Posts by Michelle

CoolMamaStyle is taking a Vacation

By Michelle, 15 July, 2010, No Comment

We would really like to thank you so much for your support in reading and commenting on our blog over the last 6 months. As with most busy moms, sometimes life just takes over and you have to reset the priorities. Both of us are reevaluating our priorities right now and we are going to take a small break from CoolMamaStyle.

We are still here and will be checking Facebook and the comments on the blog regularly but our posts will be slowing down quite a bit. We are always available to bounce ideas off of or send questions to. We hope in the next few months we will be back at it again. Thank you again for all of your support! In the meantime, please go back and check some of our past posts that you may have missed!

Are short shorts for you?

By Michelle, 6 July, 2010, No Comment

As we’ve all seen everywhere these days, short shorts are all the rage for the teenage set. It’s amazing how short these shorts are…just barely covering the tush! As a mom of 2 young girls, I wish Bermuda shorts would come back in style! Seeing all the young girls in short shorts got me thinking…are short shorts appropriate for the over-30 crowd? Well, here’s my take on short shorts.

Basic rules for wearing short shorts:

Only those lucky women of the lean to medium build should wear them. Some styles, like short shorts, are simply not as flattering if you’re “pleasantly plump,” as I was in my youth.
Wear them ONLY with flat shoes or wedge espadrille-type casual shoes. High heels cheapen the look of short shorts–you don’t want to do hooker-esque dress.

Age limitations on short shorts:

If you’re a teen or in your early 20s…feel free to sport ‘em.
If you’re in your 30s, shy away from short shorts. If you have gams as long and lean as a fashion model, you can probably wear them on very casual days only.
If you’re 40+, don’t even think about it!

A few of my favorite things… for Eyes

By Michelle, 30 June, 2010, No Comment

I have had the pleasure to try a number of new make up products over the last few months and some of them I liked but I would not necessarily go out of my way to recommend them to someone else. On the flip side, there are a some items that I don’t know how I ever lived without them! This list of items are truly my favorite things for the eyes that I adore and would highly recommend to any of my friends and particularly you, our loyal readers.

1. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion: I have written about this product before, but its so great its worth mentioning again. This little bottle holds the key to keeping your eyeshadow in place and looking fresh all day! Plus, no creases! Simply wand it across your lids before you apply eyeshadow. Its worth the $18 and will last quite a long time. The last bottle I had for 5 months.

2. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: This is by far the best eye pencil! Have you ever had an eye pencil that was so dry that it almost hurt trying to put it on? This glides on almost as easy as a liquid liner without the mess. Besides being easy to use, the color is vibrant and true, it stays on all day and looks fresh even after 15 hours of wear.

3. Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Lash Mascara: This is another product that I have written about before and even though I have tried a few other mascara’s lately, I still come back to the BADgal Lash mascara. In fact, I tried an Este’e Lauder mascara today and I have been irritated with flaky mascara all night while I write this. The BADgal Lash mascara has a large wand to help you create big beautiful lashes and won’t flake off by the end of the day.

We are always looking out for new products to try whether its for eyes, skincare or overall make-up. Let us know what some of your favorite things are and we will try them!

Rompers: Are they a do or a don’t?

By Michelle, 28 June, 2010, No Comment

Last week I spent some time in New York City. I love visiting New York for a few reasons but at the end of the day, I love to get a glimpse of some fashion trends in motion that I don’t always see in Colorado. One trend that I am seeing in many magazines and on the street is the romper. For those of you who may not be completely familiar with the romper, its a one piece item that is a cross between a dress and shorts. Think Chrissy from Three’s Company in the 70s.

A friend of mine, who was with me on a small shopping break in the city, asked me what my take was on the romper. Are they a do or a don’t for women in their 30s? I don’t actually own a romper and it is a look that I am struggling with for myself personally. When a romper is the right length for the woman wearing it and the shoes and accessories that you pair it with are just right, it can be fabulous. At the same time, it can easily be a disaster.

Just about that time, we found ourselves in a store with a very cute but simple black strapless romper. Of course, I had to try it on and see just exactly what I thought. This is me in a Theory black romper with platform heels and some simple accessories. Its a little hard to see, but I have a small skinny belt at my waist as, well. I really adored this romper and for going out on the town or to an evening party, this would definitely be a DO. I think the key for this look is to lengthen your legs visually as much as you can with heels or a wedge sandal. If worn with flats, I don’t think its as flattering. Notice example number 2. The lack of any heel height makes her legs look stumpy and the look is just blah .

As with any look, the key is to wear it with confidence. If you feel uncomfortable, you should not wear it. You have to ROCK this look, ladies! I very much enjoyed the romper that I tried at Theory and had it not been a little over my budget I would have purchased it. I still think about that romper and I am so mad that I didn’t just buy it. So is my husband!

