Five

Happy 5th Birthday Middle Man!

I am still in shock that this little guy is turning five.  It is crazy town to me.  He has grown up in so many ways this past year and has overcome struggles that many young children do not have to face.  He is such a sweet boy and I hope I can keep this "mommy is my favorite" thing going for just a little bit longer (sorry hubby).  I know that they say life just keeps going faster and faster but it would be nice to put it on hold for just a little bit, right?

And though I am will always deem this day a celebration day for my Middle Man, I am very much aware that this is also a day that brings horrific memories and sadness for our country.  Today, all those who lost loves ones are also in my thoughts and prayers.  

FNO 2012

Last Thursday night was shopping's international holiday, "Fashion's Night Out".  I went back forth between celebrating at Fashion Island or South Coast Plaza.  Both locations were pulling out all the stops and it was a hard choice to make.  I finally decided on South Coast Plaza because I am a HUGE fan of Chloe and since they were hosting a fashion show that night, it tipped the scales for me.

Considering that on a daily basis South Coast Plaza is a shopping mecca for both locals and tourists alike, I was not surprised to find them take shopping to another level with Fashion's Night Out.  Over 100 boutiques within the mall participated in the event with live entertainment, gifts with purchase, cocktails, food, DJ's and special discounts.  Everywhere you turned, there was something going on.

I began the night at the Chloe fashion show and then made my way through the mall stopping at retailers such as DVF, Marni, Intermix, Tory Burch, Coach, Barney's, Bloomingdale's, Madewell and many more.  You never wanted to stay too long at one place for fear that you would miss the next event.  

Because I ventured out on my own (that won't happen again, next year, this is Girl's Night Out for sure), I did not stay too late but had I been there until 9pm, I would have attended the after party at AnQi, which I am sure was a fabulous time.

Did you participate in Fashion's Night Out?  If so, where did you go?!

Fall Under $100 - Shoes and Accessories

To wrap up my series on "Fall Under $100", I am going to finish with all of the finishing touches to a wardrobe, Shoes and Accessories.

Though I have ALWAYS believed in the importance of fabulous shoes, it is only recently that I have really embraced what accessories and jewelry can do to a look.  At this point, I cannot stop myself.  In the daily life of a mom, a pair of shoes, scarf, a few bracelets and earrings can take a t-shirt and jeans and completely transform them.  It just makes you look a little more put together.  Like I said, the finishing touches. 

This section could be HUGE but I am keeping this to 5 of my favorite items that you will be seeing me wear this Fall.

DV by Dolce Vita Lunna - $79

Paisley Hill Scarf - $52

Dimensional Drops - $48

Abigail Stripe Scarf - $49.50

Pyramid Tube Pendant - $17
Save 25% until 9/9 with code DPFWD

That is it!  I hope you enjoyed the series!  

Here are the rest of this week's "Fall Under $100" if you missed them.  

Have a great weekend!

Fall Under $100 - Denim

Fall Under $100 - Leather and Fur

Fall Under $100 - The Sweater

Fall Under $100 - The Pencil Skirt

Fall Under $100 - Denim

Today I am going to focus "Fall Under $100" on Denim

Denim tends to be a year round trend but it has been fun to see all the new Fall colors and prints available.  I tend to lean towards skinny jeans the majority of the time but also love the look of a casual boyfriend cut.  If there is one pair that you pick up this year, I would have to say it is a black skinny.  They are an absolute closet necessity.

1969 Ankle Zip Legging Jeans in Mulberry - $69.95

The Legging - $68

Free People Ikat Print Crop Skinny Jeans - $78

1969 Sexy Boyfriend Jean - $69.95

See Thru Soul 'Fame' Animal Print Skinny Jeans - $52

Cheap Monday Narrow Jean - $65

Check out the rest of my "Fall Under $100" here!

Fall Under $100 - The Pencil Skirt

Fall Under $100 - The Sweater

Fall Under $100 - Leather and Fur

Fall Under $100 - Leather and Fur

Here it is.

If you are a true follower of this blog then you knew it was coming.

The "Fall Under $100" focused on Leather and Fur.

Of course you are going to hear about my favorite trend!

For the most part, I would consider these items investment pieces.  Not only because of the hefty price tag but also because once you invest in them, they tend to last you forever.  I believe that leather pants, fur vests and leather jackets are staples for every closet and if you are going to invest, this is the year to do it. 

That being said, many designers are recognizing that not everyone is obsessed with the investment part of this trend and have therefore created some INCREDIBLE faux versions that are a quarter of the price and no one would know they were not real (for example, this little purchase I made).

BB Dakota Scotlyn Textured Faux Fur Vest - $92

Faux Leather Skirt - $69.90

Tinley Road Vegan Leather Peplum Top - $98

MICHAEL Michael Kors Faux Fur Neck Warmer - $59.50

Steve Madden Asymmetrical Faux Leather Jacket - $98

Here are Monday's and Tuesday's "Fall Under $100" if you missed them!

Fall Under $100 - The Pencil Skirt

Fall Under $100 - The Sweater

Fall Under $100 - The Sweater

For today's "Fall Under $100", I am going to focus on The Sweater.

When it comes to sweaters, I tend to lean towards oversized and neutral.  I like the idea of them fitting over whatever I am wearing AND coordinating with the majority of my wardrobe.  This way, when the temperature drops, I can have one of these ready to throw over everything without having to think much about it.  

Though sweaters are a constant staple, it has been fun to see them created with Fall trends in mind.  These sweaters are the normal "everyday" sweater with a twist.  By embracing some of the trends we are seeing, they are given a little personality, still go with everything and can give any outfit a little more style.

THML Clothing Embellished Shoulder Pullover - $69

BB Dakota Maya Lariat Cardigan - $83

Slouchy Bands Sweater - $88

French Terry Pleated Coat - $98

Tippi Sweater in Polka Dot - $89.50

For more "Fall Under $100, check out yesterday's post, The Pencil Skirt by click here.

Fall Under $100 - The Pencil Skirt

Happy Labor Day Everyone!

It is extremely sad to see summer go but I cannot help but get a little excited for all that Fall fashion has to offer.

Even though I have expensive taste when it comes to fashion, I tend to be very financially savvy on the items that I actually purchase.  I leave the big purchases to the hubby.  In order to help transition your wardrobe from summer to Fall, I thought that I would run a wardrobe updating series this week, titled "Fall Under $100".

I will share some of my favorite trends for Fall, along with some pieces I am loving, which will all be under $100.  You get to go shopping, your closet gets a pick-me-up and you don't break the bank.  PERFECT!

My first item is the Pencil Skirt.

This has been a staple in my closet ever since I graduated college.  A pencil skirt has so much flexibility when it comes to adjusting from day to night, casual to formal all the while, providing a sleek, classic look.

Though I am a huge fan of the classic black pencil skirt, I also think it is fun to shake it up a bit with different colors and patterns.  Here are some of my favorites for Fall. 

BR Heritage Silver Sequin Pencil Skirt - $98
Save 30% until 9/3 using code FALLCALLS

Greylin Viv Ponte Pencil Skirt - $75
Save 20% until 9/3 using code SPLURGE

Oasis Lace Pencil Skirt - $68.12

MICHAEL Michael Kors Jaguar Print Skirt - $79.50

Frill Peplum Skirt - $35
Save 25% from 9/2 to 9/9 using code DPFWD