hips look large and in charge.

....To a pair of white jeans that still have the tags on it....

Two words: Camel T- (You get the Picture).

...To my beloved Rock N Republic Jeans, that I could have SWORN would be a keep...

At this point, I prayed to God to wire me cash.

I also said goodbye to Paige Jeans, James Jeans, oh, and a barely worn pair of Hudsons.... But you know what, this was the easiest break up I ever had.

Why: Robin. I trusted her. I trusted the process. While there were many things that got an automatic "Take it off" or "NO," Robin carefully examined me in my clothes and explained why it wasn't working and how we could move forward or revamp a look.

Obviously, it was my call to keep the things that I loved or wear all the time. Like this hoodie (Right), which wasn't exactly cheap. Personally, I think it's fine. Robin said the print is too young for me. Rebecca said it was very Real Housewives of Orange County (Yah, so?). Hard to believe, but I'm pretty sure that was the only thing I kept despite their feedback.

In fact, there were many awesome discoveries along the way... For example, when I threw on an Old Navy long sleeve cotton dress BACKWARDS (that I would have bet $1000 bucks on that she would vomit over), she stopped me-- "Leave it backwards for a sec....," Robin said. One pair of black t-strap sandals and cute jewelry (MY cute jewelry) later- I had a total look!

By turning the dress backwards, we made a darling boat neck line with a scoop in the back. The length is short, but my legs, I think, (with a good self tanner) can handle it. Even better, I don't have to suck in for this. (Speaking of sucking in, the first thing I purchased post overhaul was a yummy tummie tank. More on this later).

In addition to my clothes, we tackled my shoes... OY. My shoes. It wasn't too terribly difficult to bag most of them, and I appreciate her letting me keep my cowboy boots circa 2001. (You never know when you might need to put together a little cowgirl outfit... Right?) Going through shoes was pretty painless- though there was one pair I couldn't part with...ones that I wore to my 10 year high school reunion.... That night, I wore an Express, plain black wrap dress (that I already had), but invested in these fab tweed and suede Gunmetal heels. At about $400, I considered them an investment and statement... Shoes that would make heads turn... I'm not sure that anyone looked or cared, but I felt fabulous that night.... 7 years later, the tweed is tearing and the suede is scuffed, but I just can't say goodbye... Those are a keep.

Four hours may sound like a lot of time, but let me tell you. We could have gone on for 4 MORE hours! My closets looked amazing (we still have to tackle my jewelry, belts, scarves, and purse collection-- Oh, when it comes to style, Robin leaves no accessory unturned!) The next step: SHOPPING. We put together one of two outfits, like the Old Navy tee, based on what I had in my wardrobe already, but now we need fill in the holes. (This post was written before our shopping excursion. Stay tuned for Part 2!)

I seriously cannot say enough wonderful things about Robin and this experience. First of all, how AWESOME to get the chance to work with someone who was recently mentioned on Ryan Seacrest morning show, or styles celebrities like Denise Richards, and has been a guest stylist for Zap2it.com giving her best and worst dressed for the 2011 Oscars! Secondly, as a woman who loves fashion but is so overwhelmed in life, I needed this!!! I want to feel good about myself ALL the time- not just when I have a babysitter and get to shower. This overhaul helped me get centered in a way that I haven't felt in a long time and discover things about myself and body that I wasn't aware of... Like the fact that everything I own is perfect for a day at the beach. Um. Yeah.

AND NOW WE SHOP.

Join me at the Lucky Shops LA event this week to shop 'til we drop! Use promo code "PERFECT" for 10% off on tickets!

**Stay tuned for Part 2 and 3 when I share details about what we bought, the looks we put together, and my newly organized and gorgeous closet!**