Let us know what you think of the romper or how you are wearing it this summer!

Huge Summer Sale at Yosi Samra

By Michelle, 25 June, 2010, No Comment

Many of you may remember our Stocking stuffer post from Christmas that featured the Yosi Samra fold up flats. After my trip to New York this past week, I can personally attest that they were the best $50 I have ever spent! I love, love, love my ski high heels but after a long day of meetings and dinner and a night cap, I am ready to ditch the heels in a quick way. I tuck these little shoes in my purse and I do a quick change once I am ready to go home.

Lucky for you gals, Yosi Samra is having a sale on these fold up flats and many other darling shoes. Plus, get an additional $25 off and Free Shipping for every $100 you spend with code TAKE25. Maybe you might like to get some flats in a few different colors!! Hurry this offer ends at midnight on Sunday, June 27th!

Deal Alert – Save $15 off $75 at LOFT – In Store Only

By Michelle, 17 June, 2010, No Comment

Starting today and running through Sunday, June 20 shop at LOFT and get $15 off for every $75 you spend in store. Click the image above to get your printable coupon. Happy Shopping!

Closet Must-Have Part 8: The Camisole

By Michelle, 14 June, 2010, No Comment

Another peice of clothing in my closet that I can not live without is the camisole. I starting wearing them more and more after having my daughter to smooth out my mid section while I was still working on losing the baby weight. A stretchy cami can smooth out your tummy without being as intense as a traditional shapewear tank.

While I don’t need the shapewear aspect any more I still wear a simple scoop cami under a sheer top for more coverage. For example, burn out tees are gaining more popularity and I think that a simple cami is a must have under these tops to offer more coverage to your bra.

I also like to have a few lace trimmed camis in my closet like this one to wear under a jacket or a belted cardigan for a business look. A little peek of lace can be sophisticated and sexy.

LWD: The Little White Dress Trend

By Michelle, 9 June, 2010, 3 Comments

There has been quite a buzz stirring in fashion articles about the newest trend in dresses: the Little White Dress (LWD). That’s right, it’s no longer JUST about the LBD, but rather the LWD. At first read, I was a little apprehensive. This may come as a shock to most of our readers, but I was in a sorority when I was in college (Kristen was too, by the way) and if you have ever been in a sorority you know most, if not all, require every lady to own a white dress for “ritual” ceremonies. When I was in college, there was no such store as White House Black Market to find a modern and affordable white dress. Thus, my dislike for the LWD began.

Perhaps it was this picture of Sarah Jessica Parker from SATC 2 that lead me to rethink my position on the LWD. So simple, yet so chic. I had dress envy right away. There is something about the color white that really brings about a sense of summer. Sure the LBD is always in fashion but during the summer months, a black dress can seem boring or drab in comparison to all the summer color. White is actually a great compliment to the season. You can even change up the look of a white dress with the addition of brightly colored or metallic accessories.

I discovered a few LWDs out there that I would recommend as a staple in your closet. The first is from White House Black Market and has the flowy goddess feel, much like the SJP dress.

The other dress that I found was on Macys.com and is made by BCBGMAXAZRIA. While it is on the pricey side, I think the ruffles are fun and flirty which is another charming characteristic of the LWD. Not to mention the sheath style is very classic.

Are you inspired to bring the LWD into your wardrobe this summer? If so, we would love to hear from you or even see some pictures of you in your LWD.

Deal Alert: 20% off at Vintage Havana

By Michelle, 4 June, 2010, No Comment

I think I have made it pretty clear that I love, love, love sundresses for the summer! I am always on the hunt for cute and easy to wear dresses. I wear them to work, I wear them to parties and I wear them at home on a Sunday afternoon when I am hanging out on our patio watching my daughter play.

If you are like me or have been on the hunt for some good looking and unique sundresses, I suggest you pop over to Vintage Havana and check out some of their summer dresses. They also have some very cute shorts and tanks that you might check out, as well. Make sure you use code INSTYLE20 at check out for a 20% discount on your purchase. This offer is good until June 30.

Closet Must-Haves, Part 6: Summer Sundress

By Michelle, 4 June, 2010, No Comment

Memorial Day has come and gone and Summer is now in full swing! The thing that I can not live without in my closet during the summer is a casual sundress. Especially one that is versitle enough to be worn a few different ways.

I put together a few different items that would compliment and change the overall look of a simple gray sundress. I, first, paired this dress with another closet must-have, the black blazer for a more polished or dressed up look. For a brunch, I might add a summer themed cardigan and flats. Lastly, I would wear the dress alone with a bold colored wide belt like the red one I feature below and a pair of studded sandals.

You, too, could mix and match in a similar way with any solid color dress and create a number of different outfits from just one simple dress.